TOP 5 NA MGA TALATA SA BIBLE NA IPINAMEMORIZE NG IBANG MGA PASTOR SA KANILANG MGA MIYEMBRO PARA BIGYAN NG SARILING INTERPRETASYON, OPINYON AT IPANG ATAKE SA MGA KATOLIKO.
By: Bro D. Cartujano
1.) EXODUS 20:4 – NILALABAG NG MGA KATOLIKO ANG TALATANG ITO SA PAMAMAGITAN NG KANILANG PAGGAWA NG MGA LARAWAN NG MGA SANTO, DAHIL IDOLATRY ANG GINAGAWA NILA!
MY RESPONSE:
In Exodus 20:4, we can read the Hebrew word “Pesel” which
means “idol”. Pasal is a verb which means “carve out.” Pesel is a noun denoting something carved from wood or sculpted from stone, and when used in the Bible usually means a divine image carved from wood or stone. So both “graven image” and “idol” are good translations: “graven image” is more literal, and “idol” is clearer modern English. The English translation in Septuagint is correct. What is written in Septuagint is εἴδωλον (eidolon) meaning, “an image (i.e. for worship)”. If we study closely, idols are forbidden and not images. Having images does not mean that we adore them. There are many verses in the Bible that prove that images are not bad. (Exodus 25:18-20, 2 Chronicles 3:10, 1 Chronicles 28:18-19). Can the word “Pesel” be used to describe the statue of Mother Mary? No! We do not consider the statue of Mother Mary as an idol. If I use a Hebrew term for her image, I will use “Miqla’at.” According to a Hebrew Lexicon, we can find this definition of Miqla’at at The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament. Miqla’at: A feminine noun designating something carved or engraved. It indicates something that been cut out, whittle, such as flowers, cherubim, palm trees, etc. (1 Kings 6:18, 29, 7:31). It could be made of wood, stone, or metal.
If you will write a sentence for the image of the Virgin Mary, the
Hebrew word is Miqla’at (singular, both absolute and construct).
For example, a person created the image of the Virgin Mary.
Miqla’at ‘as’a (He made an image.) – absolute. Miqla’at bethulah ‘as’a. (He made an image of the virgin.) – construct:
a construct noun (Miqla’at “image OF”) tied to an absolute
noun (bethulah). Gleason Leonard Archer Jr. wrote this in his book: “The second commandment (Exod. 20:4-5) deal with
sin of idolatry and concerns itself, therefore, with the
fashioning of carved images or other representations of
“any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth
beneath or in the water under the earth” (NASB) for the
purposes of worshipping them as numinous powers or
deities. The connection between the first commandment,
“You shall have no other gods before Me” (v. 3,
NASB), and the second commandment is very close, and
furnishes a setting in which to understand the true, full
intent of this prohibition. Verse 5 continues this commandment
by specifying, “You shall not worship them
or serve them” (NASB). In other words, there are to be
no material likenesses made of person or things that
are likely to be worshiped as supernatural or divine.
That this is God’s intention is clearly brought out by the
passages cited in the question. Exodus 25:18, 20 specifies:
“You shall make two cherubim of gold, make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat….
And the cherubim shall have their wings spread upward,
covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing
one another” (NASB). In the great temple of Solomon,
the inner sanctum was to be guarded by two images
of cherubim at least fifteen or eighteen feet tall(“ten
cubits”), with a wing span of ten cubits as well (1 Kings
6:23-27). These cherubim would of course be invisible to
the general public of their location in the Holy of Holies,
protected from view by worshipers outside by its drape
or hanging. As such they could not become objects of
worship. But there were also figures of cherubim that
were carved into the wall of the “Holy Place,” along with
palm trees and open flowers (6:29,32). Apparently they
were hardly susceptible of becoming cult objects when
they were used as ornamentation along the walls in a
recurring pattern of this sort. Therefore they were not
considered objectionable or contrary to the mandate of
the second commandment.” (Page 116, Encyclopedia of
Bible Difficulties by Gleason L. Archer Jr.). He is not a Catholic. Gleason Leonard Archer Jr. was a Biblical Scholar.
Also, this is what Norman Geisler said in his book:
“First of all, the command against making “carved
images” was a command against making idols. God did
not command Moses to make an idol for the people to
worship but a symbol to which they could look in faith
and be healed. Later, the people made this symbol into
an idol. But this does not make symbol wrong. After all,
people have worshiped the Bible. This does not mean that
the Bible was intended by God as an idol. Further, not all
“images” are idols. Religious art contains images but it is
not thereby idolatrous. God also instructed Moses to make
cherubim (angels) for the ark, but they were not idols.” (Page 107, the Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Norman L. Geisler)
Norman L. Geisler is an Evangelical Scholar and he is not a
Catholic.
