Vicar of Christ

This common belief stems from yet another Bible misinterpretation. Most people believe that Christ made Peter the head of the church due to Matthew 16:18...

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it,"

However, further study reveals that Jesus had referred to Peter as "pebble" or "chip off a rock, " using the Greek word 'petros.' The next word used for 'rock' in the same verse is 'petra.' This minor difference makes all the difference in the world! Greek nouns have a gender. It is similar to the English words actor and actress. The first is masculine and the second is feminine. Likewise, the Greek word "petros" is masculine; "petra" is feminine. Peter, the man, is appropriately referred to as Petros. But Jesus said that the rock he would build his church on was not the masculine "petros" but the feminine "petra."

Consider - the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is the ONLY 'rock' upon which our salvation is based and Peter himself confirms this in 1 Peter 2:8. In referring to Jesus, Peter says...

"And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed."

The word for 'rock' used here is "petra" and here, Peter is referring to Jesus! Selah.

Friends, as you look further into this system of beliefs, it becomes clear that it does not adhere to standard Bible teachings, but rather promotes a belief system quite contrary to basic Bible doctrines.

Some of the Bible teachings that the papacy clearly contradicts include bowing down to statues, the idea that all have sinned and Christ as our only mediator. The Bible is clear in teaching that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was final and for all, that all Christians are saints and priests, and that we are to call no man on earth "our father." Also, please consider that nowhere in the Bible will you find mention of the doctrine of purgatory, limbo or prayers for the dead!

Continuing from my Hub on the Mark of the Beast Part 2...

I bet you didn’t know that the first individual to identify the papal office as antichrist was a pope! Pope Gregory the Great, at the end of the church period, said that such a church teaching came from the spirit of antichrist. He wrote, “I confidently affirm that whomever calls himself universal bishop or desires to be so called is in his pride a fore runner of antichrist.”

Even the heroes of the Reformation knew it!! Luther, Spurgeon, Wesley, Calvin, Knox, Moody, and virtually every other major Protestant reformer identified the Catholic Church as the beast of Revelation 13 and the papal office as antichrist.

Sadly, most Protestants and evangelicals today seem to have forgotten what it is that they were protesting.

Also - is it not curious that the newly elected Pope (03/14/13) is openly a Jesuit?? Just sayin ;)