God's Nature

Only one God. Deut 32:39; Is 43:10; 44:6-8; 45:5; Hos 13:4; Mal 2:10; 1Cor 8:6; Eph 4:6

God is Spirit. Jn 4:24; Cf. also 1Jn 4:8; for God is Love.

God is Creator Gen 1:1; Job 26:13; Ps 33:6; 148:5; Prov 8:22-31; Sirach 24:8; 2Mac 7:28; Jn 1:3;

Col 1:16; Heb 11:3

God Is unbounded 1 Kings 8:27; Jer 23:24; Acts 7:48-49

God Is omnipresent Ps 139:7; Wis 1:7; Sirach 16:17-18; Jer 23:24; Amos 9:2-3; Eph 1:23

God Is omnipotent Gen 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; Ex 6:3; Rev 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 16:14; 21:22

God is Mighty Gen 49:24; Ps 24:8; 50:1; Is 10:21; Jer 32:18; 2 Mac 11:13

God is Merciful Ex 34:6; 2Chron 30:9; Ps 25:6; 51:1; Is 63:7; Lk 6:36; Rom 11:32; Eph 2:4;

Jas 5:11

God: Source of life and holiness Rom 6:23; Gal 6:8; Eph 1:4-5; 1Thess 4:3; 2Thess 2:13-17

God is Judge of the world 1Sam 2:10; 1Chron 16:33; Ezek 18:30; Mt 16:27; Acts 17:31; Rom 2:16;

2Tim 4:1; 1Pet 4:5

God the Holy Trinity

"Now this is the Catholic faith: We worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity, without either confusing the persons or dividing the substance; for the person of the Father is one, the Son's is another, the Holy Spirit's another; but the Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal" (Athanasian Creed)

Foreshadowing of plurality of the Persons of God in OT Gen 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; 18:1-5; 9-10; 16

Action of Triune Godhead in New Testament Mt 3:16-17; Lk 1:35; 3:21-22

Plurality of Persons as mentioned in New Testament Jn 14:15; 26; 15:26; Acts 1:6-8; Rom 8:9;

1Cor 6:10-11; Eph 4:4-6; 1Pet 1:2; 1Jn 5:6-7; Jude 20:21

Baptism given in name of Trinity Mt 28:19

Blessing given in name of Trinity 2Cor 13:14

We believe in Jesus Christ His Only Son, our Lord

jJesus is the Son of God Mt 16:16; 26:63-64; 1Jn 4:15

Jesus is the Only begotten of Father Jn 1:14; 3:16; 18; 1Jn 4:9

Jesus Is the Messiah (Greek: Christos) Is 7:14; 9:6; Jer 23:5; 30:9; Ezek 34:23; Mic 5:2; Zech 9:9;

(Cf) Jn 1:41; 4:25-26

Christ is true God Jn 1:1; 5:18; 8:58; 20:28; Phil 2:6; Col 1:15-19; 2:9; Tit 2:13

Christ is true Man (proved by his dying) Mt 26:38; 27:50; Mk 15:37; Lk 23:46; Jn 1:14; 19:30;

Acts 2:22; 3:22; Phil 2:7; 1Tim 2:5; Heb 2:17; 1Jn 1:2

Jesus is the First and the Last Is 41:4; 44:6; (Cf ) Rev 1:17; 2:8

Jesus: Called Alpha and Omega Rev 1:8; 21:6; (Cf ) Rev 22:13-16

Jesus is the King of Kings Rev 1:5; (Cf ) Rev 17:14; 1Tim 1:17; (Cf ) Rev 15:3

Jesus is the Power and Wisdom of God 1Cor 1:24

Jesus is the Glory of God 1Cor 2:8; Heb 1:3; Jas 2:1; Rev 21:23

Jesus is Eternal Mic 5:2; Jn 1:1; Col 1:17; Heb 1:10

Jesus is Omniscient Ps 139; (Cf ) Lk 6:8; Jn 6:64; 13:11; 16:13; 21:17

Jesus is Unchangeable Mal 3:6; (Cf ) Heb 1:12; 13:8

Jesus is Lord of all Acts 10:36; Rom 10:12

Christ has Died

Foretold in OT Ps 22:69; Wis 2:10-20; Is 1:5-6; 53; Jer 11:19; Lam 1:12; Zech 1:12-13;

(Cf ) Lk 24:46

For our Salvation Is 53:4-10; Mt 20:28; Lk 24:46; Jn 12:24; Rom 5; Eph 5:2; 1Pet 1:18; 2:24

1Jn 2:2; 1Thess 5:10

Christ is Risen

Foretold In OT Ps 16:10; (Cf ) Acts 13:35

Foretold by Christ Mt 17:23; 20:19; Mk 9:9; 14:28; Lk 9:22; 18:33; Jn 2:19; 10:18

Guarantee of our Faith 1Cor 15:17

Signifies our new birth Rom 6:4; Col 2:12; 1Pet 1:3

Proven by manifestations to disciples Mt 28:9; Mk 16:9; Lk 24:13-35; Jn 20:26; 21:1; Acts 1:3;

1Cor 15:6

Assurance of our own resurrection Rom 6:5; 1Cor 15:49; 2Cor 4:14; Phil 3:21

Jesus Ascended into heaven

Mk 16:19; Lk 24:50; Jn 20:17; Acts 1:3-9; Eph 4:10; 1Tim 3:16; 1Pet 3:22

Jesus is exalted in glory

Jn 12:16; Acts 2:32-33; 4:10-11; 7:55; Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Phil 2:9; Col 3:1

Christ will come again

Will return in glory

Dan 7:13; Mt 24:30; 25:31; 26:64; 1Thess 4:16; Rev 1:7

At a time unknown

Mt 24:44; 25:13 Mk 13:35 Lk 12:40-46;1Thess 5:2 2; Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15

Will come as Judge

Jn 5:22; Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2Tim 4:1; 1Pet 4:5; Rev 20:12-13

Judge of the living and dead

Acts 10:42; Rom 2:16;2Tim 4:1; 1Pet 4:5

For completion of salvation of the just

Rom 2:7; 1Cor 1:8; Phil3:21; Heb 9:28; 1Pet 1:5

We should look for his coming

Rom 8:23; 1Cor 1:7;Phil 3:20; Col 3:1-4; 1Tim 1:1; Heb 10:37; 2 Pet 3:12

We believe in The Holy Spirit, The Lord, the Giver of Life

The Holy Spirit is the Counselor Jn 14:16; 26; 15:26; 16:7

The Spirit of Truth Jn 15:26. 1Jn 5:7

The Spirit from Father Lk 11:13. Jn 3:34; 15:26. 1Thess 4:8. 1Jn 3:24

The Spirit proceeds from Father and the Son Jn 15:26; 16:7; 16:13

The Spirit is given at baptism Mt 3:11-16. Lk 3:16. Jn 1:33. Acts 1:5; 2:38; 11:16

The Spirit is given at confirmation(separate from baptism) Acts 1:8; 8:15; 10:44; 19:6

The Spirit is given through the imposition of hands Acts 8:17; 9:17; 13:2-4;19:6

The Holy Spirit dwells in us Jn 14:17. Acts 2:33. Rom 5:5. 1Cor 3:16; 6:19 Gal 3:14. Eph 1:13.

