In the journey of faith, true believers in Christ are called to a deeper understanding of the teachings and wisdom found in Scripture. One of the most profound sources of insight comes from the Apostle Peter, whose letters offer guidance, encouragement, and a call to holiness. As we delve into Peter's teachings, we will explore how his messages resonate with our lives today, emphasizing themes of redemption, suffering, and the transformative power of faith. Through this discussion, we aim to strengthen our understanding of what it means to follow Christ and how to embody the truths of the Gospel in our daily lives. Let us embark on this journey together, seeking to grasp the depth of Peter’s teachings and their relevance for all who are committed to living out their faith in an increasingly complex world.
Let’s take a closer look at some verses that particularly resonated with me.
2 Peter 1:5-9 (KJV)
"And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."
The passage lists a series of spiritual qualities—virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—that believers are encouraged to cultivate. These qualities are not the result of rituals or sacraments but are gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are developed through faith in Christ and God’s grace.
In 2 Peter 1:5-7,
"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."
Peter emphasizes that these virtues are to be added to faith, beginning with virtue and culminating in love. This process is not something humans can achieve on their own through any work or sacrament. Instead, it reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit indwells believers when they put their faith in Christ, empowering them to live out the qualities Peter describes.
For example:
Virtue and knowledge come from the Spirit, as He guides believers into all truth and empowers them to live righteously (John 14:26, Galatians 5:22-23).
Self-control and perseverance (or patience) are also fruits of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22-23, showing that these qualities are produced as the Spirit works in a believer's heart.
Godliness, brotherly kindness, and love are likewise spiritual attributes that develop as the Holy Spirit enables believers to imitate Christ and grow in their relationship with God.
Peter's exhortation makes it clear that spiritual maturity and growth are a result of grace, accessed through faith, not through any external rites like sacraments.
In 2 Peter 1:3, Peter already stated,
"His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue."
This means that believers have been given everything they need for spiritual life and godliness through their faith in Christ and the empowering work of the Spirit—not through religious rituals or traditions.
Ephesians 2:8-9 similarly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, which includes sacramental rituals. Peter’s focus here is on the inward transformation brought by the Holy Spirit as the believer grows in faith, not through sacraments such as baptism, confession, or the Eucharist.
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that sacraments are essential channels of grace, but passages like 2 Peter 1:5-9 demonstrate that spiritual growth is a result of an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit. It is by faith in Christ, through the working of God's Spirit, that believers develop virtue, knowledge, self-control, and the other qualities listed. No amount of outward religious practice can produce these fruits, which are fundamentally spiritual and internal.
The Danger of Lacking These Qualities
In 2 Peter 1:9, Peter warns that anyone lacking these spiritual qualities is "blind" and has "forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins."
This reinforces the idea that true spiritual transformation and growth come from remembering and living in the power of Christ’s finished work on the cross, through faith, and being continually renewed by the Holy Spirit. It contrasts with the idea that sacraments or external practices are what purify the soul or bring one closer to God.
In 1 Peter 1:18-19, Peter emphasizes that redemption is not achieved through "corruptible things, as silver and gold" or through the "vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers," but solely through the precious blood of Christ. This verse demonstrates that salvation is not based on human traditions, rituals, or material wealth but on the sacrifice of Christ as the perfect Lamb of God.
Peter's declaration that redemption does not come from traditions passed down through generations highlights the inadequacy of relying on human rituals for salvation. Instead, it is through Christ’s atoning work on the cross that people are redeemed.
Peter Refers to Christ as the True Source of Redemption:
Peter, who the Roman Catholic Church claims as their first pope, clearly teaches that salvation is found in Christ alone, not through any human institution or tradition. This is a direct contradiction to the idea that salvation or grace can be dispensed through religious traditions such as the sacraments or papal decrees. If Peter, who the Church considers their foundational figure, denies the saving power of tradition in favor of Christ’s sacrificial work, it challenges the notion that salvation comes through the Catholic Church’s rituals or teachings.
Moreover, Peter’s teaching in this passage reinforces that Christ, not Peter, is the cornerstone and the source of salvation. This is in line with his earlier statement in 1 Peter 2:6-7, where he identifies Christ as the "chief cornerstone." Peter himself is not the foundation of the Church; rather, he points to Christ as the true Rock upon which faith is built. This refutes the claim that Peter saw himself as the foundation of the Church or that salvation could come through his authority or traditions associated with him.
