FRANKLIN GRAHAM HOPES THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH WILL "REMAIN UNMOVABLE" ON "BIBLICAL TEACHINGS"
BY JEFF MAPLES
republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
Who hates the Scriptures more than the church of Rome? The Roman Catholic Church has perverted the Grace of God, twisted His Word, and blasphemed His name more than any other religious system in the world. They are the counterfeit version of Christianity, masquerading as the final authority in Christendom while neglecting the very teachings of Christ.Those teachings of Christ we have today are found only in the Apostolic writings that we have collected in what we call the Bible. The Bible is the true believer’s final authority on all matters of faith and morals. This is known as the doctrine of Sola Scripture–a doctrine that the Roman Catholic Church wholly rejects.The Roman Catholic Church holds to a damning doctrine of salvation by works. That is, they reject the biblical teaching that Christ’s sacrifice is completely sufficient to save and that it requires the supplementation of the sacraments through the Church. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that we are saved not of our own doings, but by grace alone and that any good works we do are a result of our salvation, not the cause.For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – EphesiansFranklin Graham, son of the great Catholic compromiser, Billy Graham, wants the Roman Catholic Church to “remain unmovable” on biblical teachings.“I appreciate the Catholic Church remaining very strong on moral issues through the years, and I pray they will be immovable on teachings of the Bible,” he posted on Facebook recently.Does Franklin Graham really believe that the Roman Catholic Church has been faithful to God’s Word? Simply because they happen to fall on the right side of certain moral issues doesn’t mean we can stand with them as believers in Christ. The Roman Catholic Church does not have Christ. And if you do not have Christ, then your “good works” are nothing more than filthy rags in the eyes of a Holy God(Isaiah 64:6). Further, you cannot stand clothed in the righteousness of Jesus unless you have been saved by the blood of Jesus by His Grace alone, through faith alone.As Protestants and Evangelicals, we have historically stood on the final authority of God’s Word. We hold to the biblical Gospel of grace, while Rome holds to the damning Gospel of works. We cannot join with those who hold to a false gospel and proclaim a false Jesus in any spiritual matter, nor can we tolerate those who do (2 Corinthians 11:4). This is strictly forbidden by the Scriptures that Rome rejects as the final authority.Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14So what is the fascination with Rome? Why are so many evangelicals pushing for unity with the false church? The truth is, the true Gospel and the teachings of the Bible have become, in the words of former Southern Baptist president, Ronnie Floyd, “secondary matters.” Saving the world from the secular influx of immorality has become the Gospel that most professing Christians hold to. It has become more important to stop gay marriage, stop socialism, stop abortion, stop liberalism, and restore our freedoms than it is to proclaim Christ crucified.While these things are important, they have become for so many a golden calf of righteousness, and we have become so pragmatic in ideology that we’re willing to compromise the very truth of the Gospel in order to bring these things to pass. Morality, as opposed to Christ alone, has become both the means, and the end.The Church of Rome happens to agree with many biblical teachings on morals, therefore, they are seen as viable partners in the war on culture and faith, when in fact, we should be evangelizing Roman Catholics, calling them to repent of their hatred of God and his Word, and leading them to the truth that is found only in the Scriptures.What if these things are the judgment of God because the Church has neglected to proclaim the biblical truth? Do we really think we can restore our nation and turn it back to God by joining hands with those who reject Him? We must draw the line at justification. God is not going to save us, or restore us, through a false Gospel, or a false Jesus.The fear of man trumps the fear of God for so many. Matthew 10:28 says “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” There will be countless souls in eternal damnation who practiced morality. They will say “Lord Lord, did we not do many mighty works in your name? (Matthew 10:28)”“Depart from me,” Jesus will say. True works of righteousness are obeying God rather than men (Acts 5:29). We, as Christians and the Church, should be primarily calling people out of this world–not trying to fix it.Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” – John 18:36See also: