Jesus Christ is God the Saviour

Mostly when out witnessing, often one comes across Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons and Muslims who deny the true deity of Jesus Christ. This always seems to be an issue of contention when the Gospel is being proclaimed. This posting is all to the glory of God Almighty, and it was whilst searching the Holy Scriptures of God’s divine Word that certain clarity that God is Jesus and Jesus is God started unfolding that will bring understanding to the unbelieving masses who blaspheme the true deity of Jesus Christ.

Let us start by looking at the correct names of God and Jesus Christ from the Hebrew and Greek text in both the Old and New Testaments. Extensive quotes from the ‘Expanded Edition Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance’ will be used to bring clarity to the translations and also to assist persons who do not have a concordance and also those persons who are not believers who need to understand the Scriptures.

Let us get right into the Word. Almighty God tells Moses who He is in the Book of Exodus,

2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: 3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. ~ Exodus 6:2,3

The Hebrew name for “LORD” in verse 2 is Strong’s “#3068 Yehôvâh, yeh-ho-vaw’; from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: – Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

“A noun meaning God. The word refers to the proper name of the God of Israel, particularly the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 6:2,3). The divine name has traditionally not been pronounced, primarily out of respect for its sacredness (cf. Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 28:58). Until the Renaissance, it was written without vowels in the Hebrew text of the OT, being rendered as YHVH. However, since that time, the vowels of another word, ͗ădônây (136), have been supplied in hopes of reconstructing the pronunciation. Although the exact derivation of the name is uncertain, most scholars agree that its primary meaning should be understood in the context of God’s existence, namely, that He is the “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14), the One who was, who is, and who always will be (cf. Revelation 11:17). Older translations of the Bible and many newer ones employ the practice of rendering the divine name in capital letters, so as to distinguish it from other Hebrew words. It is most often rendered as LORD (Genesis 4:1; Deuteronomy 6:18; Psalm 18:31; Jeremiah 33:2; Jonah 1:9) but also as GOD (Genesis 6:5; 2Samuel 12:22) or JEHOVAH (Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 26:4). The frequent appearance of this name in relation to God’s redemptive work underscores its tremendous importance (Leviticus 26:45; Psalm 19:14). Also it is sometimes compounded with another word to describe the character of the Lord in greater detail (see Genesis 22:14; Exodus 17:15; Judges 6:24).”

Now we will take a look at the name of the child conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the virgin Mary, and the angel of the Lord said His name would be JESUS (see Luke 1:31). The Greek name for Jesus is Strong’s #2424 Iēsous, ee-ay-sooce’I; of Hebrew origin [3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites: – Jesus.

If we cross reference to the Hebrew word Strong’s #3091 we get the following: Yehôwshûwaʻ, yeh-ho-shoo’-ah; or Yehôwshuaʻ, yeh-ho-shoo’-ah; from 3068 and 3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshuä (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader; – Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare 1954 (Hôwshêaʻ – deliverer), 3442 (Yêshûwaʻ – he will save).

We also see that there is a strong connection to Strong’s #3068. The reference to Strong’s #3467 under Strong’s #3091 where we get Jesus’ name Yehôwshuaʻ from, that word is yâshaʻ which has a reference that reads “… the salvation that only comes from God (Isaiah 33:22; Zephaniah 3:17).”

22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. ~ Isaiah 33:22

17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ~ Zephaniah 3:17

Jehovah (Yehôvâh), Lord God Almighty therefore saves. He will save says His Word.

