The Catholic Church, led by the infamous Pope Francis, has a false salvation plan that continues to damn multitudes of people to the everlasting torments of the fires of Hell. Pope Francis is famous in the eyes and minds of his devoted followers. But, Pope Francis is infamous to those who are not afraid to face the real Biblical truth about his doctrinal deceptions. Pope Francis is like a rotting corpse who has been prepared by a really skilled, deceptive, religious mortician. He has a sly smile that deceives multitudes of gullible people. Pope Francis kisses babies and hugs the poor. He promotes world peace and prosperity. Pope Francis has made the Catholic Church’s religion of death appear to be full of life. But, those who continue to blindly put their trust in the Catholic Church’s false salvation doctrine are doomed to Hell. The Catholic Church salvation doctrine, promoted by Pope Francis, is unbiblical, as it always has been.
The false teaching about salvation by Pope Francis can be seen in his speech given at Saint Peter’s Square on June 25th 2014.
“No one becomes Christian on his or her own! Is that clear? No one becomes Christian by him – or herself. Christians are not made in a laboratory. A Christian is part of a people who comes from afar. The Christian belongs to a people called the Church and this Church is what makes him or her Christian, on the day of [water] Baptism, and then in the course of catechesis, and so on. But no one, no one becomes Christian on his or her own.” (1)
Pope Francis falsely states that water baptism and other things are required for salvation. In the minds and teachings of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis, salvation is achieved by various Christian acts. But, this is unbiblical. Water baptism cannot help save anyone from the penalty of sins. Baptism in water is an important step in Christian growth, but it does not cause a person to become a Christian. Water baptism is the first step of obedience for a spiritually new born Christian. We are all excited when a baby takes their first step. But, this first step does not make them human. Neither does the first step of water baptism, after salvation, make a person a born again Christian.
Matthew 28:18-19 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Pope Francis is continuing to endorse the corrupt, Catholic Catechism false teaching about water baptism being required for salvation. We will examine the following quote from the Catholic Catechism exposing that it is laced with poisonous, deadly doctrinal lies about salvation by water baptism. Note: As you read the following quote, keep in mind that the term “original sin”, in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, means the first sin that Adam committed in the Garden of Eden. The Catholic Catechism’s reference to baptism in the following quote always means water baptism, not baptism by the Spirit of God. Also, keep in mind as you read the following Catholic Catechism quote that we do not agree with the false doctrine that is being taught in the quote. As you will notice, the Catholic Catechism even misuses Scriptures in the quote. The Scriptures that are used in most Catholic Catechism are misinterpreted by Catholic writers. Even the Scriptures that they use in Catholic Catechism are usually from the corrupt Catholic Bible translation. After the Catholic Catechism quote, we will refute the false salvation doctrine being taught by the following Catholic Catechism quote:
“[Water] Baptism (CCC 1213–1284)
Because of original sin [first sin of Adam], we are born without grace in our souls, so there is no way for us to have fellowship with God. Jesus became man to bring us into union with his Father. He said no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is first born of ‘water and the Spirit’ (John 3:5)—this refers to [water] baptism.
Through [water] baptism we are born again, but this time on a spiritual level instead of a physical level. We are washed in the bath of rebirth (Titus 3:5). We are [water] baptized into Christ’s death and therefore share in his Resurrection (Rom. 6:3–7).
[Water] baptism cleanses us of sins and brings the Holy Spirit and his grace into our souls (Acts 2:38, 22:16). And the apostle Peter is perhaps the most blunt of all: ‘Baptism now saves you’ (1 Pet. 3:21). [Water] Baptism is the gateway into the Church.” (2)
Catholic Catechism, endorsed by Pope Francis, falsely says that the water in John 3:5 is referring to being born again by water baptism.
John 3:3-7 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
When we compare Scriptures with Scriptures, we find the true meaning of what Jesus was telling Nicodemus about being born again. If you study this with an open mind and heart, you will realize that the Catholic Church has misinterpreted the conversation of Jesus with Nicodemus. The following is the correct interpretation of Jesus’ talk with Nicodemus:
Jesus told Nicodemus that he could not see the kingdom of God if he was not born again. In other words, there is no salvation without a new birth, John 3:3.
