Father (1) + Christ (1) + Holy Spirit (1) = 3?

Question:

Jomelie Basa: Hi,goodmorning paanu ba naging 1+1+1=1 I Mean Father,son and holy spirit is equal One salamat the Lord Bless you more. Yung Taglay ni Jesus ang pag ka Dios then ung Father,son and holy spirit are in one.Paanu ba sila naging iisa na?dahil ba sa iisang layunin,pangarap,isang hangarin?di ko masyado maaruk.

Answer:

Hi Sis. kung ang Iglesia ni Cristo 1914 at ang mga Saksi ni Jehovah ang pabibilangin ng 1 + 1 + 1 ay magiging tatlo talaga yan.
Bakit?

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”(2 Corinthians 4:4, New Living Translation)

Pati na yung mga miyembro nila halos ipagpipilitang ipagtanggol ang kanilang maling paniniwala dahil naloko sila ng kanilang mga tagapagturo.

“so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”(Matthew 15:14, New Living Translation)

So, hindi makakaunawa ang mga taong binulag.
Tignan mo si Apostol Juan, siya ay hindi bulag kagaya ng mga INC at Saksi ni Jehovah.

Si Cristo at ang Ama ay iisa sa pagka-Diyos.
Yung sulat ni Apostol Juan sa John 1:1 ay pinipilipit nitong mga hindi marunong sa greek.
Ito ang greek text ng John 1:1

The Greek words and translations are: 

Greek to English Translation:

Ngayon, baka magtaka po ang iba sa atin dahil karamihan sa salin ng english bible ay ganito.

New Living Translation
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
English Standard Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
New American Standard Bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
International Standard Version
In the beginning, the Word existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Pero sa Greek ang nakasulat ay “and God was the word” instead “the word was God”.
Now, yung mga hindi naniniwala sa pagka-Diyos ni Jesus ay sasabihin nilang may deperensiya pala pagdating sa greek, pero sa totoo ay walang pagkakaiba, may deperensiya lamang ito para sa mga hindi nakakaintindi ng language, ang mga taong walang alam sa greek titignan lamang nilang literal ito at sasabihin lamang nilang ay mali yan.
Pero dapat malaman ng mga hindi marunong sa greek na sa greek the word order ay hindi kagaya sa english, sa english ang word ay napakaimportante, you know kagaya ng subject, verb, direct object. Pero sa greek because of the way the language is inflicted, you can move things around and get the exact same meaning, so kagaya ng mga nasusulat sa maraming bible version ay hindi ito kaiba sa nakasulat sa greek text.
Meron lamang ilan version ng bibliya na gamit ng mga hindi naniniwalang Diyos si Cristo ay may malaking deperensiya talaga.
Kung napapansin natin ay may slight difference sa dalawang nabanggit na greek text “theon” and “theos” pareho na ang kahulugan nila ay God. Ang dahilan ay ang theos ay Nominative case at ang theon ay ang acusative case.

Sa greek, nouns change, based upon whether the subject or the object.
In greek, God as a subject is gonna look a bit different than God as an object. God here (theon) is not a direct object, but God here is the object of a preposition.
Because this is the phrase THE WORD WAS WITH GOD ὁ λόγος ην προς τον θεον, with is the “pros” preposition. Because God here is the object of a preposition, it needs to become θεον or theon, not θεος or theos.
The greek, ton theon-the God, with the definite article implying that John has a specific person in mind. John’s uses of the preposition pros ‘with’ is significant.
It implies that the Father and the Son had an intimate as well as eternal relationship.
Kaya nga noong sabihin ni Jesus na, “The Father and I are one.”(John 10:30) ay iisa sila sa pagka-Diyos.
At kaya nga sya babatuhin ng mga hudyo dahil dito.

They replied, “We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.”(John 10:33)

Kung iisipin mong mabuti, ang mga hudyo ay hindi naniniwala na si Cristo ay Diyos at ganun din ang mga INC.
Kung ang mga hudyo ay nagagalit kay Cristo nang sinabi nyang ako at ang Ama ay iisa, ang mga INC din ay nagagalit sa tuwing sinasabi nating mga Katoliko na si Cristo at ang Ama ay iisa sa pagka-Diyos.