In another portion of Scripture we read that God reveals that “… there is no God else beside me: a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” The context of this Scripture is found in Isaiah ~

20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. 21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. 25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. ~ Isaiah 45:20-25

As God says there is none other than He alone and He is the only God and Saviour, then Scripture confirms and validates that the Lord Jesus Christ is God in human form and our Saviour. If God says there is no other God and He is our Saviour to save us from His wrath, and God sent His only begotten Son to save the world then how can His Son be also a Saviour? If there is one God who is Saviour then no other person can be Saviour too. Scripture validates that Jesus Christ is both God and Saviour. In the Gospel of John we read:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16

In verse 17 we continue to read –

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. ~ John 3:17

The word “saved” at the end of verse 17 is the Strong’s #4982 sōzō, sode’-zo; … to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literal or figurative): – heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

From sōs (n.f.), safe, delivered. To save, deliver, make whole, preserve safe from danger, loss, destruction.

(I) Used particularly of persons, to keep safe, to preserve or deliver out of physical death (Matthew 8:25; 14:30; 16:25; 24:22; 27:40,42; Mark 3:4; 8:35; 13:20; Luke 6:9; 9:24; John 12:27; Acts 27:20,31; Hebrews 5:7; Jude 5).

(II) Of sick persons, to save from death and (by implication) to heal, restore to health; passively, to be healed, recover (Matthew 9:21, 22; Mark 5:23,28,34; Luke 7:50; 8:36, 48; John 11:12; Acts 4:9; James 5:15).

(III) Specifically of salvation from eternal death, sin, and the punishment and misery consequent to sin. To save, and (by implication), to give eternal life (Matthew 1:21; 10:22; 18:11; 19:25; 24:13; Mark 10:26; 13:13; 16:16; Luke 8:12; John 5:34; 10:9; Acts 2:40; Romans 5:9, 10; 11:14; 1Corinthians 1:21; 5:5; 1Timothy 2:15; 4:16; 2Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 7:25; James 1:21; 5:20). The participle is used substantively to refer to those being saved, those who have obtained salvation through Christ and are kept for Him (Luke 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1Corinthians 1:18; 2Corinthians 2:15; Revelation 21:24).

Deriv.: diasózō (1295), to bring safely through; sōtēr (4990), Saviour.

Syn.: anagennáō (313), to beget again from above; diasōzō (1295), to bring safely through; therapeúō (2323), to care for the sick for the purpose of healing; iáomai (2390), to heal both physically and spiritually; phulássō (5442), to preserve.

In the context of the passage of Scripture, the word “saved” at the end of verse 17 above finds its definition in paragraph (III) here above. It is also worth looking at the derivation of Strong’s #4990 sōtēr, so-tare’; from 4982; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ: – saviour.

Noun from sōzō (4982), to save. A saviour, deliverer, preserver, one who saves from danger or destruction and brings into a state of prosperity and happiness. In Gr. writers, the deliverer and benefactor of an estate. The ancient mythological gods (such as Zeus) were also called sōtér. In the NT, spoken:

(I) Of God as Saviour (Luke 1:47; 1Timothy 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; Jude 25).

(II) Of Jesus as the Messiah, the Saviour of men, who saves His people from the guilt and power of sin and from eternal death, from punishment and misery as the consequence of sin, and gives them eternal life and blessedness in His kingdom (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23; Ephesians 5:23; Philippians 3:20; 2Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; 2Peter 1:1,11; 2:20; 3:2,18; 1John 4:14).

Deriv.: sōtēria (4991), salvation; sōtērion (4992), the means of salvation.

Syn.: lutrōtēs (3086), redeemer; Messias (3323), Messiah.

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. ~ Luke 1:47

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:11

42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. ~ John 4:42

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ~ Acts 5:31

23 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: ~ Acts 13:23

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ~ Ephesians 5:23

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ~ Philippians 3:20

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; ~ 1Timothy 1:1

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; ~ 1Timothy 2:3

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. ~ 1Timothy 4:10

10  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: ~ 2Timothy 1:10

3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. ~ Titus 1:3,4

10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. ~ Titus 2:10-14

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ~ Titus 3:4-7

1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: ~ 2Peter 1:1

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ~ 2Peter 1:11

20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. ~ 2Peter 2:20

2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. ~ 2Peter 3:2-4

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ~ 2Peter 3:18

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. ~ 1John 4:14

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ~ Jude 25

God’s Word, the Holy Bible, is self authenticating and needs no man’s intervention, although there are many blasphemers who say without any proof that the Word of God has been corrupted or changed by men, or the Muslims say they have the “true scriptures” in another final testament, although these writings were written by a man (who is dead and whose body has seen corruption) about 600+ years after the Lord Jesus Christ (who lived, died and resurrected to life again) had already ascended into heaven where He now sits at the right hand of the Father from where He will one day return in glory to judge this world in righteousness,