2Tim 1:14

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Is 11:1-3; 61:1-2; Lk 4:18-19

The Spirit is the Teacher and revealer of Truth Jn 14:26; 16:13; Acts 5:32; 9:31; 1Cor 2:10;

Eph 3:5

The Spirit Inspires Acts 4:8; 6:10; 7:55

The Spirit Inspired the writing of the Scriptures Acts 3:21; 2Tim 3:16; Pet 1:21

GOD'S CREATURES AND SALVATION HISTORY

Mary is conceived without sin Gen 3:15; Lk 1:28

Mary is a virgin Is 7:14; Mt 1:18-25; Lk 1:27; 34

Mary is a perpetual virgin Typified in Ezek 44:2; Lk 1:34

Mary is ~Theotokos~ The Mother of God Is 9:6; Mt 1:23; Lk 1:32; 35; 43; 2:11; Gal 4:4

Mary is highly blessed Lk 1:28; 48

Mary was to suffer many sorrows Lam 1:12; Lk 2:34-35; 48; Jn 19:25

Mary meditated on Jesus' words Lk 2:51

Mary pondered the events in Jesus' life Lk 2:19

Mary requested Jesus' first miracle Jn 2:1-12

Mary was given to us as our mother Jn 19:25-27

Mary devoted herself to prayer Acts 1:14

Enoch and Elijah taken (assumed) to heaven. Gen 5:24; Heb 11:5; 2 Kings 2:1-13

The Annunciation. Lk 1:28 Blessed are you among women. Lk 1:42-48

St. Thomas Aquinas on Mary's state of grace

"We must therefore confess simply that the Blessed Virgin committed no actual sin, neither mortal nor venial; so that what is written (Cant 4:7) is fulfilled: 'Thou art all fair, O my love, and there is not a spot in thee,' etc. " (Summa Theologiae III:27:4)

Mankind: Male and Female He created us

Created by God Gen 1:26-27; 2:7; Job 33:4; Ps 8:5; Eccles 12:7; Wis 2:23; 10:1; Sirach 17:1;

2Mac 7:28; Mt 19:4 Mk 10:6

Created man and woman Gen 1:27; Mt 19:4; Mk 10:6; 1Cor 11:8

Man is in an exalted state Gen 1:26; 2:8

Man was forfeited by sin Gen 3; Wis 2:24; Sirach 25:24; Ezek 28:12-17; Rom 5:12; 1Cor 15:21;

1Tim 2:14

Man is prone to temptation Rom 7:15-23; 1Cor 7:5; Eph 6:11; 1Thess 3:5; 2Tim 3:12; Jas 4:2;

1Pet 2:11; 5:8

Man offends God by sin 2Sam 12:13; Ps 32:5; Is 1:2; Jer 2:29; Hos 7:13; Rom 1:18-32; 6:1;

Gal 5:17; Eph 4:30; 5:3; Col 3:5

All mankind is subject to death 2Sam 14:14; Job 14:5; Wis 2:24; Sirach 25:24; Rom 5:12-14; 6:23;

1Cor 15:21-22; Heb 9:27

Mankind is raised to new dignity by Christ Rom 5:8; 8:9-11; Eph 2:6; Col 2:12; 3:1

Mankind will be judged on merits Acts 17:31; Rom 2:6; 11; 14:10; 2Cor 5:10; 11:15 Col 3:25;

Heb 11:6; 1Pet 1:17; Rev 20:13

Mankind is promised the hope of the resurrection from the dead 2Cor 4:13 -14; Phil 3:11;

1Thess 4:14; 2Tim 2:1; Jn 6:54

Heaven is the reward and destiny for the good Mt 5:12; Col 1:5; Heb 10:34

The Human Soul & Immortality

The Soul is created by God Gen 2:7; Eccles 12:7; Is 57:16; Zech 12:1

We are made in God's image Gen 1:26-27; 1Cor 11:7; Col 3:10

The Soul is distinct from body Mt 10:28; Acts 2:27; 1Thess 5:23; Heb 4:12

The Soul departs body at death Gen 35:18; Eccles 12:7; Lk 12:20

The Soul survives death of body Gen 35:18; 1Sam 28:19; 1 Kings 17:22; Mt 10:28; Lk 8:55

The Soul is committed to God's care at death Ps 31:5; Acts 7:59; 1Pet 4:19

The Souls of just in heaven Wis 3:1; Rev 6:9; 8:3; 20:4

The Soul remains subject to temptation 1Pet 2:11; 2 Pet 2:14

Nothing compensates for loss of soul Mt 16:26; Mk 8:36

Saving our souls Jas 1:21; 5:20; 1Pet 1:9

Children

Children are a blessing from God Ps 115:14; 127:3-5; 128:3-6; 144:17; Prov 17:6

Childlessness considered a reproach Gen 16:4; 30:1; 1 Sam 1:6; 11; Is 4:1; Lk 1:25

Children obliged to honor their parents Ex 20:12; Lev 19:3; Deut 5:16; Sirach 3:1-16; Mt 15:4; Mk 7:10; 10:19; Lk 18:20; Eph 6:2-3

Jesus obeyed his parents Lk 2:51

Children blessed by Jesus Mt 19:13; Mk 10:13; 16; Lk 18:15

To welcome a child is to welcome Jesus Mt 18:5; 10:40; 25-40; Mk 9:37; Lk 9:48

Discipline good for children Deut 8:5; Prov 3:12; 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15; 17; Wis 11:9-10;

Sirach 30:1-3; Eph 6:4

Scandal must not be given to children Mt 18:6; Mk 9:42; Lk 17:2

Christians must be innocent as children Ps 131:1-2; Mt 18:3; Mk 10:15; Lk 18:17; 1Jn 2:1; 12;

1Jn 4:4; 5-21

- but adult in thinking 1Cor 3:1-3; 13:11; Heb 5:11-14, 1Pet 2:2

Angels

Angels are servants of God Job 4:18; Ps 103:20

Angels are messengers sent by God Gen 24:7; Num 20:16; 1Chron 21:15; 2Chron 32:21; Dan 3:28; 6:22; Lk 1:19; 26; Acts 12:11

Called sons of God Deut 32:8; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Ps 29:1; 82:1; 89:6

Called holy ones of God, Job 5:1; 15:15; Ps 89:7; Dan 4:13; 8:13

God manifests himself as Angel of the Lord Gen 16:7; 13; 18:1-33; 21:17-18; 22:11; 31:11-13, Ex 3:2,Judg 2:1; 6:11-24; 13:21-22

Names of three archangels Raphael: Tobit 3:16-17; 5:4; 12:11-15; Gabriel: Dan 8:16; 9:21; Lk 1:19; 26; Michael: Dan 10:13; 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev 12:7

Angels are ministering spirits Ps 91:11; Dan 7:10; Mt 4:11; Mk 1:13; Lk 22:43; Heb 1:14