Nicodemus misunderstood Jesus and thought that he had to be born again as a baby from his mother’s womb, John 3:4.
Jesus answered Nicodemus’ question. He explained to him that there are two births. The first birth is when you are born of water from your mother’s womb. Any doctor or midwife will tell you that the development of a baby takes place in a sack of water. Just before the baby is born, the water breaks, preparing the way for the baby to be born.
Jesus tells Nicodemus that he had to be born from his mother’s womb before he could later be born spiritually to enter the kingdom of God. Neither is the water birth describing the Word of God. The Word of God is the instrument that leads us to salvation. But, it is the Spirit of God that actually performs the new birth in a dead, unregenerate soul. The Holy Spirit gives life to the dead soul, John 3:5.
The King James Bible has a built in dictionary. The King James Bible often repeats the same thing in a different way to help us understand the true meaning of Scriptures. This is exactly what happens in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus further clarifies that there are two births necessary for salvation. First, you must be born of the flesh. The flesh birth is the water birth. But, to enter the kingdom of God, you must be born of the Spirit. In John 3:6, Jesus did not say that you must be born of the water (Word of God) and the Spirit. He simply said that you need to be born again by the Spirit. Therefore, we conclude that there is a physical birth, and there is a spiritual birth. The spiritual birth is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. But, if you were not born physically, it would be impossible for you to be born spiritually, John 3:6-7.
Catholic Catechism, endorsed by Pope Francis, falsely says that Titus 3:5 and Romans 6:3-7 teach that through water baptism we are spiritually born again. They claim that water baptism is a bath that gives us rebirth.
Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Here we will refute the Catholic teaching that water baptism is a bath that gives us rebirth. We are clearly taught in Titus 3:5 that our works of righteousness will not save us from Hell. The new birth is performed by the actions of the Holy Spirit, not by an act of water baptism. This new birth accomplished by the act of the Holy Ghost is further described in Colossians 2:11-12. It is the Holy Ghost who washes us by regenerating our dead soul. The Holy Ghost renews our soul causing us to be born again. The new birth is accomplished by a spiritual operation, not by an act of water baptism. The Holy Ghost covers our sins and does a spiritual operation in our soul. When we are born again, it is a spiritual baptism performed by the Holy Ghost, not by water baptism. This spiritual circumcision for salvation is done without hands. Unscriptural baptism done by a priest or Pope Francis is done by using their hands.
Colossians 2:11-12 “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, [water baptism is done by using hands] in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism [Holy Ghost baptism], wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God [operation performed by the Holy Spirit], who hath raised him from the dead.”
Neither does Romans 6:3-7 describe water baptism, as falsely taught by Pope Francis and Catholic Catechism.
Romans 6:3-7 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
The one and only real baptism by the Holy Ghost is being described in Romans 6. It is the Spirit of God who baptizes us into the body of Christ, not water baptism.
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
When the Holy Ghost delivers us from the penalty of sin, giving us the new birth, the new birth gives us life like Christ has since he rose from the grave. The new birth is made possible by the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins. Just as Jesus was resurrected to life from the dead, we can have new life through Him. Jesus had the victory over all sins and the grave for us. Jesus promised to send the Holy Ghost back to baptize believers, giving them life. Since Jesus returned to Heaven, the Holy Ghost causes us to be born again when we trust Jesus as Saviour. We were dead in sins, but Jesus died for all of those sins. When we repent and believe on Jesus as our Saviour, we receive spiritual life just like Jesus has life, Romans 6:3-5.
Water baptism does not free us from the grip of sins, but baptism by the Spirit of God does free us. The Scriptures clearly tell us that there is only one real baptism, Ephesians 4:5. The one real baptism is the baptism that we receive by the Holy Spirit to save us. When we are baptized by the Spirit, we are no longer obligated to serve sin. We have a new, divine nature to help us overcome the grip of sins. Our old, sin nature is dead, but our new, divine nature, that we receive when we are born again by the Holy Ghost, frees us from the penalty of sin, Romans 6:6-7.