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. ~ Acts 17:30,31

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. ~ 2Corinthians 5:10

If this was the case, then in order for a final testament to exist there would have to be preceding testaments to be in existence. Those preceding testaments would be the foundational scriptures to work from. The fact is God gave the preceding Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments through the law, prophecies by holy men moved of God and His revelation, which Muslims acknowledge to some degree the Bible in some form, then how can God allow a further testament that contradicts His two and only Testaments being the Old and the New of the Holy Bible? The main contradiction by Islam is that Jesus did not die on the cross. By saying this, Muslims are contradicting the Word of God by giving another account or gospel of what took place at the crucifixion of Christ. Islam’s account is not Good News, but bad news, as they have removed the Saviour’s finished work in the person of the True Jesus Christ, God manifest in flesh (see John 1:1,14) from the Gospel. This ‘bad news’ would also be true to the Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons preaching a different ‘Jesus’, one they have blasphemed by taking from His true deity as God Almighty. In closing, the last book of the Holy Bible gives a warning against adding to and taking away from the Canon of God’s Word:

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. ~ Revelation 22:18-21

To the scoffers, blasphemers and the antichrist – BE FORWARNED!!

____________________

References:

• Expanded Edition Strong’s Complete Word Study Concordance, Edited by Warren Baker, Copyright © 2004 by AMG Publishers
• King James Bible, 1611 Scriptures

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:13

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

13. Scripture and Tradition together are the Church’s supreme rule of faith [RC Catechism 80, 82].

80 "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal."40 Each of them makes present and fruitful in the Church the mystery of Christ, who promised to remain with his own "always, to the close of the age".41

40 DV 9.
41 Mt 28:20

82 As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence."44

44 DV 9.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

Scripture is the church’s only rule of faith (Mark 7:7-13; 2 Timothy 3:16,17).

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. ~ Mark 7:7-13

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16,17

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:12

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

12. Scripture and Tradition together are the Word of God [RC Catechism 81, 85, 97, 182].

81 "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit."42

"and [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound and spread it abroad by their preaching."43

42 DV 9.
43 DV 9.

85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ."47 This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the
bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

47 DV 10 # 2.

97 "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word of God" (DV 10) in which, as in a mirror, the pilgrim Church contemplates God, the source of all her riches.

182 We believe all "that which is contained in the word of God, written or handed down, and which the Church proposes for belief as divinely revealed" (Paul VI, CPG # 20).

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

Scripture is the Word of God (John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21). Tradition is the words of men (Mark 7:1-13).

35  If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; ~ John 10:35

16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16,17

20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 
21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. ~ 2 Peter 1:20,21

1  Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 
2  And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 
3  For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 
4  And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. 
5  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? 
6  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 
7  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 
8  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 
9  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 
10  For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 
11  But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 
12  And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 
13  Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. ~ Mark 7:1-13

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:11

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

11. The Magisterium has the right to define truth found only obscurely or implicitly in revelation [RC Catechism 66, 88, 2035, 2051].

66 "The Christian economy, therefore, since it is the new and definitive Covenant, will never pass away; and no new public revelation is to be expected before the glorious manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ."28 Yet even if Revelation is already complete, it has not been made completely explicit; it remains for Christian faith gradually to grasp its full significance over the course of the centuries.