Guardian angels Tobit 12:12; Mt 18:10; Acts 12:11; 15

Angels gather elect at Christ's return Mt 24:31; Mk 13:27; 1Cor 15:52

Angels will accompany Christ at the Parousia Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mk 8:38; 1Thess 4:16

Man is made a little lower than angels Gen 1:26; 28; 3:5; Ps 8:5-6; Wis 2:23; Sirach 17:1-14

Satan & Devils

Caused man to fall Gen 3; 1Kings 22:19-23; Job 1:6 ff; Wis 2:24; Zech 3:1-2

Permitted to tempt man 1Kings 22:22; Job 1:12; Mt 4:1; Mk 1:13; Lk 4:2; Jn 13:2; Acts 5:3; 1Cor 7:5; 2Cor 2:11

Can appear as angel of light 2Cor 11:14; Rev 2:2; 16:14

Can take possession of our bodies Mt 8:28; 9:32; 12:43-45; 15:22; Mk 5:1-13; 9:14; Lk 4:33; 8:2; 11:24-26; Acts 8:7

Can be exorcised by God's power Mt 8:29; 9:33; 10:1; Mk 1:25-26; 6:7; 13; Lk 8:2; 9:1; Acts 5:16; Mk 9:38; 16:17; Lk 9:49; Acts 10:38; Jas 2:19

Some exorcised only by prayer and fasting Mt 17:21; Mk 9:29

Can tempt us away from God Eph 4:27-6:11; 1Tim 5:15; Jas 4:7

Called the god of this world Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2; 6:12; 1Jn 5:19

Goes around like a roaring lion Ps 22:13; 1Pet 5:8

Power broken by Christ's sacrifice Mt 12:28; Lk 8:31; 10:17; Jn 3:35; 12:31; Eph 6:11; Col 1:13; 1Jn 3:8; Rev 12:11

Devils afraid of Gospel Mt 8:29; Jas 2:19

Is loosed during millennium Rev 20:7

Will suffer eternal torment Mt 25:41; Rev 14:10-11; 19:20; 20:10

Sin

"Certain new theologians dispute original sin, which is the only part of Christian theology which can really be proved. Some… in their almost to fastidious spirituality, admit divine sinlessness, which they cannot see even in their dreams. But they essentially deny human sin, which they can see in the street." G. K. Chesterton

Sin is rebellion against God Num 15:30; Deut 32:5; 2Sam 12:9; Job 35:6; Is 1:2; 48:8; Bar 4:8

Sin is failure to attain God's glory Rom 3:23; (Cf ) Rom 5:2

Sin alienates us from God Rom 1:18-32; Eph 4:18; Col 1:21; 1Pet 1:18

Sin makes us slave of sin Jn 8:34; Rom 6:16-19; 2Pet 2:19

Sin is cause of death Gen 3:17-19; Wis 1:12; 2:24; Sirach 25:24; Rom 5:12; 6:11; 1Cor 15:21

Sin is from devil Jn 8:44; Acts 13:10; 1Jn 3:8-10

Degrees of sin Mortal sin vs. Venial Sin) 1Jn 5:16-17

The unforgivable sin: Blaspemy against the spirit. (Attributing God's work to Satan.) Mt 12:31-32;

Lk 12:10

Sins that exclude us from God's kingdom 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:3-5; Col 3:5-10; Heb 13:4-5; Rev 21:8-9; 27

God desires sinner's return Is 49:14-16; Jer 3:12; 31:20; Ezek 18:23; 33:11; Lk 15:20-24; 32; 18:13; 19:10; Jn 8:11; Rom 11:32; 2Pet 3:9

Only God can forgive sin Mk 2:7; Lk 5:21

Christ forgives sins Mt 9:2-6; Mk 2:10; Lk 5:24; 7:48; Jn 5:14

Delegated power of forgiveness given to the apostles Jn 20:23; 2Cor 5:18

Grace

Grace is a free gift of God Ps 84:11; Zech 12:10; Jn 1:16; 3:27; Rom 3:24; 4:2-5; 16; 5:15-17; 9:14-18; 11:6; 1Cor 4:7; 1Pet 5:10

Grace is given through Jesus Jn 1:17; Rom 1:5; Gal 1:6; Eph 2:7; 1Tim 1:14; 2Tim 1:9

Jesus is grace of God Mt 21:37; Jn 3:16-17; Rom 3:24; 2Cor 8:9; Gal 4:4; Tit 2:11; Heb 2:11

God's grace is inexhaustible Rom 5:17; 2Cor 4:15; 9:8; Eph 1:7; 2:7; 1Tim 1:14

Riches come from throne of grace Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16

Grace makes us strong in faith Acts 4:33; 6:8; 14:3; 20:32; Rom 1:11; 16:25; 1Cor 1:7-8; 2Thess 2:16-17; 3:3

Grace needed to spread the faith Acts 18:27; Rom 1:5

Grace prepares us for eternal life Rom 5:2; 6:23; Tit 1:2; 1Pet 1:13

God gives grace to the humble Prov 3:34; Jas 4:6; 1Pet 5:5

Grace demands a response 1Cor 15:10; 2Cor 11:23; Eph 2:10; Phil 2:12-13

By grace we grow in knowledge of Christ 2Pet 3:18

Mary is full of grace Lk 1:28; 42

Grace more plentiful than sin Rom 5:15; 20; 6:1; 2Cor 12:9

Grace can be lost Heb 12:15; Jude 4

Grace and peace wished in greetings Rom 1:7; 1Cor 1:3; 2Cor 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col 1:2; 1Thess 1:1; 2Thess 1:2; Philem 3; 1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2; Tit 1:4; Heb 13:25

The Holy Catholic Church

"How can we say that the Church wishes to bring us back into the dark ages? The church was the only thing that ever brought us out of them." G. K. Chesterton

Foretold in OT Tobit 13:11-18; Is 2:2-3; Bar 5:3; Hos 2:14-24; Mic 4:1-3

Called Church of God 1Tim 3:15

Founded by Christ Mt 16:18; 28:19; Mk 16:15; 1Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pet 2:4-6

Is Body of Christ Rom 12:4; 1Cor 12:12; Eph 1:22-23; 5:22; Col 1:18

Christ is head of Church Eph 1:22; 5:23; Col 1:18

Purchased by Christ's blood Acts 20:28; Eph 5:25; Heb 9:12

Is everlasting Mt 16:18; 28:20

Is visible Mt 5:14; Mk 4:30-32; Eph 2:19-22

Is infallible Mt 16:18; 28:20; Mk 16:16; Lk 10:16; 1Tim 3:15

Authority of Church Mt 16:18-19; 18:18; Jn 20:23

Members to be holy 1Cor 1:2; Col 3:12

Growth of Church Acts 2:41; 2:47; 5:14; 6:7; 11:24

Christ is cornerstone Ps 118:22; Mt 21:42; Mk 12:10; Lk 20:17; Acts 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pet 2:4; 7