The Original Article was made by aplogete.com

-regards,
Randel Paul

‘TRINITY’ IN THE BIBLE

The Holy Trinity

Those who deny the Divinity of Jesus are compelled to deny the Divine nature of the Holy Spirit. For them, “The Trinity of God” is beyond human understanding. So they deny it. They just forget the fact that God, who created man, can never be a slave of human intelligence. The Holy Spirit is considered only as an angel or one of the seven spirits. They, try to confuse “Trinity” as “Tri-theism” (Three-gods) and criticize Catholics as ‘Trinitarians.’ Did God reveal Himself  as ‘Trinity’ in the Bible? Why do we believe in this Great Mystery?

The term ‘Trinity’

As we all know, Divine Revelation is explained through the centuries by some theological terms. Although they are insufficient to explain the truth revealed in depth. We can never find the word ‘Bible’ in an authentic translation of the Bible. The word ‘Bible’ itself is a term that appeared in history in the 4th century. But we believe in it. Similarly, we don’t see the word ‘Trinity’ in the Bible. But to explain the Divine Mystery revealed to us about God the Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit, we use the term ‘Trinity.’

The word ‘Trinity’ is first used by St. Theophilus of Antioch in his book ‘Epistle to Antolycus’ in A.D. 180 (Greek: Triados). Remember, at that time there was no ‘Bible’ in the Church. In fact the term ‘Trinity’ is more ancient than the word ‘Bible’ itself. Before the formation of the Bible, those who worked behind the creation of a canonical book ‘Bible’ believed and accepted ‘The Trinity’ as God’s revealed truth handed over to them from the apostles. After some years, Tertullian (A.D. 160-250) used a Latin term for Trinity (Trinitas) in his work “Modesty.’ He wrote: “Trinity of the one Divinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (chapter 22).

ETERNAL EXISTENCE OF HOLY TRINITY

Plurality of God in The Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself not as a single person, but ‘persons.’ In Hebrew, the word for God is not ‘El,’ singular noun, but plural ‘Elohim,’ which can never be translated as a single person ‘god’ as we usually do. Elohim is a plural noun with a singular form. It has a plural morphological form in Hebrew (Ref: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). This plural word ‘Elohim’ occurs 2700 times in the Bible. Hebrews called God “Elohim,” which really meant ‘Divine Persons’ (Ref: Jerusalem Bible Footnote). There are evidences to prove this plural personality of God, in the Bible:

Genesis 1:26-Then God said: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air…” Here, the ‘likeness of God’ is plural as He creates ‘Man’ as ‘male and female.’ Therefore, Adam and Eve shared one flesh, just as Father and Son shares one substance. Adam and Eve were one spirit, just like Father and Son shares one Spirit  (Malachi 2:15). Thus, the whole creation becomes the ‘image’ reflection, or mirroring of the manifold life of Divine nature of Trinity.

Genesis  3:22-Then the Lord God said, “Behold the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil….”

Genesis 11:7-God said, “Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech…”

Isaiah 6:8-“I heard the voice of the Lord, ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’” But only Jesus can call God the Father in singular form. So, he did it while he was dying on the cross. “El, El, lema sabachtani.”-Matthew 27:46

Anti-Trinitarians always quote Deu.6:4 to deny this mystery, which says: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is One Lord.” In fact, the biblical word here used for ‘One’ is “echad” which is a corporate oneness. Not a numeric count.

The Bible says to us that there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost (1Jn.5:7). The Bible reveals “God has a Son” Prov.30:4; “Who knows the name of God and the name of His Son!” The Bible also says the Holy Spirit exists with God; “Now the Lord has sent me and His Spirit.”

God is defined as Love in the Bible. If God is a single individual, this definition becomes invalid as He could never give and experience love. C.S. Lewis, the famous thinker says: “If God was a single person, then, before the world was made, he was not love.”