2.) EPHESIANS 2:8-9 – ITINUTURO NG MGA KATOLIKO NA KAILANGANG GUMAWA NG MABUTI, SUBALIT HINDI IYAN MAKAKAPAGLIGTAS SA ATIN KUNDI ANG ATING PANANAMPALATAYA LAMANG!
MY RESPONSE:
One of the Bible passages most commonly quoted by non-Catholics as saying that we are saved by Faith Alone is Ephesians 2:8–9.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”(Ephesians 2:8-10). Notice the verb that was used in verse 8, “For it is by grace you have been saved”…. is in the past participle. If you are going to read the whole chapter of Ephesians chapter 2 then you would really understand the truth, that this is referring to the first coming of Christ. The Ephesians 2:8 is talking about crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. “Destroying in his own flesh the wall – the hatred – which separated us. He abolished the Law with its commands and precepts. He made peace in uniting the two peoples in him, creating out of the two one New Man. He destroyed hatred and reconciled us both to God through the cross, making the two one body.”(Ephesians 2:15-16) The people cannot save themselves just by obeying the law (see: Galatians 2:11-16) so the Lord Jesus Christ had to die on the cross so that the gentiles will be brought closer to God. (Ephesians 2: 11-16). ARE GOOD WORKS NOT NECESSARY FOR SALVATION? Here’s the executive summary:
– Ephesians 2:8 doesn’t say anything about faith alone.
– Ephesians 2:9 does not mean that good works aren’t required.
Clearly good works are required, because according to Ephesians 2:10, that’s what we’re created for.
Ephesians 2:8-10 has been called the most concise summary of Pauline Theology in the New Testament terms such as “gift,” “faith,” “works,” and “boast”are central to St. Paul’s , message. The opposition between faith and works is especially well known. However, in comparing this text to St. Paul’s one of the dichotomy in earlier works can detect a significant difference. In Galatians 2:11-16, this language is linked to St. Paul’s struggle to ensure that Gentiles can enter the Church without adopting the “WORKS OF THE LAW” that traditionally separated Jew from Gentile such as male circumcision and food laws.
We must remember that Apostle Paul will not contradict his own writings since it was he who wrote Ephesians 2:8-10.
Also, according to Apostle Paul:
” I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself.”(Philippians 3:12)
Since he can still be scorned if he does not persevere and loyal till the very end.
“I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.”(1 Corinthians 9:27)
What did Jesus say?
“But whoever holds out to the end will be saved.”(Mark 13:13)
IS FAITH ALONE ENOUGH?
“Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples;”(John 8:31)
This proves “Faith Alone” is not enough!
If Christ taught “Faith Alone”, why does He need to give Jews conditions to abide by His words when they already believed in Him?
If “Faith Alone” suffices, why do you need more?
Apostle Peter said that it is necessary to add since faith alone is not enough.
“Because of this, make every effort to add integrity to your faith; and to integrity add knowledge; to knowledge add self-control; to self-control add endurance; to endurance add godliness; to godliness add Christian affection; and to Christian affection add love. If you have these qualities and they are increasing, it demonstrates that your knowledge about our Lord Jesus Christ is living and productive.”(2 Peter 1:5-8)
If “Faith Alone” is enough, why do we need “Hope” and “Love”?
If “Faith” suffices, why is love greater than faith?
“So these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the best one of these is love.”(1 Corinthians 13:13)
HOW WILL GOD JUDGE US ON JUDGMENT DAY?
This is what Christ said:
“When the Son of Man comes as King and all the angels with him, he will sit on his royal throne, and the people of all the nations will be gathered before him. Then he will divide them into two groups, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the righteous people at his right and the others at his left. Then the King will say to the people on his right, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.’ The righteous will then answer him, ‘When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!’”(Matthew 25:31-40)
The question is: How will those who inherit the Kingdom of God be saved? Feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, giving clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and helping those who are homeless are all good works.
3.) JOHN 3:16 – ANG MGA KATOLIKO ITINUTURO NILA NA KAILANGAN PA NG RELIHIYON SUBALIT ANG JOHN 3:16 ITO AY NAGPAPATUNAY NA HINDI NA KAILANGAN NG RELIHIYON KUNDI ANG MANAMPALATAYA KA LAMANG SA PANGINOONG JESUS!