Built on apostles 1Cor 3:10; Eph 2:20; Rev 21:14

Good and bad members Mt 13:41-48; 22:10

Doctrine, community, sacred rite (bread) Acts 2:42

Christ loved the Church Eph 5:25-26

Church is pillar/foundation of truth 1 Tim 3:15

Unbroken succession Acts 1:15-26; 2 Tim 2:2; Tit 1:5

Christ protects Church Mt 16:18; 20:20

Presbyters/elders (priests) were ordained, preached and taught the flock, administered sacraments Acts 15:6;23; 1 Tim 4:14; 5:22; 1 Tim 5:17; Jas 5:13-15; Rom 15:16

The Communion of Saints

Unity of all Christians Jn 15:5; Rom 12:4; 1Cor 6:12-20; 10:17; 12:4-27; Eph 2:19; 5:30; Col 1:18; 24; 2:19; 3:15

Praying for each other Jer 15:1; Acts 12:5; Rom 15:30; 2Cor 13:7; Eph 6:18; Col 4:3 1Thess 5:25; 2Thess 3:1; Heb 13:18; Jas 5:16

Intercession of saints Tobit 12:12; 2Mac 15:14; Rev 5:8; 8:4

We are surrounded by saints Heb 12:1

Saints now in heaven 1Thess 3:13; Heb 11:40; 12:23; 1Pet 3:19; Rev 6:9

Miracles through relics Acts 5:15; 19:11-12

All called to be saints Eph 1:4-6; 12; 14

The Sacraments of the Church

The Sacrament of Baptism

"Then the catechumens are brought by us to where there is water, and they are reborn into the same manner in which we ourselves were reborn." -- Justin Martyr (before 165 AD)

Foreshadowed in OT Ezek 36:25; 1Pet 3:20-21

John's baptism preparatory Mk 1:4; 8; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 19:4

Administered by disciples Jn 4:2

In Christ's name Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; Rev 14:1; 22:4

In name of Trinity Mt 28:19

For all mankind Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15-16; Lk 24:47; Acts 2:38

Baptized into Christ 1Cor 12:13; Gal 3:27

Baptized into Christ's death Rom 6:3

Baptized to new life Rom 6:4; Tit 3:5

With water and Holy Spirit Jn 3:5; Eph 5:26; Tit 3:5

Only one baptism Eph 4:5

Necessity of baptism Mk 16:16; Jn 3:5

For our redemption 1Jn 5:6

For sanctified 1Cor 6:11; Eph 5:26

For justification 1Cor 6:11

Our assurance of resurrection Rom 6:3-5; 1Cor 15:29

A free gift of God Tit 3:5

Forgives sin 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; 22:16

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Anointing. The symbolism of anointing with oil also signifies the Holy Spirit, to the point of becoming a synonym for the Holy Spirit. In Christian initiation, anointing is the sacramental sign of Confirmation, called "chrismation" in the Churches of the East. Its full force can be grasped only in relation to the primary anointing accomplished by the Holy Spirit, that of Jesus. Christ (in Hebrew "messiah") means the one "anointed" by God's Spirit. -- The Catechism of the Catholic Church

Is indwelling of Holy Spirit Jn 14:17; Acts 2:4; 10:44

Promised by Christ Jn 14:16; 26; 15:26

Conferred by imposition of hands Acts 8:17; 19:6

Distinct from baptism Acts 8:15

Received before baptism Acts 10:44

Received after baptism Acts 2:38; 8:14-17; 19:5-6

God forgives sin Mk 2:7; Lk 5:21

Christ has power to forgive sin Mt 9:6; Mk 2:10; Lk 5:24; Col 3:13

Confession instituted by Christ Jn 20:22-23

Forgiveness is through Christ 2Cor 2:10

Is for reconciliation with Christ 2Cor 5:18

Reconciliation is from Christ Rom 5:11; Col 1:20; Heb 1:3

Power is delegated by Christ Jn 20:23; 2Cor 5:18

Degrees of sin (mortal or venial?) 1Jn 5:16

Penance reconciles the sinner to the community of believers 2 Cor 2:5-8

"If you forgive sins ... they are forgiven." Jn 20:22-23

Binding on earth and heaven. Mt 18:18

Ministry of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:18

Forgiveness of sins, anointing of the sick, confession. Jas 5:14-16

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

"The most ferocious opponent of the Christian ceremonials must admit that if Catholicism had not instituted the bread and wine, somebody else would most probably have done so." G. K. Chesterton

Also see Eucharist in the Early Church Called the Lord's Supper 1Cor 11:20

Called the Agape (Love-Feast) Jude 12

Called the Breaking of Bread Acts 2:42

Promised by Christ Jn 6:27-59

Instituted by Christ Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22; Lk 22:15-20; 1Cor 11:23-25

Christ actually present in Mt 26:26; Mk 14:22; Lk 22:19; Jn 6:35; 41; 51-58; 1Cor 11:27-29

Commemoration of Calvary Mt 26:28; Lk 22:19-20; 1Cor 10:16; 11:25-26

Uniting us to Christ Acts 2:42; Rom 12:5; 1Cor 10:17

May receive the consecrated species of bread or wine only Lk 24:30; Jn 6:51; 57-58; Acts 20:7; 1Cor 10:17; 11:27

Source of divine life Jn 6:27; 33; 50; 51; 58; 1Cor 11:30

Jesus is Bread of Life Jn 6:35; 41; 48; 51

This is my body this is my blood Mt 26:26-27; Mk 14:22;24; Lk 22:19-20; 1 Cor 10:24-25

Serious consequences of sinning against the body and blood 1 Cor 11:26-30

Long discourse on Eucharist Jn 6:32-58

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

James 5:14

Oil used in anointing of sick Mk 6:13; Jas 5:14

Received with prayer of faith Jas 5:15

In the name of the Lord Jas 5:14

Also forgives sins Jas 5:15

Restores person to health Mk 6:13; Jas 5:15

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

Duties and functions of OT priests Deut 33:7-11

Melchizedek priesthood superior to Aaronic priesthood Heb 7:1-17; 8:1-13

Melchizedek a type of Christ Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6; 10; 6:20

Perfect priesthood of Christ Heb 3:1-4; 7:27; 8:4-6; 9:12-14; 25; 10:5

Calling of apostles Mt 10:1; 16:16-19; Lk 6:13; 22:32; Jn 21:15-17

Consecration of apostles Jn 20:22

Sending of apostles Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15; Lk 24:47; Jn 20:21

Transmission of priesthood 1Tim 4:14; 5:22; 2Tim 1:6; Tit 1:5

Functions of priests Mal 1:11; Mt 28:19; Jn 20:23; 1Cor 11:24; Jas 5:14

Degrees of authority 1Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11; 1Thess 5:12; Jas 3:1

Priesthood of believers Eph 2:19-20; 1Pet 2:5; 9

Pray for priestly vocations Mt 9:37-38; Lk 10:2

Priesthood in New Testament times Rom 15:16

The Sacrament of Marriage

Marriage likened to Christ and his Church Eph 5:21-23

Two in one flesh Gen 2:23-24; Mt 19:3-6; Eph 5:31

Couples to respect each other 1Cor 7:4; Eph 5:21-25; 33; Col 3:18-19

Union is holy 1Cor 7:13-14; Eph 5:25-26

For procreation of children Gen 1:28

Continence good for short periods 1Cor 7:1-5

Children a blessing from God Gen 24:60; 30:1-3; Ps 127:3; 1Sam 1:6; Lk 1:25

Divorce not permitted Mt 5:32; 19:9; Mk 10:2-12; Lk 16:18; 1Cor 7:10

Death dissolves marriage Rom 7:2; 1Cor 7:39

Celibacy a higher calling Mt 19:12; 1Cor 7:8, 25, 38

Annulment or Divorce?