28 DV 4; cf. I Tim 6:14; Titus 2:13

88 The Church’s Magisterium exercises the authority it holds from Christ to the fullest extent when it defines dogmas, that is, when it proposes, in a form obliging the Christian people to an irrevocable adherence of faith, truths contained in divine Revelation or also when it proposes, in a definitive way, truths having a necessary connection with these.

2035 The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ is ensured by the charism of infallibility. This infallibility extends as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation; it also extends to all those elements of doctrine, including morals, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, explained, or observed.77

77 Cf. LG 25; CDF, declaration, Mysterium Ecclesiae 3.

2051 The infallibility of the Magisterium of the Pastors extends to all the elements of doctrine, including moral doctrine, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, expounded, or observed.

The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20 2-17

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt,
out of the house of bondage.

You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your manservant or your maidservant or your cattle, or the sojourner who is within your gates; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

You shall not kill.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your
neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or his maidservant or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

Deuteronomy 5:6-21

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt
out of the house of bondage.

You shall have no other gods before me . . .

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain . . .

Observe the sabbath day, to keep it holy. . .

Honor your father and your mother . . .

You shall not kill.

Neither shall you commit adultery.

Neither shall you steal.

Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbor.

Neither shall you covet your neighbor’s wife .

You shall not desire . . . anything that is your neighbor’s.

A Traditional Catechetical Formula

1. I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before
me.

2. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

3. Remember to keep holy the LORD’S Day.

4. Honor your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill.

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

No one has the right to go beyond what is written in Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18,19).

6  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:6

2  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. ~ Deuteronomy 4:2

32  What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. ~ Deuteronomy 12:32 

6  Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. ~ Proverbs 30:6

18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 
19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ~ Revelation 22:18,19

The true Ten Commandments can be read in Exodus 20:2-17 and in Deuteronomy 5:6-21.

2  I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 
3  Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 
4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 
5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 
6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 
7  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 
8  Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 
9  Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 
10  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13  Thou shalt not kill.
14  Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15  Thou shalt not steal.
16  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. ~ Exodus 20:1-17

6  I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 
7  Thou shalt have none other gods before me. 
8  Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: 
9  Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, 
10  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
11  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
12  Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
13  Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:
14  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
15  And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.
16  Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
17  Thou shalt not kill.
18  Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
19  Neither shalt thou steal. 
20  Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. 
21  Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s. ~ Deuteronomy 5:6-21

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:10

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

10. Scripture is to be interpreted in the sense in which it has been defined by the Magisterium [RC Catechism 113, 119].

113 2. Read the Scripture within "the living Tradition of the whole Church". According to a saying of the Fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God’s Word, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture (". . . according to the spiritual meaning which the Spirit grants to the Church"81).

81 Origen, Hom. in Lev. 5, 5: PG 12, 454D.

119 "It is the task of exegetes to work, according to these rules, towards a better understanding and explanation of the meaning of Sacred Scripture in order that their research may help the Church to form a firmer judgement. For, of course, all that has been said about the manner of interpreting Scripture is ultimately subject to the judgement of the Church which exercises the divinely conferred
commission and ministry of watching over and interpreting the Word of God."88

88 DV 12 # 3.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

Scripture must be interpreted in the original sense intended by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 3:14-16).

14  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
15  And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16  As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. ~ 2 Peter 3:14-16

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:9

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

9. The Magisterium alone has the ability and the right to interpret Scripture [RC Catechism 85, 100, 939].

85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ."47 This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the
bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

47 DV 10 # 2.

100 The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him.

939 Helped by the priests, their co-workers, and by the deacons, the bishops have the duty of authentically teaching the faith, celebrating divine worship, above all the Eucharist, and guiding their Churches as true pastors. Their responsibility also includes concern for all the Churches, with and under the Pope.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

Every Christian, aided by the Holy Spirit, has the ability and the right to interpret Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 2:12-16).