Catholic Catechism, endorsed by Pope Francis, falsely says that Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16 teach that water baptism cleanses us of sins.
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
For one thing, the book of Acts is a transitional book. It is improper to form doctrine from Scriptures in the book of Acts. Just because water baptism follows repentance in the verse, this does not mean that repentance plus water baptism is required for the remission of sins and to receive the Holy Ghost. The following is an example of how a person can do additional things that do not result in the final payment. If you go to work and work for eight hours and eat lunch for one-half hour, you do not get paid for eating lunch. You get paid for working. In other words, you could say I work, eat lunch and then I get paid. You did not get paid because you ate lunch. Likewise, you get the gift of the Holy Ghost because of repentance, not because of water baptism. Water baptism should follow the new birth, but it is not the new birth. Water baptism is the first step of an obedient believer who already has received the gift of salvation by the promise of the indwelling Holy Ghost.
If water baptism was necessary for the remission of sins, Jesus would certainly have told His disciples in some of His final words to them. But, He simply told them to preach repentance for the remission of sins, as seen in Luke 24.
Luke 24:46-47 “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
As stated, Catholic Catechism, endorsed by Pope Francis, falsely says that Acts 22:16 teaches water baptism is necessary to wash away sins.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
It is not the water baptism that washes away a person’s sins. Sins are washed away when the repentant person calls on Jesus, believing on Him as their Saviour. Water baptism cannot wash away Adam’s sins or any person’s sins. It is the pure, precious blood of Jesus that washes away all of our sins, Acts 22:16.
Revelation 1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”
When the blood of Jesus is applied to our sins by God, they are all washed away. We are made completely clean by the blood of Jesus. When the blood of Jesus washes away our sins, there are no sins left to be washed away. Water baptism has no power to wash away sins or cleanse sins, as falsely proclaimed by the Catholic Church.
As stated, Catholic Catechism, endorsed by Pope Francis, falsely says that 1 Peter teaches water baptism saves us. This is an incorrect and misleading interpretation of the verse.
1 Peter 3:21 “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:”
The key word in 1 Peter 3:21 is “figure”. Water baptism is a figure or picture of salvation. Another word for figure is the word “picture”. It would be like me taking a picture of my wife and showing her picture to everyone who I meet. It would be proper to say this is my wife, as I showed her picture. But, in reality, the picture is not really my wife. It is only a picture or figure of my wife. The picture shows others what my wife looks like. It is proper to say that, “baptism doth also now save us.” But, we must remember to read it in the context of 1 Peter 3. It is a figure of when we were saved. It is not the real salvation, but instead it is a figure or picture of when we were saved. 1 Peter 3:21 clearly says that water baptism is a figure and not the real baptism accomplished by the Holy Spirit at the point of salvation. Water baptism is a figure or picture of our salvation. When you go under the water, it shows others how you were dead in sins. When you are raised out of the water, it shows others how the Holy Spirit gave you new life when you repented and believed on Jesus as your Saviour. It is your salvation in picture form. Water baptism does not save you in reality. It is a picture of your salvation. Baptism by the Holy Ghost puts away the filth of the flesh. Water baptism does not put away the filth of the flesh. Water baptism shows others that you have a good conscience because you already have salvation through the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Water baptism also pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis agrees with “Catholic Answers” that water baptism can remit (take away) Adam’s first (original) sin and actual sins they commit. The Catholic Church teaches that babies inherit Adam’s first sin of eating the forbidden fruit. “Catholic Answers” falsely states that infants and young children need to have Adam’s first, original, sin removed by water baptism. Catholics teach that older persons need to have both the first, original, sin of Adam and actual sins taken away by remission through water baptism. A baby is born with Adam’s fallen sin nature. Every person sins because they are born with a sinful nature.
1 John 3:4 “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Notice the improper salvation doctrine taught in the following quote from “Catholic Answers” about the purpose of water baptism:
“Catholic Answers!
