The Catechism of the Council of Trent insists that an authoritative Catholic Catechism is necessary to instruct and protect believers, particularly in the face of what it perceives as widespread heresies and “false prophets.” However, this perspective implies that the Catholic Church alone can safeguard believers with “sound and wholesome doctrine,” underestimating the capacity of individuals to understand God’s truth directly and dangerously elevating the institution above the personal relationship each believer can have with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. This stance not only contradicts the Bible’s teachings on the accessibility of God’s Word but also reveals a spiritual arrogance that Jesus Himself warned against.
Scripture teaches that God’s Word alone is sufficient for all believers, providing them with the guidance and understanding they need. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read,
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
This passage affirms that the Bible is complete in its instruction, equipping believers to be “perfect” and “thoroughly furnished” in all aspects of faith and righteousness. Rather than requiring an institution as an intermediary, God has given His Word as a direct source of truth accessible to everyone.
Additionally, Jesus Himself promised that the Holy Spirit would be a guide for all believers. In John 14:26, He says,
“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.”
Here, Jesus assures that the Holy Spirit will dwell within each believer, teaching and guiding them in truth. This direct relationship with the Holy Spirit is available to all Christians and diminishes the need for institutionalized instruction as the primary source of truth. The Catechism’s emphasis on its exclusive authority risks undermining the role of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus emphasized as the sufficient and direct source of understanding for every believer.
To this I quote Matthew 12:31-32
“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
The Catechism implies that believers cannot find truth without an authorized teacher, but Romans 10:17 tells us,
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Faith is born from engaging with the Word itself, not through reliance on institutional authority. While some church leaders play a valuable role in spreading the "true" gospel, Scripture places primary importance on the Word of God as the source of faith and guidance, not on any human hierarchy. The Bible invites believers to engage directly with its teachings, empowering them to grow in understanding without the need for centralized control.
Christ frequently warned against religious leaders who elevated their own authority above God’s commands. In Matthew 15:9, He rebuked the Pharisees, saying,
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
1 Peter 2:9 describes all believers as a “royal priesthood,” affirming that each Christian has direct access to God through Christ, without requiring an intermediary institution.
Jesus also emphasized humility and servanthood as central values, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Matthew 23:11-12 reminds us,
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
The Catechism’s argument for institutional authority also hinges on the idea that modern church leaders hold the same authority as the original apostles, granted through an unbroken line of succession. However, Scripture distinguishes the apostles as unique figures—eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Acts 1:21-22 emphasizes that an apostle had to have been with Jesus from the beginning, directly witnessing His ministry.
“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”
This apostolic role was specific to the foundational period of the Church and does not extend indefinitely to later generations.
The passage in Acts 1:21-22 establishes specific criteria for apostleship: the candidate must have been an eyewitness to Jesus' entire earthly ministry, beginning with His baptism by John and extending through His resurrection and ascension. This requirement highlights the unique role of the apostles as firsthand witnesses to Christ's life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. The apostles understood that this direct, personal experience with Jesus was essential for anyone who would be considered a true apostolic witness, as they were responsible for laying the foundation of the Church based on what they had seen and heard.
Given these qualifications, the Roman Catholic Church’s claim to apostolic succession through an unbroken line of bishops does not meet the New Testament standard for apostleship. The apostolic role, as defined in Acts, is one that cannot be passed down through generations, because it relies on firsthand experience with Christ’s ministry. The New Testament does not describe apostleship as a transferable office but rather as a foundational role fulfilled by those who had personally known Jesus and could bear witness to His resurrection.
The notion of apostolic succession within the Catholic Church rests on the idea that spiritual authority can be inherited through ordination, extending a line of authority from the apostles to subsequent bishops and popes. However, the Bible does not suggest that the authority of the original apostles could be conferred through institutional succession. Instead, the apostles were a specific group appointed directly by Christ and equipped by the Holy Spirit to establish the early Church, after which the office of "apostle" ceased in its original form.
Ephesians 2:20 also underscores this by stating that the Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
The apostles were foundational figures, meant to lay the initial groundwork for the Church rather than serve as the first in a line of successors. Foundations, by definition, are laid once. Thus, while the Catholic Church claims to carry on apostolic authority through a line of bishops, the biblical criteria for apostleship, as set forth in Acts, cannot be met by later church leaders who did not witness Christ’s ministry directly.
In light of this, the concept of apostolic succession in the Catholic sense appears to deviate from the New Testament model. The early Church relied on the teachings of the original apostles, whose authority was derived from their unique experiences with Christ, and who, through Scripture, continue to speak to all believers. True apostolic authority is found in the teachings recorded in the New Testament, not in an institutional lineage.
