Posted on 03/24/2015 8:06:07 AM PDT by RnMomof7
Just last Sunday, a local newspaper paper released an article teaching that the praying of the Holy Rosary is Bible-based. In the first two paragraphs, the writer admittedly says that there is no passage in the Bible teaching nor mentioned about the praying of Rosary.
However, in the following paragraphs, the writer justified the praying of the Rosary basing it on the repetition of historical events of some Bible characters (like Gideon as he mentioned) about Israels history.
I dont know if the writer of this article did some research about the origin of rosary and how it was deeply encouraged for Roman Catholics.
Praying of Rosary was encouraged when Lucia Dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto claimed to have an apparation from an angel teaching them to pray in the spring of 1916. They were asked to pray repeatedly by the angel who appeared to them. This is why the Catholics were convinced that they have to pray repeatedly.
The flaw however in the story was that, the angel gave two sets of completely different prayers. The angel appeared to the three children three times.
Then after a year, 1917, it was said that Our Lady of Rosary had an apparitions for 7 times. In her second apparition the Our Lady said:
I wish you to come here the 13th of next month; that you say the Rosary every day, and that you learn to read. In succeding months I will tell you what else I want. I would like to ask you to bring us to Heaven, said Lucy. Yes, Giacinta and Francis will be among the few, but you must stay here for a long time. Jesus wants to help Himself of you to make Me known and loved. God wishes you to remain in the world for some time because He wants to use you to establish in the world a devotion to my Immaculate Heart. I promise salvation to those who embrace it, and their souls will be loved by God as flowers placed by myself to adorn His throne. Lucy asked: Will I stay here alone?, Dont be discouraged , I will not abandon you ever. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and through it will conduct you to God.
Now here are the flaws of this apparition. First, the Our Lady is telling the children to teach the people to make her known and be loved. Note that the apparition was initiated not by Jesus, nor an angel, but the very person who wants to be made known. It is like, someone came to you and asked you using the name of your friend to introduce her to other people that you know.
The second flaw, Our Lady promises salvation to those who embrace this command. A completely heretical claim, and totally in contrast to what the Bible is saying. The Bible is very clear in saying that whosoever believes in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Only God can give salvation. This is the Biblical truth that cannot be altered, deducted nor added.
Third flaw, Our Lady claims that her immaculate heart will be our refuge and through it will conduct you to God. This is another contradiction to what the Bible is saying. Come to me all you labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest (Matt.11:28), I am the way the truth and the life, NO ONE comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).
The truth is, there is only one mediator between God and man, it is only Jesus Christ (Hebrews chapters 6,7,8,9, and 10)
This is the statement coming from the third apparition:
In october I will tell you who I am, that which I want, and I will do a miracle that all can see and believe. Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say often this prayer, especially during any sacrifice: O my Jesus, I offer this for love of Thee, for the conversion of poor sinners, and in reparation for all the sins commited against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The flaw of the third apparition is the claiming of honor which belongs to Jesus Christ, and the idea of co-equality with Jesus. Though she did not claim co-equality, but the fact of showing that people committed sins against her proposes the idea of deity that people needs to be so sorry for not recognizing her. The Bible tells us that there are three persona where we committed sins, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now, here comes the Mary, an addition to the Holy Trinity.
You have seen Hell, where the souls of poor sinners go. To save future souls God wishes to establish in the world the devotion to My Immaculate Heart. If people do what I tell you, many souls will be saved. Then She said: If my requests are granted, Russia will be converted and there will be peace. If not, she will scatter her errors throughout the world, provoking wars and persecution of the Church. The good will be martyed, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, and various nations will be destroyed But in the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, Russia will be converted, and a certain period of peace will be granted to the world. Do you want to learn a prayer? the vision asked, Yes we do! the children responded. When you recite the Rosary, say at the end of each decade: Oh My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy.
Now lets look at this additional quotations from the third apparition. This is more like Our Lady centered command rather than Jesus centered command. Russia will be consecreted to Our Lady of Rosary than instead of Jesus. Notice the number of recitation of the Rosary. At the end of each decade (10), there is only one calling for Jesus help.
This is quoted from the last (6th) apparition
I am the Lady of the Rosary, I desire here a chapel in my honor to be built, that people continue to recite the Rosary every day. Will the war finish. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes. Then Lucy asked: may I ask you for cures and conversions, will you grant them?. Some yes, others no. It is necessary that they ask pardon for their sins, that they dont offend God our Lord, and that he is already too much offended. Do you Want anything else from me? Lucy asked. I do not want anything more.
The flaw of the 6th apparition is that the Lady of the Rosary is asking for a chapel in HER honor, and not Jesus nor the Fathers honor. We have to note that taking glory which supposed to be for God is a serious sin, this is idolatry.
The apparition is completely directing people in a wrong path. It is completely in contradiction with what the Bible is saying. The Bible warn us about these kinds of apparitions in Galatians 1:8 But even though we (referring to Paul and his companions) or an angel from heaven, which should preach to you any gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. This is a strong warning that we should be careful in believing apparitions especially if it gives another teachings that what the Bible already have taught us.
Just some additional observations concerning the apparition of Our Lady of Rosary. Our Lady appeared 6 times. In Hebrew culture (the Israelite culture), 6 is the imperfect number. A number usually associated with evil things. Thus, the number of the Beast in the Book of Revelations tells us that it is 666.
