Posted on 03/08/2015 10:34:58 AM PDT by RaceBannon
Very good analysis. The subject of Jesus’ declaration of the “Rock” was Peter’s ANSWER. That answer, which acknowledged Jesus’ unity with God, is the rock upon Jesus built his Church. Think about it - is that concept, that teaching, not THE fundamental truth of Christianity? If course it is.
This doesn’t denigrate Peter in any way. In fact, Jesus holds him up as exemplifying the faith and understanding that comprises the true “church” of Christianity. But that doesn’t make Peter the LEADER of the Church! Such a conclusion is actually against that very teaching! Jesus had JUST praised Peter for acknowledging JESUS as the head of His Church!
This passage is the crux of the difference between Catholicism and Protestantism, and I personally believe it was done by Jesus to try to STOP anyone from claiming themselves “Pope” in his stead.
On the other hand, throwing the entity of Catholicism out because of the Pope issue is also foolish IMHO. Because the Catholic Church is, nevertheless, a repository of deep wisdom and learning and GENUINE Christianity.
I also believe, however, that it will take Jesus returning and grabbing EVERYONE by the back of the neck to resolve this issue, so I don’t lose sleep over it... anymore...
So why does Paul call him Cephas. IAC, I think the name is almost ironical. If there is anyone less “steady” it is Simon Peter. It is, though, like Jesus saw beneath all that swagger, all that bluster, something rock-solid. He is a lot like many Christians: like Pascal’s reed.
The True Church is the church that follows the true way. It is like a fairway on the golf course. Pretty broad, but better there than in the rough.
*divisive
But name changes matters. Abram becomes Abraham; Jacob becomes Israel. Saul becomes Paul.
Tl;dr: Peter was a perpetual heel in the New Testament, Goofus to Paul’s Gallant. Lovely.
Does that about sum it up?
I’m not seeing your point.
Probably why they picked Peter to be their rock. He denied Christ three times and let satan influence him at Christ’s apprehension.
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.
Refresh my memory. Which side breaks their boiled eggs on the large end and which on the small?
Too bad it so long and unreadable.
So Christ named His Apostle Peter, and Peter, the Apostles and their successors followed the words of Jesus and went forth and Baptized all nations.
They did a great job of Spreading the word of God to all people, including those who formed their own churches.
We should all thank the Apostles and successors for their work so that we may also believe in Jesus and His Catholic Church - the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic.
LOL!
“Thou art Peter and upon THIS Rock....”
The amount of linguistic gymnastics that you have to go through to pretend there is any way that after giving Simon bar Jonna, his new name Peter, that the next pronoun is a self reference by Christ, is the height of desperation.
You wouldn’t even bother with this embarrassing attempt if all of your anti-Catholic nonsense didn’t hang on it.
Oy vey! Why do i click on these threads? Christian in-fighting again. So wearisome!
Interesting choice of words.... and sadly, I have to agree that the "True Church" is following a "Pretty broad" way... but it's NOT the true way:
Matthew 7: 13-14
"13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Lots of folks in the Catholic Cult that are enjoying the easy, broad, "fairway" path?
So, it appears that the rough way is the right way. "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find are few."
I'll take "The Narrow Gate", the "hard way" by faith alone in Christ alone over trust in the "True Church."
Hoss
The only "linguistic gymnastics" that is practiced is by the Roman cult to twist scripture to fit its man-made teachings.
If being against those who teach a false gospel defines me in your mind as "anti-Catholic" then so be it. I'm anti-Romish Papistry nonsense.
But, if I bother you, just ignore my posts and you'll feel better.
Hoss
So, you’d rather not defend your ludicrous interpretation?
Thank you. The fact that Christ changes Peter’s name is often omitted from these discussions, as well as the tangible grant of earthly authority regarding the keys, which clearly references Isaiah 22, where a King is granting authority
Man, I sure have heard one Christian based church rail on others.
Did you read the article? Pretty clear to me. Go read it.
If you don't agree with it, I can't change your mind. But, I pray God does. Before it's too late.
Hoss
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