The Catechism’s description of believers as “simple folk” who need protection from error reflects an unfortunate condescension. This phrase implies that ordinary Christians are incapable of discerning truth without institutional oversight, undermining the intelligence, spiritual maturity, and direct access to God that every believer possesses.
1 Corinthians 2:12 counters this view by teaching that,
“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.”
Through the Holy Spirit, every believer has access to divine wisdom and understanding, independent of institutional instruction. Describing believers as “simple folk” fails to acknowledge the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit within each Christian and the capability granted to them by God.
This condescending view of believers as “simple folk” who cannot comprehend spiritual truths without institutional intervention also disregards 1 John 2:27, which states,
“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.”
This verse highlights that the Holy Spirit, which every believer receives, teaches and guides them in truth, eliminating the need for an intermediary authority. Reducing believers to “simple folk” incapable of understanding on their own not only diminishes their dignity but also disregards the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit.
To refer to believers as possessing "the minds of simple folk" is not only disrespectful but also reveals an underlying sense of superiority among those in positions of religious authority. This condescending attitude stands in stark contrast to Christ’s love and humility toward His followers. Jesus never viewed His disciples—or anyone who came to Him—as intellectually inferior or incapable of understanding God’s truth. In fact, He often expressed a special love for those whom society overlooked or undervalued, inviting them to share in the fullness of His message without needing an intermediary to filter or control that relationship.
The notion that everyday believers are “simple folk” who cannot comprehend spiritual matters without institutional oversight betrays an arrogance that Jesus Himself condemned. Christ’s model of leadership was rooted in humility and servanthood, not in lording over others or viewing them as intellectually inferior. He saw the potential in each person to understand and live out God’s truth, emphasizing a direct relationship with God rather than reliance on a religious hierarchy.
By labeling the faithful as "simple folk," those in authority implicitly place themselves in a position of intellectual and spiritual superiority, suggesting that only they possess the insight required to interpret God’s Word accurately. This attitude is not only presumptuous but also contradicts the biblical message of equality and empowerment for all believers. God did not reserve His Spirit for an elite group; He made it accessible to everyone, regardless of their status or position within the church.
Jesus consistently uplifted and dignified His followers, encouraging them to seek a personal understanding of God’s teachings. In John 15:15, He says to His disciples,
“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”
Christ calls His followers “friends,” not subordinates, and He openly shares God’s truths with them rather than withholding knowledge or implying that they are incapable of understanding. This relationship of trust and equality exemplifies the way Christ valued every believer’s capacity to know and follow God’s will.
To insist that believers need constant oversight or institutional instruction to avoid straying into error implies a lack of faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide each person.
John 14:26
“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.”
According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit is more than capable of teaching and guiding believers in truth. It is the Spirit who empowers, instructs, and sustains each follower of Christ, making every believer more than capable of understanding God’s Word and growing in faith.
Moreover, 1 John 2:27 declares,
“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.”
The notion that believers are "simple" or unable to grasp spiritual matters independently disregards the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit within them, which God has given as an assurance that they can know Him personally and fully.
This view of believers as “simple folk” who need institutional oversight also risks creating a dangerous divide between clergy and laity, positioning those in authority as the gatekeepers of divine truth. It reinforces a hierarchy that undermines the New Testament’s teaching of the priesthood of all believers, as described in 1 Peter 2:9
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Essentially, this approach undermines the teachings of the very person they claim as their first pope as this verse emphasizes that every believer is part of a “royal priesthood,” able to approach God directly and share in His truth. To suggest otherwise denies the dignity and spiritual authority that God has granted to all who believe in Christ.
Christ’s approach was one of love, inclusion, and respect for the spiritual capacity of each individual. He invited everyone—fishermen, tax collectors, women, children, and even those marginalized by society—to come to Him, hear His teachings, and grow in faith. Nowhere in the gospels do we see Jesus suggesting that ordinary people were too “simple” to understand His message or that they required a gatekeeping authority to mediate their relationship with God. Instead, He offered a message of hope that was accessible and open to all.
Referring to believers as “simple folk” not only reveals an attitude of arrogance but also stands in stark opposition to Christ’s example of humility and His confidence in each person’s capacity to know God. John 8:32 encapsulates the liberating power of Christ’s message:
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
However, Catholics may never experience true freedom, as they are discouraged—evident in the Catechism of the Council of Trent—from reading Scripture independently. Labeled as having the "minds of simple folk," they are kept reliant on the Roman Catholic Church for interpretation, thus remaining under its control.