Another observation is the dates of the apparition. The apparition dates are significantly on the 13th of every month of that year. Even until, Roman Catholics believe that 13th is always associated with evil things like Friday the 13t h bad luck and not placing 13th floor on buildings. Not to mention all the horror movies that happens on Friday the 13th.
Now let me ask you, do you really believe that these apparitions comes from God? These apparition and commands are completely in contrast to what the Bible teaches us. They are Our Lady of Rosary centered rather than God centered. The apparitions promotes glory and honor for Our Lady of Rosary rather than the glory of God. And finally, even culture related things are in contradiction to the apparitions. Not to mention its lack of Apostolicity and Biblical support.
Is this a general rule or just the RF?
It is a rule on the RF, you would have to ask the Admin Moderator if it is a rule elsewhere.
On the News Forum, I do know that trolls are an exception.
Thank you! :-)
No. Paul wanted everyone to read it. If God had wanted it it would be in the Bible. Do you honestly believe that the Creator is helpless?!
You’ve got some splainin to do.
I will let Sacred Scripture splain it. All of these verses support the concept that Mary is the mother of God. I have yet to see anything that contradicts that concept.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:18-23
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:26-35
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Luke 1:39-45
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:4-12
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:25-35
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Matthew 2:1-15
Are you claiming that if somebody whispers upon the name of Jesus, that might be prayer; but if someone openly & publicly & directly calls unto Jesus, well that's somehow clearly not prayer?
(Your parsing is at least humorous...I love getting such prompted smiles)
Perhaps the most literal translation of the word (in context) is: "a calling upon unto"
Westcott & Hort GNT - Literal Translation: Acts 7
The Greek word in question is: epikaleo per lexiconcordance.com
The various contextual usages of this word is simply "call" as it's etymologically tied to the Greek word "kaleo" and it includes to "invoke" (as how the Name of Jesus was invoked/called upon in Acts 9:14) or to "appeal" ... as in Acts 25:21 and 28:19 where it is used to appeal to the highest governmental authority (Caesar).
Prayer or "pray" is simply an overall umbrella word used in the Scriptures for ALL types of communication with God. In the Scriptures, we find various types of prayer...for example (not meant to be exhaustive):
* Confession
* Thanksgiving
* Supplication
* Intercessory (on behalf of others)
* Blessing
* Imprecatory (numerous psalms)
Believe me, if I am a judge in a courtroom, I would eventually receive ALL of these (& other) types of communication from the parties involved...
...confessions of crimes,
...thanksgiving from victims that justice was served,
...intercessory pleas to be lenient on those to be sentenced,
...and just the opposite...others who rein down imprecatory condemnations upon the guilty, asking that I toss the book at 'em...
And guess what? Appeals would be part of that process, too.
And yes, if I was Lord Jesus, somebody calling me, appealing to me, etc. IS talking to me and IS expecting a response based upon authoritative Lordship!
But, hey. A "C+" for "effort" on a legalistic attempt to narrowly define communication with the Lord Jesus!
That’s good stuff!
Even better is that any believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He is the Word of God and that the Bible has been composed and preserved under the direct supervision of God the Holy Spirit...any such believer is going to be correct in his theology without knowing the details of why.
As they choose to follow Abraham, Moses, and prophets, and Christ. What is your objection? Of course God must allow competition to test the people, (Judges 2:21-23) and thus you have Muhammad, Joe Smith etc. But who are contrary to Christ.
Who knows what you're missing out on:
Indeed, only God knows, and since He did not consider them important to be preserved, or the body of Christ did not find that they fed their souls as did the books of Scripture, then you beef is with God and the body of Christ.
Obviously it was important. God wanted everyone to read it. So it wasn't God that didn't put it in the Bible, that was man's choice.
Obviously? And the word of the Lord does not remain due to man? Rather than your reasoning, what is obvious is that God preserves His word even though man seeks to destroy it. When Moses broke the tablets then God made a new set, and when Jehudi cut the written word of God with the penknife, and cast it into the fire, God commanded, "Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned." (Jeremiah 36:28)
And if there was no word of God, as a body of Truth that was progressively established by the community then one could not ever be charged with adding or subtracting from it.
one thing is for certain, God wanted us to read it.
Not so, as what is certain is that, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever," (Isaiah 40:8) but not everything that an apostle or any author of Scripture wrote was inspired, and nowhere do we even see anything referenced to the epistle from Laodicea. Thus the command was specific to the Colossians, and edifying, as can many works be, but not wholly inspired Scripture.
We have some strange ideas posted on a forum which is a pro-God site. Meaning the one and only true Judeo-Christian God as taught to us by KJV with no additional editing or books of fiction. Such as the Book of Mormon.
Sorry you have a problem with that, and those who uphold it. But just what are you following? Mormon? Roy Masters? Gnostics? Swendenborg?
Why do you do this?
Most of the tears eyed whalings of the TV preachers I see every day on TV are in the bible either. But then again they are usually preaching for a new BMW, so I guess it’s OK.
The rosary and any repetitive chant as prayer is really nothing more than meditation—clearing your head of all extemporaneous activity and focusing your mind on a single theme.
It’s just because it’s focused on Mary, is it considered horrible on Free Republic.
There are other religions with prayer beads. But their names are best left unsaid in these parts.
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