The Supreme Authority in the Church of Jesus Christ    [Return to Roman Catholicism Page]

The Pope or the Scriptures?

Authority in the Roman Catholic Church ultimately rests in the Pope as the supposed successor to St. Peter. The Pope then teaches doctrine to the faithful-being "infallible" (!) in matters of faith and morals when making official proclamations.

Therefore the Roman Catholic institution claims that it alone interprets Scripture for the faithful, combining apostolic traditions and succession with its own authority.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994 edition) Chapter 2, Article 2, Paragraph 85 we read:

"The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living, teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ."

This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

Further, from Chapter 2, Article 2, Paragraph 85 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read:

"The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him."

The Roman Catholic institution thus interposes itself between the people and God - making it an all-powerful mediator and interpreter of the Word of God to those caught up in this error. This then is the source of the errors and heresies of the Roman Catholic Church - a dependence on fallible and sinful men rather than the infallible Word of God.

The Holy and Inspired Word of God must be the final authority for any Christian.

The Evangelical Christian who is grounded in the Scriptures knows that the sole authority in the TRUE church of the Living God is the Scripture alone-Sola Scriptura. The Bible teaches us plainly:

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
- 2 Timothy 3:15-17

The Apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was not referring to any "Magisterium" or the RC church because neither was in existence yet!

Read also: Matthew 4:1-11, Matthew 22:29, Mark 12:29, Acts 17:11

This is the key issue and one to be studied by Evangelicals. Roman Catholicism's blasphemous claims of being the supreme and exclusive authority hold millions in bondage.

Once the SUPREME authority for the Christian is established - we can then judge the key tenets of Romanism by the light of the REAL authority in the Body of Christ - the Scripture.

For further reading:

"Scripture Alone"-A MUST READ !

"Sola Scriptura" by A.A. Hodge

Sola Scriptura proven from the Bible:

"Sola Scriptura" by Mike Gendron

"The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture"

Disclaimer: Joe Pavone does not necessarily agree with all content contained in the websites listed herein. He does however endorse these individual sites as great resources on their particular subject matter.

You may email Joe Pavone at: joe@calvinistcontender.org