God’s truth is accessible to all who seek it, and every believer is capable of understanding and embracing that truth without being condescended to or controlled by an institution. To follow Christ is to respect the dignity of every believer, trusting that God has made His Word and Spirit available to all, regardless of position, status, or intellect.
Jeremiah 23:21
“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.”
This verse in Jeremiah addresses those who falsely claim to speak for God, delivering messages that He did not command. The context is a warning against prophets who lead people astray by speaking on their own authority rather than delivering God’s true word.
The Catechism of the Council of Trent emphasizes the necessity of religious instruction from authorized teachers within the Church for salvation, citing the limitations of human understanding and the need for divinely appointed leaders. While it’s true that spiritual guidance is beneficial, Scripture suggests that the most important foundation for salvation is personal faith in Christ and direct access to God’s Word, rather than reliance on an institution for ultimate truth.
The Bible itself highlights that God’s truths are accessible to all believers, not just through a structured hierarchy or "authorized" teachers. James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
This verse reassures believers that they can seek wisdom directly from God, who generously provides understanding to all who ask.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be the guide for all believers. Ezekiel 36:27
“And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them
Here, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher, dwelling within each believer to guide, instruct, and remind us of Christ’s teachings. This direct relationship with the Holy Spirit minimizes the need for institutionalized religious instruction as a primary source of truth, suggesting that individual believers have access to divine understanding through the Spirit.
The Catechism of Trent argues that salvation requires the "labor and faithful ministry of an authorized teacher," yet Romans 10:17 clarifies that
“faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
This verse indicates that faith is born through the Word itself—not through institutionalized teachers or an official hierarchy. While preachers play a role in sharing the gospel, Scripture places primary emphasis on the Word of God as the source of faith, not the ecclesiastical authority of a particular church.
Jesus often warned against placing human traditions and institutional authority above God’s commandments. Mark 7:8 “
"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.”
The risk in emphasizing religious instruction as “necessary” for salvation is that it can create a dependence on human teachings rather than encouraging a personal, direct relationship with God. This overemphasis on instruction by an authoritative hierarchy risks replacing the simplicity and accessibility of the gospel with layers of tradition and human doctrine.
The Catechism of Trent stresses that human intellect alone cannot discover divine truths and that institutional instruction is therefore essential. Yet the Catechism of Trent itself is a product of human reasoning, crafted by theologians who interpreted and systematized doctrine according to their understanding. Ironically, it represents precisely the human intellect it claims is insufficient, yet it elevates its interpretations as necessary for all believers. Rather than depending on institutional doctrine, Scripture consistently emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into all truth, underscoring that divine wisdom is accessible to anyone who seeks it in faith.
While human understanding is limited, the Bible teaches that God’s Word itself is enough to reveal the path to salvation. Psalm 119:105 declares,
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
This verse highlights that Scripture, not institutional interpretation, is the guiding light for believers. The Bible encourages every believer to seek God’s wisdom directly through His Word rather than through elaborate hierarchies.
The Catechism implies that current religious leaders hold the same authority as the original apostles, yet the Bible distinguishes the apostles as unique, eyewitnesses of Christ’s ministry, death, and resurrection. Acts 1:21-22 shows that an apostle had to have been with Jesus from the beginning. While church leaders today can provide valuable guidance, they do not possess the same authority to speak as the apostles did, nor are they the exclusive gatekeepers of truth.
1 Peter 2:9 teaches that all believers are part of a “royal priesthood,” meaning that every Christian has direct access to God through Christ.
Jesus emphasizes that salvation is about a direct relationship with Him, not mediated through a chain of human authority. In Matthew 7:22-23 He says,
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? … And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
This passage demonstrates that performing religious acts or following structured instruction doesn’t guarantee a genuine relationship with Christ. Salvation hinges on knowing Him personally, not merely on knowledge transmitted through human intermediaries.
The Catholic Church teaches the veneration and intercession of saints, claiming that the faithful require their help. Matthew 6:8 reassures believers,
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
God knows our needs directly, making intermediaries unnecessary. 1 Timothy 2:5 confirms that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Elevating saints to a mediatory role risks undermining Christ’s unique position as our sole advocate.
Scripture emphasizes the accessibility of God to all believers, encouraging a personal connection with Him. Hebrews 4:16 invites us,
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Believers are encouraged to approach God directly, assured of His willingness to listen and help. Instituting an elaborate system of authorized teachers or saints as intermediaries is not supported by Scripture and risks drawing people away from the personal, direct relationship with God that Jesus Himself invites us into.