The dignity of the Holy Scriptures

Scriptures inspired by God Acts 1:16; Rom 1:2; 2Tim 3:16; 1Pet 1:10; 2 Pet 1:21

Called the Word of God 1Thess 2:13; Heb 4 12

Called a two-edged sword Ps 149:6; Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16

Some things hard to understand 2Pet 3:16

Have need of an interpreter Acts 8:30-31; 2Pet 3:16

Purpose and uses of Holy Scriptures Rom 15-4; 16:26; 1Cor 10:11; 2Tim 3:15-17

No Scripture subject to private interpretation 2 Pet 1:20-21

Learned from childhood Deut 6:7; 11:19; 31:12-13; 2Tim 3:15

Blessed for believing the Word of God Lk 11:28; Rev 22:7

The Holy Apostles

Apostles are those who are sent Mt 28:19; Mk 6:7; 16:15; Lk 24:47; Jn 4:38; 17:18; 20:21

Called by Christ Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:13-19; Lk 6:12-16; Acts 1:13

Holy Spirit poured out on apostles Acts 1:8; 2:3-4

Apostles are witnesses to Christ Lk 24:48; Jn 15:27; Acts 1:8; 21-22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39; 13:31; 22:15

Apostles shall judge the world Mt 19:28; Lk 22:30; 1Cor 6:2; Rev 20:4

Church built on apostles Mt 16:18; Eph 2:20; Rev 21:14

Primacy given to Peter Mt 16:18; Lk 22:31-32; Jn 1:42; 21:15-17

Paul called to be an apostle Acts 9:15; Rom 1:1; 1Cor 9:1; 15:8-10; 2Cor 5:20; Gal 1:15; 17

Paul apostle of Gentiles Acts 9:15; 22:15; Rom 11:13; Gal 2:8; 1Tim 2:7

Functions of apostles Acts 2:42; 4:35; 6:2; 15:6; 1Cor 3:9; 4:1; 11:23; 15:1;

2Cor 5:20; 6:1

GOD'S GIFTS

The Theological Virtues

Faith

"A man who has faith must be prepared not only to be a martyr, but to be a fool. It is absurd to say that a man is ready to toil and die for his convictions when he is not even ready to wear a wreath around his head for them." G. K. Chesterton

God is faithful and true Ps 89:33-37; Rom 3:3-4; 1Cor 1:9; 1Thess 5:24; 2Thess 3:3; 2Tim 2:13; Heb 10:23; 11:11; Rev 19:11

Has power to implement promises Jer 32:17; Mt 19:26; Lk 1:37; 18:27; Rom 4:21; Heb 6:17; 11:19

Faith is demanded by Christ Mt 9:28; Mk 4:40; Lk 8:25; Jn 6:35; 8:24; 9:35

Christians called believers (men of faith) Acts 5:14; 9:42; 14 1; 15:7; Rom 4:24; 1Cor 1:21; 1Tim 4:12

Just man lives by faith Heb 2:4; Rom 1:17; 3:21-22; 26; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38

Faith is assurance of things hoped for Rom 1:16; 4:20; 2Cor 4:13; Heb 11:1

Life for all who believe with faith Rom 6:8; 10:10; 2Cor 4:13-14; Eph 1:19; Col 2:12; 1Thess 4:14; 2Tim 1:10; 1Pet 1:5

Faith calls for obedience Acts 6:7; Rom 1:5; 6:16-17; 15:18; 16:19; 26; 2Cor 10:6; 2Thess 1:8; Heb 5:9; 11:8; 1Pet 1:22

Faith is confirmed with baptism Acts 2:41; 8:12-13; 10:44-48; 16:14-15; 31-33; 18:8; 19:2-5; 1Cor 1:14-17; Heb 10:22

- and we become sons of God Jn 1:12; Gal 3:26; 4:5-7

Faith comes from preaching Acts 4:1-4; 8:5-6; 31; 17:11; Rom 10:14-17; 2Cor 1:19; Col 1:23; 1Tim 3:16; Heb 4:2-3

Without Faith we cannot please God Rom 2:7-8; Heb 11:6

Faith and good works are complementary Gal 5:6; 1Thess 1:3; 2Thess 1:11; Jas 2:17; 20; 26

Some heroes of the faith Sirach 44:1-15; 21; Heb 11:1-40

Love is greater than faith 1 Cor 13:13

Hope

God called hope of Israel Ps 130:7; 131:3; Jer 14:8; 17:13; 50:7; Acts 28:20

Israel looked for future hope Is 61:1-11; Jer 29:11; 31:17; Hos 2:21-23

Hope comes from God Rom 15:13; 2Thess 2:16

Hope comes from Holy Spirit Acts 1:8; 2:33; Rom 5:5; Gal 5:5

Christians hope in God 1Tim 5:5; 6:17; 1Pet 1:21; 3:5

Christians hope in Christ Gal 5:4-5; Col 1:5; 1Thess 1:3; 1Tim 1:1; Tit 2:13 Heb 6:18-20

Christ is our hope of glory Rom 5:1-2; Eph 2:13-17; Col 1:27; Tit 3:7; 1Pet 1:3

The hope to which we are called Rom 5:2; Eph 1:18; 4:4; Col 1:23; Heb 3:1

Christians hope for resurrection Acts 2:26; 23:6; 24:15; 26:6; Rom 8:23-24; Heb 11:1

Christians saved through hope Rom 8:24; 1Thess 5:8

Hope leads to holiness 1Jn 3:3

We should persevere in hope Heb 3:6; 6:11

We should hope with patience Rom 8:25; 12:12; 15:4; 1Thess 1:3;

Abraham a model of hope Rom 4:18

No hope for unbelievers 1Cor 15:14; 19; Eph 2:12; 1Thess 4:13

Love (charity)

"That is what is meant in the bible by loving [our neighbor]: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not." C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity

God is love 1Jn 4:8; 16

God has first loved us Eph 5:2; 1Jn 3:16; 4:9-10; 19

Because God so loved the world he sent his Son Zech 12:10; Mt 21:37; Jn 3:16; Rom 8:32; 1Jn 4:9-10; 14

Christ gave himself to death for love of us Jn 15:13; 2Cor 5:14; Gal 2:20; Eph 5:2; 25

Holy Spirit is channel of love Rom 5:5; 8:16; 15:30; Gal 4:6

Love of God must be exclusive Mt 6:24; Lk 16:13; 1Jn 2:15

God must be loved wholeheartedly Deut 6:5; Mt 22:37; Mk 12:30; 33; Lk 10:27; 1Jn 5:2

Perfect love casts out fear Rom 8:15; 2Tim 1:7; 1Jn 2:28; 4:18

To love Jesus is to keep his word Deut 11:1; Jn 14:15; 21; 23; 1Jn 2:5; 3:24; 5:3