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. ~ Acts 17:11

12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
15  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:8

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SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

8. The Pope is infallible in his authoritative teaching [RC Catechism 891].

891 "The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful – who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals…. the infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter’s successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium," above all in an Ecumenical Council.418 When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed,"419 and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with the obedience of faith."420 This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.421

419 DV 10 # 2.
420 LG 25 # 2.
421 Cf. LG 25.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

God alone is infallible (Numbers 23:19).

19  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? ~ Numbers 23:19

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:7

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

7. The Magisterium is the infallible interpreter of Scripture [RC Catechism 890-891, 2034-2035].

890 The mission of the Magisterium is linked to the definitive nature of the covenant established by God with his people in Christ. It is this Magisterium’s task to preserve God’s people from deviations and defections and to guarantee them the objective possibility of professing the true faith without error. Thus, the pastoral duty of the Magisterium is aimed at seeing to it that the People of God abides in the truth that liberates. To fulfill this service, Christ endowed the Church’s shepherds with the charism of infallibility in matters of faith and morals. the exercise of this charism takes several forms:

891 "The Roman Pontiff, head of the college of bishops, enjoys this infallibility in virtue of his office, when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful – who confirms his brethren in the faith he proclaims by a definitive act a doctrine pertaining to faith or morals…. the infallibility promised to the Church is also present in the body of bishops when, together with Peter’s successor, they exercise the supreme Magisterium," above all in an Ecumenical Council.418 When the Church through its supreme Magisterium proposes a doctrine "for belief as being divinely revealed,"419 and as the teaching of Christ, the definitions "must be adhered to with the obedience of faith."420 This infallibility extends as far as the deposit of divine Revelation itself.421

419 DV 10 # 2.
420 LG 25 # 2.
421 Cf. LG 25.

2034 The Roman Pontiff and the bishops are "authentic teachers, that is, teachers endowed with the authority of Christ, who preach the faith to the people entrusted to them, the faith to be believed and put into practice."76 The ordinary and universal Magisterium of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him teach the faithful the truth to believe, the charity to practice, the beatitude to hope for.

2035 The supreme degree of participation in the authority of Christ is ensured by the charism of infallibility. This infallibility extends as far as does the deposit of divine Revelation; it also extends to all those elements of doctrine, including morals, without which the saving truths of the faith cannot be preserved, explained, or observed.77

76 LG 25.
77 Cf. LG 25; CDF, declaration, Mysterium Ecclesiae 3.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

Scripture is the only infallible interpreter of Scripture (Acts 17:11).

11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. ~ Acts 17:11

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:6

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

6. The Magisterium is the authoritative teacher of the Church [RC Catechism 85-87].

85 "The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ."47 This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the
bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

86 "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith."48

87 Mindful of Christ’s words to his apostles: "He who hears you, hears me",49 The faithful receive with docility the teachings and directives that their pastors give them in different forms.

47 DV 10 # 2.
48 DV 10 para 2.
49 Lk 10:16; cf. LG 20.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

The Holy Spirit is the authoritative teacher of the church (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 John 2:27).

26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~ John 14:26

13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. ~ John 16:13

27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. ~ 1 John 2:27

The Gospel According to Rome ~ Part 4:5

Please first read the Introduction as to why these blog posts are necessary. Back to Part 4 Index.

SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: Error versus Truth

The Catholic Church Teaches (ERROR)

5. God has entrusted revelation to the Roman Catholic bishops [RC Catechism 81, 86].

81 "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit."42

"and [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. It transmits it to the successors of the apostles so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound and spread it abroad by their preaching."43

42 DV 9.
43 DV 9.

86 "Yet this Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant. It teaches only what has been handed on to it. At the divine command and with the help of the Holy Spirit, it listens to this devotedly, guards it with dedication and expounds it faithfully. All that it proposes for belief as being divinely revealed is drawn from this single deposit of faith."48

48 DV 10 para 2.

The Bible Teaches (TRUTH)

God has entrusted revelation to the saints (Jude 3).

3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. ~ Jude 3