Redemption Through Christ’s Blood Alone
1 Peter 1:18-19 emphasizes that we are redeemed not by perishable things like silver or gold, but by "the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." This verse clearly points to the fact that salvation and redemption come solely through the sacrifice of Christ, not through works, indulgences, or the authority of the Church.
The Catholic Church claims that the Apostle Peter was its first Pope, the foundation of their hierarchical structure, and the authority to uphold its traditions. However, Scripture, specifically from Peter himself, teaches that salvation is not based on traditions or material wealth but solely through the redemptive work of Christ.
In 1 Peter 1:18-19, Peter writes:
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Peter directly opposes the notion that traditions passed down from ancestors, including those associated with wealth and religious rites, can bring redemption. This explicitly denies the idea that salvation comes from adhering to human traditions or through financial means such as indulgences—a practice historically tied to the Catholic Church.
Peter emphasizes that salvation is through the precious blood of Christ alone. Despite this, the Roman Catholic Church continues to uphold traditions that contradict Scripture, such as the veneration of saints, indulgences, and their interpretation of purgatory, which is not found in the Bible.
By Peter's own words, the Catholic Church’s reliance on "tradition" as a source of authority contradicts the apostle they claim as their first Pope. Peter’s teachings stress that salvation cannot come from human institutions, rituals, or financial transactions, but from faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This is a direct challenge to any claims that traditions or ecclesiastical authority, such as that asserted by the Roman Catholic Church, can supersede the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Church’s traditions—the seven sacraments, venerating saints, and promoting indulgences—are in stark contrast to Peter’s declaration that these earthly, material things cannot redeem the soul. The only means of salvation is through the sacrifice of Christ, which has already been accomplished for all believers. This means that salvation is freely given to those who believe, without needing the Church’s traditions or sacraments to mediate that grace.
Therefore, Peter himself nullifies the argument that tradition or the authority of the Church, as established by humans, has any power over salvation, which lies solely in Christ's redemptive work.
This teaching contradicts the RCC's doctrine of purgatory, which implies that after death, additional purification is needed for salvation. However, according to 2 Peter 1:19, we have "a more sure word of prophecy," meaning the message of Christ's sacrifice is the complete and final means of redemption. Purgatory is an unscriptural addition that undermines Christ’s completed work on the cross.
Salvation by Faith, Not Works or Penance
The verse 1 Peter 1:22 (KJV) says:
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently."
This verse highlights several key theological points that challenge the necessity of rituals and sacraments for salvation, as promoted by the Roman Catholic Church. Here’s how it emphasizes the role of faith and obedience to God’s Word through the Holy Spirit, rather than external traditions or sacraments:
Purification through Obedience to the Truth:
Peter explicitly states that souls are purified "in obeying the truth." The "truth" here refers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the revelation of God's Word, which leads to salvation through faith in Christ. Nowhere in this verse does Peter link purification to external sacraments or religious rituals. Instead, he emphasizes the transformative power of the truth in one’s life, as believed and obeyed in faith.
Purification through the Spirit:
The verse says this purification happens "through the Spirit." This reinforces the idea that spiritual transformation and sanctification are works of the Holy Spirit, not mediated through any human rituals or ecclesiastical authority. The Holy Spirit enables believers to understand, accept, and obey the truth, leading to the purification of their souls.
This point undermines the notion that sacraments or church traditions, such as confession or baptism, are necessary for salvation. Rather, it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who cleanses and purifies the believer's soul through the work of grace and faith in Christ.
Unfeigned Love and a Pure Heart:
The goal of this spiritual purification is that it produces "unfeigned love of the brethren" and a "pure heart" that fervently loves others. This transformation, characterized by genuine love and purity, is the result of the believer’s obedience to God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit within them. These attributes of love and purity do not come from performing rituals but from inner spiritual renewal.
Salvation is a Matter of Faith and Transformation, Not Tradition:
In the broader context of 1 Peter 1:18-19, Peter contrasts the precious blood of Christ with the "vain conversation received by tradition" from ancestors. He emphasizes that we are not redeemed by human traditions, but by Christ's sacrifice. This further reinforces the idea that spiritual purification and salvation come from faith in Christ, not from adherence to religious traditions or the sacraments.
The verse 1 Peter 2:11 (KJV) states:
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"
This verse, written by Peter, urges believers to live as “strangers and pilgrims” in this world, emphasizing spiritual values over earthly desires. By calling for abstention from “fleshly lusts,” Peter highlights how sinful desires not only distract from a holy life but also spiritually harm the soul. This exhortation is meant to apply to all believers, including church leaders.
