Catholic defenders use this verse to deny the apostasy of the first century church. In their reasoning they say that nobody (even death) could topple the church.
Their interpretation is very far from the context written in the bible.
What does Christ mean by His pronouncement that "gates of hell shall not prevail against it”?
If we search the old scriptures and find for related pronouncement, the expression is taken from Isaiah 25:8 saying
“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.”
When Apostle Paul used this verse, he did NOT mean “continuity” or “dominance” of the church as interpreted by the Catholic defenders. “Victory over death” is no other than resurrection. (1 Cor 15: 54-55).
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
So then, what is the most strong biblical proof that rebukes the claim of Catholic defenders about their so-called "continuity" of Church?
The answer is from the statement of Lord Jesus Christ Himself saying,
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16)
How can "other sheep" which are NOT of this fold be one fold with one shepherd?
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
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