Additionally, some may reference ancient texts, such as 1 Enoch, which speak of spirits (saints) of the deceased being active. While these texts are not part of the biblical canon, they do highlight warnings about interacting with spirits. Leviticus 19:31 commands,
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”
Seeking intercession from deceased “saints” risks inviting practices that align more closely with necromancy than with biblical prayer.
While the Catechism of the Council of Trent argues for the necessity of religious instruction through authorized teachers, Scripture presents a different picture. The Bible teaches that God’s Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and faith in Christ are sufficient for salvation and a genuine relationship with God. Institutional instruction, while helpful, should not be seen as essential or as a replacement for the believer’s personal study of Scripture and direct relationship with God. The truth of God’s Word is accessible to all who seek it, independent of hierarchical structures, ensuring that salvation is grounded in personal faith rather than institutional authority.
Examining Catholic Doctrines in Light of Scripture: A Biblical Perspective
The Catholic Catechism describes Mary as the “most exalted of all God’s creatures,” assigning her a unique and elevated status among humans and angels. While Scripture does honor Mary as the mother of Jesus, it does not assign her an exalted, quasi-divine role.
In Luke 11:27-28, a woman praises Mary by calling out,
“Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.” Yet Jesus responds by saying, “Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Here, Jesus redirects focus from His mother to the broader call for obedience to God, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from following God’s word.
Additionally, Colossians 1:18 states of Christ, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
This verse affirms Christ’s exclusive preeminence over all creation, suggesting that no other creature, including Mary, shares in His supreme and unique position.
Finally, Isaiah 42:8 declares, “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”
God’s glory is His alone, and He does not share it with anyone, no matter how honored or faithful they are. Mary, while respected as Jesus’ mother, is not given a role of exaltation or divine glory that is reserved for God alone.
These verses demonstrate that while Mary is honored, Scripture does not assign her a role of elevated status above other believers, nor does it support the idea of a unique exaltation reserved for her.
Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:5 states,
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
By elevating Mary as a “mediatrix” or an intercessor, Catholic doctrine risks overshadowing the unique and sufficient role of Christ as the sole mediator. The New Testament provides no basis for assigning anyone but Christ the role of intercessor between God and humanity. This is reinforced by John 14:6 where Jesus says,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The Bible teaches that faith in Christ alone is the path to God, not through additional intermediaries.
Catholicism emphasizes the role of good works in achieving salvation, often in combination with faith. However, the Bible presents a different view, emphasizing salvation through faith alone.
In John 5:24 Jesus Himself emphasizes that salvation comes through faith:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
This verse makes it clear that eternal life is granted through hearing and believing, with no requirement of works mentioned for salvation.
Paul also speaks of righteousness through faith in Philippians 3:9, where he expresses his desire to be found in Christ, “not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Here, Paul makes it clear that the righteousness required for salvation does not come from following the law or from any human effort but through faith in Christ, a righteousness granted by God Himself.
In 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul explains that salvation is given “not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”
This passage reveals that salvation is an act of grace by God, given not based on our deeds but on His divine purpose, further affirming that it is faith, not works, that brings us into relationship with Him.
Romans 4:4-5 provides additional clarity, where Paul writes, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Paul is explaining here that faith, not works, leads to righteousness. If salvation were based on works, it would be a matter of earning or owing something to God. Instead, salvation is a gift of grace, credited to those who believe without reliance on their own works.
These passages together emphasize that salvation is a gift of grace, accessible through faith in Christ alone. Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament writers continually affirm that eternal life and righteousness come by believing in God and His promises, not through human works or efforts.
Jesus Himself addressed this in Matthew 7:22-23, where He warns,
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Here, Christ highlights that even seemingly righteous acts done in His name are meaningless without a true, personal relationship with Him. This teaching directly challenges the notion that good works can secure salvation and affirms that faith and obedience to Christ are what matter most.
The Apostles' Creed, which serves as a foundational statement of Christian beliefs, encapsulates core truths about God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. However, the Catholic Catechism claims that the Creed only contains “chief truths,” implying that additional doctrines—such as the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, and Papal infallibility—are essential for salvation. Galatians 1:8 provides a stark warning against adding to the gospel: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Damned to hell)
This verse emphasizes the sufficiency of the original gospel message and cautions against adding doctrines not rooted in Scripture.
Jesus taught that the way to God is simple and accessible to all. Matthew 11:28-30 reflects this simplicity: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Adding layers of doctrine risks turning the gospel from a simple message of grace into a complex system of obligations, potentially burdening believers with requirements that obscure the true essence of faith in Christ.
The Catechism bestows significant authority upon bishops, priests, and theologians to interpret and teach doctrine, but 1 John 2:27 says, “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.”