When examining the context of this verse and comparing it to the Vatican or the Roman Catholic Church's leadership, the stark contrast between the simple, self-disciplined Christian life described by Peter and the extravagant wealth and power associated with the Vatican today becomes apparent.
Extravagance vs. Simplicity:
Peter's call for believers to abstain from fleshly lusts seems to stand in direct opposition to the lavish wealth, gold-lined chapels, and significant political influence of the Vatican. The Vatican's vast resources and accumulation of material wealth could be seen as incompatible with Peter’s vision of spiritual purity, humility, and abstinence from worldly desires.
Fleshly Lusts and Corruption:
While Peter exhorts Christians to avoid indulging in desires that "war against the soul," certain scandals in the history of the Vatican, including financial misconduct and abuse within the clergy, highlight a deviation from this teaching. Such actions can be seen as giving in to “fleshly lusts,” whether related to power, wealth, or immoral behavior. These contradictions call into question whether these leaders are truly representing the purity that Peter encourages.
Living as Pilgrims:
Peter describes Christians as "strangers and pilgrims" in this world, emphasizing their transient status on earth and their focus on heavenly things. The Vatican, as an institution with deep roots in politics, vast financial resources, and great global influence, does not portray the image of a "pilgrim" living for spiritual rather than worldly gain. This disconnect further highlights the gap between the simple Christian life Peter advocates and the grandiosity often associated with the Vatican.
The verse 1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) states:
"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
This passage can be broken down into several key components that highlight the theological significance of baptism in relation to salvation and the condition of the heart.
The phrase "the like figure" refers to the symbolic nature of baptism. Peter draws a parallel between baptism and the story of Noah, suggesting that just as Noah and his family were saved through water, baptism serves as a symbolic act representing salvation. However, the emphasis is not merely on the physical act of baptism itself, but on what it signifies in the believer's life.
Peter clarifies that baptism is "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh." This indicates that the act of being submerged in water does not serve as a ritualistic cleansing of sin. Instead, it emphasizes that true salvation goes beyond outward actions and rituals; it involves a spiritual transformation that cannot be achieved merely through external means.
The phrase "but the answer of a good conscience toward God" highlights that genuine baptism reflects an internal decision—a commitment to live in accordance with God's will. This implies that faith and a sincere heart play crucial roles in the process of salvation. A good conscience before God suggests an alignment of one's inner beliefs and intentions with divine truth.
Finally, Peter connects baptism to the "resurrection of Jesus Christ." This points to the core Christian belief that salvation is made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It reinforces that it is through faith in Christ’s work on the cross and His victory over death that believers are truly saved.
The concept of a "fiery trial" as described in 1 Peter 4:12-14 refers to the challenges and tribulations that believers experience in their earthly lives. Peter writes:
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."
Understanding the Fiery Trial
Peter addresses suffering as a shared experience among believers. The term "fiery trial" symbolizes intense suffering or testing. The use of the word "fiery" suggests that these trials are not only challenging but can also feel purifying, akin to how fire refines gold. This indicates that suffering can have a transformative purpose, helping to shape and strengthen one’s faith (James 1:2-4).
The context of this passage makes it clear that Peter speaks to a present reality for Christians. He encourages believers not to be surprised by their trials but rather to view them as a normal part of their Christian journey. The implication is that these challenges occur during one's lifetime, rather than after death, emphasizing that the fiery trials believers endure are a vital aspect of their spiritual growth and sanctification.
Peter links the believers' suffering to that of Christ’s. By enduring trials, believers share in the sufferings of Christ, which enriches their relationship with Him. This connection suggests that the trials they face are not arbitrary; they are part of a divine plan where suffering serves to deepen faith and reliance on God.
The passage also points to a future reward ("when his glory shall be revealed"). This suggests a dual focus on present trials and future hope, reinforcing the idea that while believers suffer now, there is an expectation of joy and glory to come. The trials are therefore a part of the earthly experience leading up to eternal life rather than a purgatorial experience after death.
Supporting Scriptures
2 Corinthians 4:17: Paul emphasizes that the temporary trials we face lead to eternal glory, reinforcing the notion that suffering is a part of the earthly journey. He writes,
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
Romans 5:3-4: This passage also supports the idea of trials in life producing perseverance, character, and hope, further suggesting that these trials are meant for this earthly existence.
Hebrews 12:1-2: The author encourages believers to endure their trials, comparing the Christian life to a race that requires perseverance. This metaphor emphasizes the ongoing nature of trials throughout one's life rather than a posthumous experience.
This directly challenges any church tradition that suggests salvation or purification can be achieved through man-made rituals, pointing instead to a faith-driven, Spirit-led relationship with God.
