Reformation Reversed: Lutherans (ELCA)
Now In Communion With Rome
BY JEFF MAPLES
SEE: http://pulpitandpen.org/2016/08/17/reformation-reversed-lutherans-now-in-communion-with-rome/; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
Show me a church that’s in communion with Rome, and I’ll show you a church that isn’t in communion with Christ –Me
As we approach the year 2017, the 500th anniversary year of the Protestant Reformation, when Martin Luther nailed his famous work, Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences, also known as the 95 Theses, to the door of the church in Wittenberg, a dark cloud looms overhead. Ever since the mass exodus of Bible-believing Christians from the death grips of the Roman Catholic power structure over matters of doctrinal issues deemed to be damning to the souls of its adherents, Rome has countered with a tenacious pursuit to reverse the separation of good and evil. Through its quest for ecumenical unification under the authority of the pope, many have resisted–but not all.
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8
While the adherents to Martin Luther’s theology seem like they would be the last to cave under such measures, an unlikely candidate has risen to take the lead. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has just passed a nearly unanimous vote resolving that Lutherans and Catholics no longer have any “dividing issues” regarding the church, ministry, and the Eucharist. The document titled The Declaration of the Way, contains 32 statements of agreement between the two organizations. While the document explores some of the differences between the two churches, it still allows the two to be in communion with each other. In other words, they believe each other to be true Christian brothers and sisters.
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20
ELCA President, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, states,
This ‘Declaration on the Way’ helps us to realize more fully our unity in Christ with our Catholic partners, but it also serves to embolden our commitment to unity with all Christians.
There is a protective immunity clause in the document, however, that insulates them from criticism. On page 19, in the Ordination clause, the Holy Spirit is “invoked,” and it is affirmed that Roman Catholics and Lutherans who, through prayer and laying on of hands, ordain ministers, they receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Touch not thy anointed…right?
Many once sound churches and denominations have fallen victim to the ecumenical movement of Rome. They have capitulated to the lies and the deceit of the many councils said to soften their stance against their “separated brethren.” But the fact is, the Roman Catholic church still anathematizes any who refuse to believe their damning doctrine of salvation by works.
Canon 9 of the Catholic’s Council of Trent says,
If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.
Canon 12 says,
If any one shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy pardoning sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is that confidence alone by which we are justified…let him be accursed
Canon 14 says,
If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified, because that he assuredly believed himself absolved and justified; or, that no one is truly justified but he who believes himself justified; and that, by this faith alone, absolution and justification are effected; let him be anathema.
Canon 23 says,
lf any one saith, that a man once justified can sin no more, nor lose grace, and that therefore he that falls and sins was never truly justified; or, on the other hand, that he is able, during his whole life, to avoid all sins, even those that are venial, – except by a special privilege from God, as the Church holds in regard of the Blessed Virgin; let him be anathema.
and so on.
This council has never been overturned. It is still fully in effect and is the official doctrine of the Roman Catholic church, of which every priest, bishop, the pope–and every confirmed member of the church must affirm and adhere to. There are no two ways about it. Roman Catholicism is diametrically opposed to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Any church that is in communion with Rome does not understand the saving power of Grace through Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic gospel is a false gospel of works, through the sacraments, according to the traditions of the church and man. The true Gospel, as affirmed by Martin Luther and the Protestants is a Gospel of Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone, according to the Scriptures alone, for the glory of God alone.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. – 2 John 1:10-11
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See also:
- Why We Can’t Assume Catholics Are Saved
- Why We Don’t Consider Catholics to Be Christians (in as polite and simple terms possible)
- Can Roman Catholics Be Saved?
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