Love is the greatest virtue Rom 13:8-10; 1Cor 13:13; Gal 5:6

Without love no virtue or gift has value 1Cor 13:1-10; Gal 5:6

We must love one another Lev 19:18; 34; Deut 10:19; Mt 19:19; 22 -39; Mk 12:31; 33; Lk 10:27; Jn 13:34-35; Acts 4:32; Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8; 1Jn 4:20-21

Enemies must also be loved Job 31:29-30; Mt 5:43-47; Lk 6:27-36; 10:29-37; Rom 12:14-21

Love manifests itself in almsgiving Deut 15:7; 11; Mt 25:34-45; Mk 12:41-44; Lk 21:1-4; 1Cor 13:3; 2Cor 8:1-8; 9:7; Jas 2:16; 1Jn 3:17-18

Husband and wife should love one another Eph 5:25; Col 3:19; 1Pet 3:7

Prayer

Prayer is praise of God 1Chron 29:13; 2Chron 20:21-22; Ps 21:13; 22:23; 89:5; 113:1; 148; 149; 150; Lk 19:37; Rev 19:5

Petition to God Ex 32:11-13; 33:17; 34:9; Josh 7:6; Mt 7:7-11; Mk 11:24

Thanksgiving to God Neh 12:8; 46; Tobit 13:1 ff; Jud 16:1 ff; Ps 35:18; 109:30; Sirach 51:1 ff; 2Cor4:15; Phil 4:4-6; Rev 7:12

Prayer to be made with faith Lk 11:9; 18:1-8; Jn 14:13; 15:7

- in the name of Jesus Jn 14:13; 15:7; Acts 3:16; 1Jn 3:22; 5:14

With perseverance Mt 15:22-28; Lk 11:5-8; 18:1-8; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2

Prayer offered kneeling 2Chron 6:13; Ps 95:6; Dan 6:10; Lk 22:41; Acts 9:40; 20:36

Prayer offered standing 1Chron 23:30; Neh 9:5; Mk 11:25; Lk 18:11

Prayer is community offering Ps 42:4; 122:1; Mt 18:19; Lk 24:53; Acts 1:14; 3:1; 4:24; 6:4; 20:36; 1Tim 2:8

Prayer offered privately 2Kings 4:33; Tobit 3:11; Is 26:20; Dan 6:11; Mt 6:6; Acts 9:11; 9:40; 10:9

Prayer offered for special ministry Acts 13:3; 14:23

Prayer for growth in spiritual life Eph 3:14-19; Phil 1:9-11

Pray for each other Acts 12:5; Rom 15:30; 2Cor 1:11; Eph 6:18; Col 4:3; 1Thess 5:25; 2Thess 3:1; 1Tim 2:1; Heb 13:18

Prayer for dead 2 Mac 12:42-45

Temple called house of prayer Is 56:7; Mt 21:13; Mk 11:17

The Lord's prayer Mt 6:9; Lk 11:2

THE LAST THINGS

Death

Physical death a consequence of sin Gen 3; Wis 1:13; 2:24; Sirach 25-24; Rom 5:12; 1Cor 15:22

Death ends our mortal existence Job 7:8-9; 21; 14:10; Ps 39:13; 88:5; 102:23-24; Eccles 3:19-22; 6:1-12; Lk 12:20

Death is man's common destiny 2Sam 12:23; 14:14; 1 Kings 2:2; Ps 49:8-9; Eccles 3

Death brings sorrow Gen 23:2; 50:1; 2Sam 19:1; 2Kings 13:14; Lk 7:12-13; Jn 11:19; 35

Death is to be feared 2Kings 20:2; Is 38:2; Mk 14:33; Lk 22:44; Jn 11:33; 38; 12:27; 13:21; Heb 5:7

Christ has conquered death Acts 13:34; Rom 6:9; 1Cor 15:25-27; 2Tim 1:10; Heb 2:14; Rev 1:18

All who die in Christ shall live with him Rom 6:5; 8; 8:17; 2Tim 2:11

Purgatory

Purification necessary for heaven Heb 12:14; Rev 21:27

An intermediate state of purification Mt 5:26; Lk 12:58-59

Degrees of expiation of sins Lk 12:47-48

Can be aided by prayer 2Mac 12:45

Salvation; but only as through fire 1Cor 3:15

Temporary agony 1 Cor 3:15; Mt 5:25-26

Christ preached to spiritual beings 1 Pet 3:19

Nothing unclean shall enter heaven Rev 21:27

Sacrifice for the dead 2 Mac 12:43-46

A reality beyond the two realms of Heaven and Earth a place between or near 2 Cor 5:10; Rev; 5: 2;3 Rev; 5:23; Phil 2:10; Matt 18: 23-25 Luke 23:42

No forgiveness in this age nor in the age to come. Mt 12:32

"Extra" suffering. Col 1:24; 2 Sam 12:14

Hell - (Gehenna)

Prepared for devil and his angels Mt 25:41; Rev 14:9-11

Place of darkness and silence Ps 88:6; 115:17; Mt 8:12; 22-13; 25:30; 2Pet 2:17; Jude 13

Called a pit Job 26:5-6; Ps 88:6; 2 Pet 2:4

Called a prison Job 38:17; Is 24:22

Place of misery and torment Dan 12:2; Mt 8:11-12; 13:42; 22:13; Lk 13:24-118; Rom 2:8; Rev 14:9-11; 19:20

Exclusion from God's presence Mt 5 20; 7:21-23; Lk 13:24-23; 1Cor 6:9-11; Gal 5:21; 2Thess 1:9

Fires of hell Mt 5:22; 18:9; 25:41; Mk 9:43; Lk 3:17; Jas 3:6; Jude 7; Rev 19:20; 20:10; 21:8

Hell is wages of sin Is 3:11; Rom 2:6; 6:21-23; 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 6:7; Jas 1:15; Rev 21:8;

Punishment for willful rejection of God's grace Jn 12:48; Rom 2:5; 2Thess 1:8; Heb 2:2-3; 6:4-6; 10:26-29

No further chance of repentance Heb 12:17

Heaven

Heaven is dwelling place of God Gen 19:24; Deut 10:14; 1Kings 22:19; Ps 11:4; Mt 5:16; 45; 6:1

Jesus came down from heaven Jn 3:13; 31; 6:38; 1Cor 15:47

Jesus ascended into heaven Mk 16:19; Lk 24:50; Jn 20:17; Acts 1:3-9; Eph 4:10; 1Pet 3:22

Will return from heaven Mt 10:23; 16:27; 19:28; 25:31; Acts 1:11; 1Thess 4:13-18; 2Thess 1:7; 2 Pet 1:16; Rev 1:7; 20:11; 22:20