Peter speaks of soul purification, which refers to the process of being cleansed from sin and growing in holiness. The idea of purification here is spiritual and internal, rather than a physical or ritualistic cleansing. This purification happens when individuals submit to God’s truth through faith.
"In obeying the truth":
The purification of souls is linked to obedience to the truth. In the Bible, “the truth” refers to God's Word, His commandments, and the teachings of Christ.
John 17:17 affirms this:
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Obedience to God's Word transforms the believer’s heart and mind, aligning them with God's will.
This obedience doesn’t come through the sacraments but through living according to God’s commandments. Sacraments, as practiced in the Roman Catholic Church, are external rites, but Peter is emphasizing an internal transformation brought about by obeying the gospel message.
The process of obedience and purification is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13) and works in them to produce genuine, Christlike character. This means that human efforts or rituals are insufficient; rather, it is God working through His Spirit to purify believers.
"Unto unfeigned love of the brethren":
This purification results in genuine love for fellow believers. This love is “unfeigned,” meaning it is sincere and not hypocritical. The fruit of a purified heart is the manifestation of love, one of the greatest commandments Jesus emphasized (Matthew 22:37-40).
Peter urges believers to love each other with a pure heart, reflecting the change that has taken place in their souls. This love comes from a heart purified by the Spirit and obedience to God’s Word, not through external rites like sacraments.
This verse supports the idea that purification and salvation come not through the sacraments, but by obeying God’s commandments and walking in His truth through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Yet the Roman Catholic Church fails to observe the Sabbath as prescribed, having moved the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday. Additionally, it disregards the second commandment by allowing the creation and veneration of graven images.
To this I add
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4
To continue,
Sacraments, in the context of the Roman Catholic Church, are seen as necessary for dispensing grace, but Peter emphasizes that the real work of purification happens internally through obedience to God’s Word, resulting in genuine love.
In contrast 1 Peter 2:11 (KJV), states:
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"
This verse addresses the need for believers to live in spiritual purity, avoiding fleshly desires that damage their souls. Peter urges Christians to live as "strangers and pilgrims," meaning they should not be attached to the worldly systems or temptations, but rather should live as citizens of heaven. Now, when you compare this biblical exhortation with some of the issues surrounding the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church's vast wealth and power, the hypocrisy becomes apparent.
The Vatican’s Wealth and Power vs. Spiritual Purity
"Abstain from fleshly lusts":
Peter warns against fleshly lusts, which can be understood as indulgence in materialism, greed, or immoral behaviors that are contrary to a Christlike life. While the Church teaches humility and detachment from worldly goods, the Vatican is famously known for its immense wealth and luxurious surroundings, which seems contradictory to the simplicity and purity Christ and the apostles preached.
The grandeur and opulence of the Vatican, with its treasures, properties, and influence over political and financial matters, can be seen as falling into the very traps of fleshly desires—in this case, a lust for power, wealth, and status.
Many critics argue that the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in the Vatican, exhibits hypocrisy by embracing such extravagant wealth while preaching modesty, sacrifice, and caring for the poor. Jesus himself lived a simple life, and the apostles followed that example. Peter, whom the Vatican claims as the first pope, lived humbly and instructed others to “abstain from fleshly lusts”. The contrast between his teachings and the excesses of the Vatican hierarchy highlights a glaring inconsistency in the practice of this verse.
Peter describes these desires as warring against the soul. The Vatican’s involvement in scandals, from financial corruption to abuse cover-ups, points to the damaging effects of unchecked fleshly desires. Instead of promoting transparency and repentance, many of these scandals were initially hidden, further deepening the contradiction between the Church’s actions and the spiritual purity it is called to uphold.
Peter also speaks about fiery trials in 1 Peter 4:12, saying,
"Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you."
Christians are expected to face persecution and suffering, yet the RCC often seeks political power and wealth, straying from this model of Christian suffering and sacrifice. This pursuit of influence and material gain goes against the very humility and self-denial taught by Christ and His apostles. Despite their apparent reverence.
The passage from 1 Peter 4:12-14 speaks of the fiery trials believers will face during their lifetime, describing them as tests of faith that align Christians with the sufferings of Christ. This teaching directly challenges the Roman Catholic doctrine of Purgatory, which suggests that after death, souls undergo a period of purification through suffering before entering heaven. Peter’s words, however, imply that such trials occur in this life, not in an intermediate state after death.
