Today marks the one year anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death. His 26 year reign as pontiff is one of the longest in papal history. I am very disturbed by the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, specifically on the topics of the Virgin Mary, salvation, the nature of the church, purgatory, and the priesthood.
When people ask me, “Do you believe that the John Paul II is in heaven?” I have to answer no, I do not. The Bible speaks clearly that we are justified by grace alone (Romans 3:24) and that it is by grace you are saved through faith, not of yourselves but through the gift of God and not of works so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Roman Catholic system entails a works-oriented salvation at its core. I’d like to steer you to some very solid and biblically sound articles on this.
- Roman Catholicism by John MacArthur
- Articles on Roman Catholicism by Matt Slick, Christian Apologetics Research Ministries
- The Mary of Roman Catholicism by Hank Hanegraff
As soon as I can, I will post a recent sermon of mine on the subject of Mary as well and how she is not just venerated, but indeed worshiped according to past Popes and even their own catechism. That will be forthcoming.
Let us be discerning and pursuing the truth and not simply take things for granted. God bless!