Heaven our home Mt 5:12; 2Cor 5:1-5; Phil 3:20; Col 1:5; 1Pet 1:4

Christ will take us to heaven Mt 24:31; Jn 14:2-3; 1Thess 4:16-17; 2Thess 2:1

Heaven intended for all mankind 1Tim 2:4

Not easy to attain Prov 11:28; Mk 10:23-25; 1Cor 6:9; 1Pet 4:18

We should strive to attain heaven Col 3:1; Heb 13:14

Our bodies must first be changed 1Cor 15:50-51; 1Thess 4:13-17

Degrees of happiness in heaven Mt 20:21; Jn 14:1-3

St. Paul taken to third heaven 2Cor 12:2

CONCERNING OTHER DOCTRINES

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

Not everything is written in the Bible Jn 21:25

Paul speaks of oral tradition as authoritative 2 Thess 2:15; 2 Tim 2:2; 1 Cor 11:2; 1 Thess 2:13

Early Christians followed apostolic tradition Acts 2:42

Specific references where Jesus speaks or is quoted as revealing truth which is not in Scripture Matt 2:23; Acts 20:35; James 4:5

The great commission by Christ was to preach not to write Matt 28:19; 20

Sola Fide (Faith Alone)

Must avoid sin Heb 10:26

"Earning" forgiveness Jas 5:20

Must do will of God Lk 6:46; Mt 7:21; Mt 19:16-21; 1Tim 5:8

Paul disciplines himself to avoid losing salvation 1Cor 9:27

Works have merit Phil 2:12; 2 Cor 5:10; Rom 2:6; Mt 25:32-46; Gal 6:6-10

Keep commandments 1Jn 2:3-4; 1Jn 3:24; 1Jn 5:3

Deuterocanonicals (The Protestant "Apocrypha")

Deuterocanonicals were used in New Testament: 2 Mac 6:18-7:42 Heb 11:35

Wisdom 3:5-6 1 Pet 1:6-7

Wisdom 13:1-9 Rom 1:18-32

Septuagint (Greek, w/ Deuterocanonicals) version of Old Testament quoted in New Testament, noticeably different from Hebrew version: Is 7:14 Mt 1:23

Is 40:3 Mt 3:3

Joel 2:30-31 Acts 2:19-29

Ps 95:7-9 Heb 3:7-9

The Baptism of Infants

Suggests baptism of all, entire household including children Acts 2:38-39; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Cor 1:16

Necessity of baptism Jn 3:5

Circumcision (normally performed on infants) replaced by baptism Col 2:11-12

Papacy/Infallibility-The authority of Peter

"It is easier to believe that God made one person infallible than to believe that he made fifty-one out of every one hundred infallible." -- G. K. Chesterton

Also see The Early Church and the Papacy Peter always mentioned first, as foremost apostle Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13; Lk 9:32

Peter speaks for the apostles Mt 18:21; Mk 8:29; Lk 12:41; Jn 6:69

Pentecost: Peter who first preached Acts 2:14-40

Peter worked first healing Acts 3:6-7

Gentiles to be baptized revealed to Peter Acts 10:46-48

Simon is Cephas (Aramaic: Kepha for rock) Jn 1:42

"on this Rock I will build my Church; Peter given keys to Kingdom; Given power to bind and loose" Mt 16:18-19

Keys as symbol of authority Is 22:22; Rev 1:18

"feed my sheep" Jn 21:17

"Simon strengthen your brethren" Lk 22:31-32

"Vicars" of Christ Lk 10:1-2; 16; Jn 13:20; 2 Cor 5:20; Gal 4:14; Acts 5:1-5

The Seat of Moses as teaching authority Matt 23-2

Built on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets Eph. 2:20

The Early Church on the Papacy

"[T]he blessed Peter, the chosen, the pre-eminent, the first among the disciples, for whom alone with himself the Savior paid the tribute [Matt. 17:27], quickly grasped and understood their meaning. And what does he say? `Behold, we have left all and have followed you'" [Matt. 19:27; Mark 10:28] (Who Is the Rich Man That is Saved? 21:3-5 [A.D. 200]).

"For though you think that heaven is still shut up, remember that the Lord left the keys of it to Peter here, and through him to the Church, which keys everyone will carry with him if he has been questioned and made a confession [of faith]" (Antidote Against the Scorpion 10 [A.D. 211]).

"[T]he Lord said to Peter, 'On this rock I will build my Church, I have given you the keys of the kingdom of heaven [and] whatever you shall have bound or loosed on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven' [Matt. 16:18-19] . . . Upon you, he says, I will build my Church; and I will give to you the keys, not to the Church; and whatever you shall have bound or you shall have loosed, not what they shall have bound or they shall have loosed" (Modesty 21:9-10 [A.D. 220]).

"The Lord says to Peter: 'I say to you,' he says, 'that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church' . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?" (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

"[Jesus said:] Simon, my follower, I have made you the foundation of the holy Church. I betimes called you Peter, because you will support all its buildings. You are the inspector of those who will build on Earth a Church for me. If they should wish to build what is false, you, the foundation, will condemn them. You are the head of the fountain from which my teaching flows; you are the chief of my disciples. Through you I will give drink to all peoples. Yours is that life-giving sweetness which I dispense. I have chosen you to be, as it were, the first-born in my institution so that, as the heir, you may be executor of my treasures. I have given you the keys of my kingdom. Behold, I have given you authority over all my treasures" (Homilies 4:1 [A.D. 351]).

"[Christ] made answer: 'You are Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church . . .' Could he not, then, strengthen the faith of the man to whom, acting on his own authority, he gave the kingdom, whom he called the rock, thereby declaring him to be the foundation of the Church [Matt. 16:18]?" (The Faith 4:5 [A.D. 379]).

"Likewise it is decreed . . . that it ought to be announced that . . . the holy Roman Church has been placed at the forefront not by the conciliar decisions of other churches, but has received the primacy by the evangelic voice of our Lord and Savior, who says: 'You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it; and I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven . . . ' [Matt. 16:18-19]. The first see, therefore, is that of Peter the apostle, that of the Roman Church, which has neither stain nor blemish nor anything like it" (Decree of Damasus 3 [A.D. 382]).

"'But,' you [Jovinian] will say, 'it was on Peter that the Church was founded' [Matt. 16:18]. Well . . . one among the twelve is chosen to be their head in order to remove any occasion for division" (Against Jovinian 1:26 [A.D. 393]).

"Simon Peter, the son of John, from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, brother of Andrew the apostle, and himself chief of the apostles, after having been bishop of the church of Antioch and having preached to the Dispersion . . . pushed on to Rome in the second year of Claudius to over-throw Simon Magus, and held the sacerdotal chair there for twenty-five years until the last, that is the fourteenth, year of Nero. At his hands he received the crown of martyrdom being nailed to the cross with his head towards the ground and his feet raised on high, asserting that he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord" (Lives of Illustrious Men 1 [A.D. 396]).

"In seeking the things of God . . . you have acknowledged that judgment is to be referred to us [the pope], and have shown that you know that is owed to the Apostolic See [Rome], if all of us placed in this position are to desire to follow the Apostle himself [Peter] from whom the episcopate itself and the total authority of this name have emerged" (Letters 29:1 [A.D. 408]).

"Among these [apostles] Peter alone almost everywhere deserved to represent the whole Church. Because of that representation of the Church, which only he bore, he deserved to hear 'I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Sermons 295:2 [A.D. 411]).