"The Fiery Trial is in This Life":
Peter clearly places the fiery trial—the testing and refining of faith—within the context of this life. He speaks to the suffering Christians will endure "as partakers of Christ's sufferings". This suffering is not something that happens after death but is a part of the believer’s present experience. The imagery of fire here symbolizes the spiritual purification and testing of believers through hardship, persecution, and trials while they are still alive.
If Peter, whom the Roman Catholic Church claims as the first pope, teaches that these trials occur during our earthly lives, this directly contradicts the idea that souls must be further purified in an afterlife (i.e., Purgatory) through additional suffering.
"Rejoice in the Trials":
The verse encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings because they are sharing in Christ's own sufferings, and when His glory is revealed, they will experience joy. This again points to the fact that the purification and sanctification happen in this lifetime. The joy of being purified comes when Christ’s glory is revealed at His return, not through any post-mortem purification.
"The Spirit of Glory and of God Resteth Upon You":
Verse 14 states that if you suffer for the name of Christ, the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. This suggests that those who endure these fiery trials have already been purified and are sanctified through the presence of the Holy Spirit. If God’s Spirit is already resting on them in life, this contradicts the notion that they need further purification in an afterlife. Peter is highlighting that through suffering for Christ, believers are glorified and filled with God’s Spirit now, not after a period of cleansing in Purgatory.
Purgatory, as traditionally taught by the Roman Catholic Church, is an extra-biblical doctrine. Nowhere in Scripture is there a clear, explicit description of a post-mortem place where souls undergo further purification. 1 Peter 4:12-14 speaks to a common biblical theme: suffering, trials, and refinement through faith during our time on earth. It aligns with other passages, such as James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-5, which emphasize that trials serve to perfect and strengthen faith while we are still alive.
Moreover, The verse in 2 Peter 2:19 states,
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage."
This verse speaks directly to the hypocrisy and deceit of false teachers, who claim to offer freedom, but are themselves enslaved to sin and corruption. Applying this principle to false teachers within the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is a sobering critique, particularly when examining the Church’s historical and doctrinal practices that may contradict Biblical teachings.
Promises of Liberty Through Tradition and Sacraments:
The RCC promises spiritual liberty through adherence to sacraments and church traditions, including indulgences, confession, and veneration of saints. These are claimed to be means of grace leading to spiritual freedom and purification. However, the reality differs from the promise. The reliance on these practices, many of which have no explicit scriptural backing, could lead believers into a type of spiritual bondage. Instead of true freedom in Christ, many may find themselves dependent on external rituals, which could distance them from a personal relationship with Jesus.
Peter’s warning applies here: the Church claims to offer freedom but, if the leadership is corrupt or strays from the Gospel, those leaders themselves are bound to sin, leading their followers into bondage rather than freedom.
Servants of Corruption:
Throughout history, the Church has been plagued by incidents of corruption—from the selling of indulgences in the Middle Ages to the opulent wealth and scandals surrounding the Vatican today. The contrast between Christ’s humble ministry and the excessive wealth and influence seen within the Vatican raises questions about the Church’s integrity and its claim to represent Christ. Leaders who live in luxury while demanding devotion from believers can be seen as servants of corruption rather than servants of Christ. As Peter points out, those overcome by sin are brought into bondage, and those who follow corrupt leaders may be led into the same spiritual captivity.
Spiritual Bondage Through False Doctrine:
The verse also highlights how people are often led into spiritual bondage by false teachers. In the case of the RCC, certain teachings—such as Purgatory, indulgences, and the necessity of sacraments for salvation—are not found explicitly in the Bible. Instead, they are rooted in Church tradition. These doctrines could create spiritual dependence on the Church rather than direct faith in Christ. Instead of leading people to the liberating truth of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), these teachings could place undue emphasis on works and rituals, keeping believers in spiritual bondage rather than freeing them.
Breaking God’s Commandments
Lastly, by breaking God's commandments, the RCC further distances itself from true Christianity. The Church's decision to change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, its veneration of saints and Mary, and the accumulation of wealth directly contradict God’s word. James 2:10 states that breaking one commandment is like breaking all of them, underscoring the seriousness of altering God’s commands. The Church’s practices of idolatry, evident in the veneration of statues and icons, also violate the second commandment (Exodus 20:4-5).
In conclusion, the scriptural evidence clearly demonstrates that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, through His redemptive blood, not through the authority of the RCC or the sacraments it administers. The Church’s wealth, hypocrisy, and unbiblical practices, such as changing the Sabbath and endorsing purgatory, are a direct contradiction of the teachings of Christ and His apostles. The RCC cannot, therefore, be considered a true representative of Christ's gospel.
Matthew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
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