MY RESPONSE:
They think that only John 3:16 is written in the Bible. The Holy Bible is so thick so we need to study it as a whole. Religion cannot save man unless man obeys what religion teaches.It is a big deception to say that religion is not needed but only a
relationship with Christ. If religion is not needed, why is God concerned about religion? “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)
There is a religion that follows the Will of God. According to Saint James, becoming a Christian requires understanding attitude.
One example is to visit orphans and widows during their sorrow.
That is why Saint James preached about morality and good acts
which is religious and pro-Catholic. The Works of Mercy is strong foundation for the Catholic Worker Movement. Also, It depends on how you define “religion.” Dictionary says: “the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God.” If so, then religion is necessary. Where in the Bible can you read that only relationship and not religion is needed? Many Catholics know the real meaning of that word “Religion” according to Bible Dictionary. RELIGION – Relationship of devotion to or fear of God (Page 526, Holman Concise Bible Dictionary)
One of the Bible passages most commonly quoted by non-Catholics as saying that we are saved by Faith Alone and Religion is not necessary is John 3:16.
Let’s analyze this verse (John 3:16): “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
According to the verse “MAY NOT PERISH” and “MAY HAVE LIFE ETERNAL”, it is not definite since we still have to follow the orders of Christ if we believe in Him. If we do not follow the Will of God, our belief will just be wasted. (Matthew 7:21-23) Saint Paul knows this since he knows he can be rejected if he cannot discipline himself to avoid things that can cause him to sin. (1 Corinthians 9:27) We need to be faithful to Christ forever according to what he wants (Mark 13:13)
4.) MATTHEW 6:7 – MALI ANG GINAGAWA NG MGA KATOLIKO DAHIL INUULIT-ULIT NILA ANG KANILANG MGA PANALANGIN!
MY RESPONSE:
Non-Catholics use the King James Version because this contains
“vain repetitions”. “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7, New King James Version) The problem is its word-for-word translation of “vain repetitions”. For those who study Greek, “matees epanalipsis” and it is not matees epanalipsis which is written in Greek but “battalogesete”. How did highly recommended versions translate Mathew 6:7 like NRSV? “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.” (Matthew 6:7, New Revised
Standard Version) Even in Aramaic peshitta, the Aramaic word “mepakakin” means “chatterers”. According to Exegetical Commentary on Matthew, by Dr. Spiros Zodhiates, page 54:
Not all repetition is babble. While in spiritual agony in the
Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Himself “prayed the third
time, saying the same words” (Matt. 26:44). You can repeat prayers as long as it does not go against God’s
teachings.
5.) REVELATION 22:18 – DINAGDAGAN NG MGA KATOLIKO ANG KANILANG BIBLE!
MY RESPONSE:
The bible versions used by Protestants only have 66 books
while the Catholics church has 73 books. According to Protestants, the deuterocanonical books used by Catholics were just invented and added by the Catholic Church to support their doctrines. No knowledgeable bible scholars (Catholics and Protestants) particularly those who studied the original texts say the Catholic Church invented those books.
According to Patrick W. Skehan in page 20 of his book, The
Wisdom of Ben Sira: “It is clear, first of all, that for Greek-speaking Jews both in Palestine and in the Diaspora, The Wisdom of Ben Sira in pre-Christian times was considered one of their sacred writings, for it was included in the LXX. Sirach, Tobit and 1 and 2 Maccabees are all Jewish compositions which PRE-DATE the Jewish/Christian split. RABBINIC Judaism did not include them in the Hebrew Bible, but the Jews who followed Jesus did. Sirach and Tobit and the other deuterocanonical texts were translations of late Jewish originals. The Septuagint included them because it found them in use among contemporary Jewish communities. One scholarly book of The New Testament in Antiquity recognizes the value of the Book of Sirach. (Page 67, the New Testament in Antiquity). Did you know a non-Catholic bible scholar Michael Lincona used the Book of Maccabees in his book Evidence for God: 50 Arguments for Faith from the Bible, History, Philosophy, and Science to support his argument about the Resurrection?
Do Protestant Bible Scholars agree with the interpretation
of some Protestants and Pastors about Revelation 22:18
for the deuterocanonical books?
Let us read his commentary in his book, Breaking the Code – Understanding the Book of Revelation, in page 106: “When books were copied by hand, scribes would occasionally add comments of their own or leave out words they thought were unsuitable. John therefore includes
at the end of his book a solemn warning (similar to that
found in Deut. 4:2; 12:32) declaring that nothing should
be added or deleted, for the very good reason that it is a
revelation from God (22:18-19).” The Protestants like the King James Version with additional text written in 1 John 5:7-8 which is not in the ancient Greek manuscripts.