‘Since the New Testament era, the Catholic Church has always understood [water] baptism differently, teaching that it is a sacrament which accomplishes several things, the first of which is the remission of sin, both original sin and actual sin—only original sin in the case of infants and young children, since they are incapable of actual sin; and both original and actual sin in the case of older persons.’” (3)
It is unbiblical to baptize a baby or anyone else for Adam’s first sin in the Garden. Baptism has no power to wash away sins. There is not one instant in the Bible where a baby was ever baptized in water. In fact, the Bible clearly teaches in Acts 8 that a person must believe on Jesus before being water baptized. Sadly, the Catholic Bible takes Acts 8:38 out of its corrupt Bible translation so that it can practice baby baptism by water. No doubt, the Catholic Church knows that this false teaching about water baptism gives them power over the people they deceive.
Acts 8:36-38 “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
After Philip explained the Scriptures, about salvation through Jesus, to the eunuch, the eunuch wanted to know what was stopping him from being water baptized, Acts 8:36.
Philip told the eunuch that he had to believe. The eunuch understood that he had to repent and believe on Jesus as his Saviour. Belief on Jesus as Saviour is a requirement before water baptism can properly take place. Babies cannot be biblically water baptized because they cannot believe, Acts 8:37.
When Philip understood that the eunuch had believed on Jesus as his Saviour, he water baptized the eunuch. Water baptizing a baby or anyone else that does not believe on Jesus as their Saviour does great harm. It gives them the false assurance that water baptism has washed away their sins. Also, the Catholic mode of water baptism by sprinkling is unbiblical. Sprinkling as a form of water baptism would be like throwing a little bit of dirt on someone when they are dead. When we are water baptized, it pictures our burial. Can you imagine going to the cemetery and the preacher says, “Now they are buried”, as he sprinkles just a little dirt over the open grave? No! When we bury someone, we completely cover them up. Pretty soon, the dead body would smell if it was not completely buried. Notice that both Philip and the eunuch went into the water. This is because Philip completely put the eunuch under water, picturing burial. We really cannot imagine that a priest or Pope Francis could both fit into their little cup of water, Acts 8:38!
Ezekiel 18:19-20 “Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”
Ezekiel and other books of the Bible plainly tell us that a son would not bear the iniquity, sin, of his father. Even though we are faced with the affects of Adam’s sin we are not accountable for his first sin, as falsely taught by the Catholic Church, Ezekiel 18:19.
Since we are all born with a sin nature which leads us to sin, we will be cast into Hell for our own sins, if we are not saved. We will not be cast into Hell because of Adam’s first sin. We are not born bearing the first sin of Adam. Therefore, this is a false, Catholic doctrine to teach that we need to have Adam’s first sin washed away as a baby. Besides, as already stated, water baptism cannot wash away any sin, Ezekiel 18:20.
Water baptism is a work of righteousness. Our righteousness cannot save us. Even Jesus was baptized in water. Jesus did not have any sins that He needed to wash away. But, after are sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, we are supposed to do righteous acts to obey God and to show our love to God etc. Jesus was baptized in water as an act of obedience to God the Father. Also, Jesus was baptized in water to show us what we are supposed to do after we repent and believe on Jesus. Notice that Jesus was not a baby when He was baptized in water. If it was biblical to baptize babies, Jesus should have been baptized as a baby. But, it is not biblically proper to baptize babies according to the Bible! It is proper to be baptized in water, as an act of righteousness, after we are saved.
Matthew 3:13-15 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”
If we are trying to do acts of righteousness, including water baptism, to be saved, it is like a filthy rag before God. Jesus said that water baptism is a righteous act. The righteous act of water baptism cannot save us or help us to be saved. Our righteous acts cannot wash away any of our sins.
Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses [including water baptism for salvation] are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
The Catholic Church, endorsed by Pope Francis, encourages parents to bring their babies to be water baptized. These babies have no control over being baptized by water. In other words, they are being forced into water baptism. These babies do not understand why they are being baptized by water, and they are not choosing to be baptized by water. If water baptism could really remove sin, Paul would have baptized as many babies as he could by the same force and deception used by the Catholic Church. But, instead, Paul said that if people were getting water baptized for the wrong reason, he would rather have baptized none. Paul said that he was not sent to baptize people in water. But, he was sent to preach the gospel. In other words, water baptism is not a part of the gospel that can save a lost soul. The Catholic Church and Pope Francis are watering down the effect of the cross with water baptism. The gospel is that Christ died, was buried, and rose again, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
1 Corinthians 1:14-17 “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
If you have been misled about salvation by the Catholic Church and the salvation plan of Pope Francis, we encourage you to repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour. Call on Jesus in a sinner’s prayer and receive Him as your Saviour. Receiving the bread and wine in communion is not receiving Jesus as your Saviour. Just as there is no power in water baptism to cleanse sins, communion has no power to give grace to live by. Catholics are taught to deceive soul winners when they are asked if they have received Jesus. They are taught to answer, “Yes, I have received Jesus”. But, they simply mean that they receive the falsely perceived body and blood of Jesus in communion. Also, when asked if they have been born again, a Catholic is taught to say, “Yes, I am born again”. They simply mean that they have been baptized by water. They believe that water baptism is the new birth. They may fool others about their salvation, but they will not fool God who has provided true salvation for them, as described in the Scriptures. If you have trusted in water baptism to save you as a baby or even as an older person, this is a false salvation. It is time to get true salvation before it is too late!
Also, we encourage Jewish people, who put their trust in many rituals and righteous acts trying to save themselves, to repent of their sins and believe on Jesus for salvation.
To read a related article about the Catholic Church doctrine titled, “Catholic Church Teaches Devil’s Doctrines!”, please click on the following short link: http://wp.me/p35lgT-XS
You can right click on the picture in this post to see a larger picture. To go back to the article, right click the back arrow at the top left of the page.
HIBM Editorial by Avi Goldstein * Pope Francis Salvation Plan! – Dr. K. Daniel Fried, Editor in Chief – copyright © 2015 hopeofisrael.net
Short Link: http://wp.me/p35lgT-YH
Bibliography:
POPE FRANCIS GENERAL AUDIENCE St. Peter’s Square Wednesday, 25 June 2014
(1) http://w2.vatican.va
Baptism (CCC 1213–1284)
(2) http://www.catholic.com
Catholic Answers On Infant Baptism!
(3) http://www.catholic.com
Picture:
Pope Francis Falsely Washes Away Sin!
http://www.people.com
******************************************
Copyright © 1997-2015 – HIBM All editorial comments, opinions, articles, video, and audio authored or written by Hope of Israel Baptist Mission, Inc. (HIBM) or by any of its affiliated/associated staff is copyrighted by HIBM, all rights reserved worldwide. The information on this site cannot be stored on BBS or Internet sites or otherwise used without written permission from HIBM. Articles may not be sold or placed by themselves or with other material in any electronic format for sale, but may be distributed free by e-mail or print media. They must be left intact and nothing removed or changed, including informational headers or footers. Any non-HIBM articles, videos, audio, etc. included in these postings or within this website (www.hopeofisrael.net) are copyrighted by their respective authors and permission must be granted accordingly by them. HIBM will not be responsible for any copyright infringements or misuse by others. HIBM does its best to reference all materials contained herein wherever possible, and otherwise abides by the Fair Use Act (17 USC 107 et seq.); however, in the unlikely case that credits are missing or information is inaccurate, we ask to be immediately notified of any needed corrections. Disclaimer: All opinions contained herein are not intended to offend or misrepresent any person or organization. Their purpose is to educate and tell readers about proper Biblical teachings about the issues of today, including factual supportive statements or Biblically-based rebuttals to contrary or false teachings, whether they be about the Bible, Israel, Christianity, Bible Doctrines and Customs, Prophecy, End-Times, and Biblical Moral Responsibilities. Use of embedded or excerpted articles, research, or quotes does not necessarily indicate endorsement of the author or organization. Standard disclaimers apply to all material on http://www.hopeofisrael.net. Email: webmaster@hopeofisrael.net. Hope Of Israel Baptist Mission, Inc., PO Box 1700 Powder Springs, GA 30127 USA
“The use of media materials is protected by the Fair Use Clause of the US Copyright Act of 1976, which allows for the rebroadcast of copyrighted materials for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education”
About The Author