"Some things are said which seem to relate especially to the apostle Peter, and yet are not clear in their meaning unless referred to the Church, which he is acknowledged to have represented in a figure on account of the primacy which he bore among the disciples. Such is 'I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,' and other similar passages. In the same way, Judas represents those Jews who were Christ's enemies" (Commentary on Psalm 108 1 [A.D. 415])

"Who is ignorant that the first of the apostles is the most blessed Peter?" (Commentary on John 56:1 [A.D. 416]).

"Philip, presbyter and legate of [Pope Celestine I] said: 'We offer our thanks to the holy and venerable synod, that when the writings of our holy and blessed pope had been read to you . . . you joined yourselves to the holy head also by your holy acclamations. For your blessednesses is not ignorant that the head of the whole faith, the head of the Apostles, is blessed Peter the Apostle'" (Acts of the Council, session 2 [A.D. 431]).

Who are the "Brothers" of Jesus?

Mary wife of Cleophas and sister of the Virgin Mary (Jn 19:25) is the mother of James and Joseph (Mk 15:47; Mt 27:56) who are called the "brothers of Jesus" (Mk 6:3). Acts 1:12-15 Apostles, Mary, some women and Jesus' brothers number about 120. That is a lot of brothers.

Gen 14:14 Lot, Abraham's nephew (Gen 11:26-28), described as Abraham's brother (KJV).

Gen 29:15 Laban, Jacob's uncle, calls Jacob his brother (KJV).

John 19:26-27 Jesus gives care of Mary to John, not one of his brothers.

Zechariah 12:10 Predicts the Messiah will be an only child.

The Saints

"The saint is one so attuned to the spirit and heart of Christ that he is compelled to answer the demands of love by a love that matches that of Christ." Thomas Merton

Not God of the dead, but of the living Mk 12:26-27

Body of Christ 1 Cor 12:25-27; Rom 12:4-5

Intercessory prayer Eph 6:18; Rom 15:30; Col 4:3; 1 Thess 1:11

Veneration of angels united with God Mt 18:10; Jos 5:14; Dan 8:17; Tobit 12:16

Saints also united with God 1 Cor 13:12; 1 John 3:2

Deceased Onias and Jeremiah interceded for Jews 2 Mac 15:11-16

Moses and Samuel's intercession Jer 15:1

The Saints rose at the Resurrection and wandered around Jerusalem Eph 2:19; Matt 27:52

The warning is not to communicate with the Dead, Saints are not dead they are alive as all are alive to God Deut. 18:10

The Tranfiguration, were Moses and Elijah dead? Matt 17, & Mark 9

Holy Statues & Images

God commands images to be made Ex 25:18-22; Num 21:8-9

Solomon builds his temple with statues and images 1 Kings 6:23-29; 35; 7:29

Salvation and the question: "Are you saved?"

Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall. 1Cor 10:12

Now someone approached him and said, "Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?" He answered him, "Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matt 19:16-17)

"Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live." Luke 10:25-28

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life." John 5:24

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day." John 6:54

"You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved." Matt 10:22

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:16

Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. John 3:5

CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN

Catholic teaching on the end times and rapture

The term "endtimes" applies both to the era of Christ's first coming (Heb 1:2, 1 Cor 10:11, Heb 9:26) and to the events immediately before his return and the end of the ages (Mt 24:13, 2 Tim 2:1,

2 Peter 3:3).

The definitive Catholic teaching on the endtimes is contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church under the discussion of the article of the Creed, "From thence He will come again to judge the living and the dead." [CCC 668-682] As the Creed infallibly teaches, the Second Coming is associated with the end of the world and the Last Judgement. Therefore, it is NOT associated with any earlier time - such as to establish a "Millenium."

The Catholic Church specifically condemns "millenarianism,"

according to which Jesus will establish a throne in this world and reign here for a thousand years [CCC 676]. She teaches instead that Jesus already reigns in eternity (1 Cor. 15:24-27, Rev. 4 & 5) and that in this world His reign, established as a seed, is found already in the Church [CCC 668-669]. This is the 1000 years, which is the Hebrew way of indicating an indefinite long time - in this case, the time between the first and second comings, the era of the Church, in other words the last days in the broadest sense.

The Book of Revelation situates this era between the persecutions of the Roman antichrists of the first century and the final unleashing of evil at the end. Naturally, non-Catholics cannot accept that the Catholic Church represents Christ in this world, so they are forced to look for a personal earthly reign somewhere out in the future. The notion that Jesus will come, reign, and then depart, so that the devil can trick the world again, is incompatible with the incomprehensible dignity of the Lord and His love for His people. Jesus' Coming will be definitive, triumphant and ever-lasting, NOT temporal and limited.

As for the Rapture, the meaning of 1 Thes 4:15-17 is that at the return of Christ (v.15) and the General Resurrection of the Dead (v.16), those who survive the persecution of the Antichrist will have no advantage in being resurrected over those who died before His Coming [CCC 1001]. All will go to meet Him and be with Him forever (v.17; cf. Rev 20:17-21:27).

The Catechism provides us with a general order of events at the End [CCC 673-677]. Chronologically they are,

1. the full number of the Gentiles come into the Church
2. the "full inclusion of the Jews in the Messiah's salvation, in the wake of the full number of the Gentiles" (#2 will follow quickly on, in the wake of, #1)
3. a final trial of the Church "in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth." The supreme deception is that of the Antichrist.

4. Christ's victory over this final unleashing of evil through a cosmic upheaval of this passing world and the Last Judgment. As Cardinal Ratzinger recently pointed out (in the context of the message of Fátima), we are not at the end of the world. In fact, the Second Coming (understood as the physical return of Christ) cannot occur until the full number of the Gentiles are converted, followed by "all

Israel."

Approved Catholic mystics (Venerables, Blessed and Saints, approved apparitions) throw considerable light on this order, by prophesying a minor apostasy and tribulation toward the end of the world, after which will occur the reunion of Christians. Only later will the entire world fall away from Christ (the great apostasy) and the personal Antichrist arise and the Tribulation of the End occur. Although this is not Catholic doctrine PER SE, arising as it does from private revelation, it conforms to what is occurring in our time, especially in light of Our Lady of Fátima's promise of an "Era of Peace."

This "Triumph of the Immaculate Heart" (other saints have spoken of a social reign of Jesus Christ when Jesus will reign in the hearts of men) would seem to occur prior to the rise of the Antichrist. The optimism of the Pope for the "New Evangelization" and a "Civilization of Love" in the Third Millenium of Christianity fits here, as well. This would place us, therefore, in the period just before the events spoken of in the Catechism, that is, on the verge of the evangelization of the entire world.

The joy of Jesus' birth is "the foundation and fulfillment of joy at every

child born into the world."

God did not have to come to us, nor did He have to create us. But in fact

He does both. Each life, like Christmas itself, is a sign of God's love, a sign that God has not

given up on the world, a sign that He keeps giving us a chance. Each life, no matter how limited, is a

reflection of the glory of God, as the Word made Flesh is the perfect and exact representation of the

Father's glory.

Fr. Pavone Priests For Life