Examining Papal Authority

Introduction

The claim of Papal authority represents a significant departure from Paul's revelation of the Body of Christ and our direct relationship with Christ as our Head. This teaching has placed an unscriptural mediator between believers and Christ during this present dispensation of grace.

The Roman Catholic Claims

Common Teaching Points:

1. The Pope is Christ's representative (vicar) on earth

2. He has supreme spiritual authority over all Christians

3. He alone can interpret scripture infallibly

4. He maintains apostolic succession from Peter

5. He has authority to establish doctrine and practice

Key Claims Often Quote:

• "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18)

• Claims of Peter as first Pope

• Historical church tradition

• Church council decisions

The Mid-Acts Truth

Christ Alone is Head of the Body

• "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23)

• "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" (Colossians 1:18)

• "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15)

Direct Access to God Through Christ

• "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Ephesians 2:18)

• "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" (Ephesians 3:12)

• "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19)

One Mediator Only

• "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5)

• "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself" (Hebrews 7:27)

Problems with Papal Authority

1. Confusion of Programs

Kingdom vs. Grace Programs

• Kingdom program was to Israel

• Grace program revealed to Paul

• "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward" (Ephesians 3:1-2)

2. Misuse of Matthew 16:18

Context Matters

• Spoken to Peter about kingdom church

• Not about Body of Christ

• Different program entirely

• "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter" (Galatians 2:7)

3. Denies Paul's Unique Apostleship

Paul's Special Commission

• Given mystery revelation

• Apostle of the Gentiles

• Pattern for Body of Christ

• "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office" (Romans 11:13)

4. Creates False Hierarchy

All Believers Are Priests

• No special priesthood today

• All have direct access

• Christ alone is Head

• "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5)

The True Position in Christ

1. Complete in Christ

• "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:10)

• Need no additional mediator

• Full access through Christ

2. Direct Relationship

• No earthly head needed

• Christ is sufficient

• Personal priesthood of believer

3. Liberty in Christ

• Free from religious hierarchy

• Led by Spirit through Word

• "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Galatians 5:1)

Practical Implications

1. For Bible Study

• Read and study directly

• No need for official interpreter

• Spirit guides understanding

2. For Prayer

• Direct access to throne

• No human mediator needed

• Bold approach through Christ

3. For Christian Living

• Christ as personal head

• Scripture as final authority

• Grace relationship with God

Conclusion

Papal Authority:

• Contradicts grace truth

• Creates false mediator

• Denies full completion in Christ

• Mixes dispensations

Paul's Revelation:

• Shows direct access

• Establishes Christ as Head

• Provides complete salvation

• Maintains pure grace

"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God" (Colossians 2:18-19)

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