Scripture is complete and sufficient for teaching and guiding believers in all matters of faith.
Jesus also warned against elevating human tradition above God’s Word. In Matthew 15:9 He said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Placing the interpretations of theologians or the authority of the church on par with Scripture risks introducing doctrines that may lead believers away from the gospel’s simplicity.
The Catholic Church places great emphasis on tradition as a source of authority, but Colossians 2:8 warns believers,
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Paul cautions against allowing human tradition to distort the gospel message.
Psalm 119:105 states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” reminding us that Scripture is our primary guide, illuminating our path in every season.
In conclusion, certain Catholic doctrines—such as the exaltation of Mary, the addition of doctrines beyond the Apostles’ Creed, the authority of priests in the Mass, and the veneration of saints—seem inconsistent with biblical teachings. The Bible emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ, the finality of His sacrifice, and the direct access we have to God through Him alone. By relying on Scripture as the ultimate authority, we can remain faithful to the gospel message and avoid doctrines that could detract from the pure, liberating truth of Christ.
This a quote from the Catechism of Parish Priests
"The priest must not imagine that those committed to his care are all on the same level, so that he can follow one fixed and unvarying method of instruction to lead all in the same way to knowledge and true piety; for some are as new-born infants, others are growing up in Christ, while a few are, so to say, of full maturity. Hence the necessity of considering who they are that have occasion for milk, who for more solid food, and of affording to each such nourishment of doctrine as may give spiritual increase, until we all meet in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fullness of Christ. This the Apostle inculcates for all by his own example when he says that he is a debtor to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, thus giving all who are called to this ministry to understand that in announcing the mysteries of faith and the precepts of life, the instruction is to be so accommodated to the capacity and intelligence of the hearers, that, while the minds of the strong are filled with spiritual food, the little ones be not suffered to perish with hunger, asking for bread, while there is none to break it unto them."
While it’s true that believers vary in spiritual maturity, the Bible emphasizes that all believers have access to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who personally leads them to understanding and growth in faith. The passage assumes that the priest alone is responsible for identifying each person’s spiritual level and providing tailored instruction, yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that the Holy Spirit fills this role for every believer. John 16:13 affirms,
“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.”
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide believers individually into all truth, a process uniquely suited to each person’s growth and needs.
Additionally, 1 John 2:27 underscores that each believer has a direct relationship with the Spirit, saying, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you.”
This verse points out that God’s “anointing”—the Holy Spirit—teaches believers directly, meeting each individual at their point of understanding and maturity. Rather than being dependent solely on a priest’s instruction, believers are encouraged to seek spiritual growth through this personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.
The argument also implies that spiritual growth depends largely on institutional instruction, which can unintentionally diminish the role of personal study, prayer, and the transformative power of Scripture itself. Hebrews 5:12-14 teaches that all believers are called to grow and mature in understanding, saying, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again… for every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness… But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age.”
This passage doesn’t suggest that only priests or religious leaders are responsible for helping believers mature; instead, it calls each believer to seek personal growth, moving from “milk” to “strong meat” through dedication to God’s Word.
The concept of a centralized authority determining spiritual instruction risks creating dependency rather than empowerment. James 1:5 reminds us,
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
This verse encourages believers to seek wisdom directly from God, with a promise that He will provide it to all who ask, regardless of their spiritual maturity or background. The invitation is open to everyone, suggesting that God desires a direct relationship with each believer, nurturing them according to their individual needs without intermediaries.
It’s essential to understand that, biblically, the role of an apostle was unique and non-transferable, as mentioned above, Acts 1:21-22 provides clear criteria for apostleship, stating, “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”
This passage shows that apostleship was limited to those who had personally been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from His baptism by John to His resurrection and ascension. The apostles were specifically chosen as firsthand witnesses to Christ’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The role of an apostle, therefore, cannot simply be inherited or assumed by subsequent generations of church leaders, as no later individual meets this biblical requirement of having witnessed Jesus’ earthly ministry.
While priests today may indeed fulfill a valuable pastoral role, guiding and teaching their congregations (as long as they teach the true gospel) they do not possess the unique authority or witness that defined the original apostles, nor do the popes.
The apostles served as the foundation of the Church, tasked with laying down teachings directly received from Jesus Himself, and their teachings are preserved in the New Testament.
Thus, while priests can follow the apostles’ example in spirit by serving their communities, they do not hold the unique office of apostleship as described in Scripture. Apostolic authority, according to the Bible, was specific to those who were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life and resurrection, and this office was not intended to be passed down or replicated in later church leaders.
I'll leave you with this Matthew 15:14
“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
Comentarios