HOLY TRINITY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father in union with Jesus. John 15:26-“But when the Comforter comes, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify me.” The Bible uses the Greek word ‘pneuma’ (pnyoo’-mah’) for Holy Spirit, which means ‘breath’ or ‘life-giving spirit.’ When God created man, He ‘breathed’ on Adam and gave him life. Jesus breathed on apostles and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn.20:22). The Holy Spirit is the Breath of the Father and the Son, who is proceeding from both of them.

Jesus himself reveals the unity and equality of three persons of Trinity when he commanded: Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Here, the ‘name’ singular is used for the plurality of “Father, Son and the Holy Spirit” (not the plural ‘names’). This singular ‘name’ implies the fundamental unity of Three Divine Persons. Those who deny the divine nature of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are baptizing their members “In the name of the Father,the God, Son the man, Holy Spirit an angel.” Through baptism, God, who is the Trinity, chooses us. 1 Pet. 1:2, “…who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ.”

St. Paul explains this mystery more clearer when he says: “There are different  kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit, there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord, there are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men” (1 Cor. 12:4-6). The creative work of Heavenly Father, the redemptive work of the Son and sanctifying work of the Spirit are same work of the Almighty.

There is only one God; the Creator! He has only one son; Jesus Christ! He founded only one Church; upon Peter! Only the Catholic Church has divine origin!

Article Taken Form "Know The Truth" first edition magazine of Fr. Paul Kaiparambadan

regards,

Randel Paul

Choose The Good Thing Which Is In The Bible Instead Of One That Has No Basis

There are many who are not aware of us. Those who read this right now should pray that we can correct any wrongdoings by studying the Words of God written in the Bible.

1. Say God Bless instead of Good Luck

We often use these expressions for our friends, loved ones and acquaintances. Many use “Good Luck” to those who take examinations, looking for jobs or starting on new businesses. If you will be asked, which one will cause a lot of good? Let us remember…

“The tongue has the power of life and death.”(Proverbs 18:21)

Let us look at the definition of Good Luck in a dictionary.

What is not right with Good Luck is that many people believe in superstitions. It does not conform to what is in the heart of God.

“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.”(Colossians 2:20-22)

There are many people who believe in good luck and are frustrated because they do not follow the wishes of God.

“Man can turn his troubles to his advantage; a lucky chance can turn to loss.”(Sirach 20:9)

What does God like you to say?
1. David

“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s;But the earth He has given to the children of men. May the Lord God bless you in all that you do!”(Psalms 115:14-16)

2.) Isaac

“May God Almighty bless you and make you increase to become a group of nations.”(Genesis 28:3)

3.) Apostle Paul

“You know that all from the province of Asia have deserted me, especially Phygelus and Hermogenes. May God bless the household of Onesiphoras, for he often came to visit me and was not ashamed of my chains.”(2 Timothy 1:15-16)

2. Reaping What You Sow instead of Karma

Honestly, many people use the term “karma” without truly understanding what it means. If they understood what karma really is, They will realize that this type of thinking is wrong. Firstly, What Is Karma? Karma is a religious belief followed by Hindus. It is a word that comes from the Sanskrit language which means “action”. Secondly, What Is Hinduism? Hinduism is one of the oldest known organized religions— The sacred writings go back to 1400 to 1500 B.C. It is also one of the most diverse and complex, having millions of gods. Now, Let us examine that error in the light of Truth. This is correct

“Consecrate them in the truth – your word is truth.”(John 17:17)

The Question is, How Many True Gods Are There? The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one true God.

“Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that THERE IS NO GOD BUT ONE.”(1 Corinthians 8:4) “Do you believe there is one God? Well enough.”(James 2:19)

Thirdly, As A Matter Of Fact, Karma Cannot Exist Without Reincarnation. The Act Of Repeatedly Being Born And Dying. What are the beliefs about life and death in Hinduism? It is a popular belief among Hindus that they reincarnate after their death. If you believe in reincarnation, you are not believing in the Bible. Reincarnation contradicts historical Christian teachings and biblical concept of the resurrection of the dead. There will not be multiple bodies for one soul which is what reincarnation requires. The body is not something to be discarded and forgotten but will be reunited with the soul at the final judgment. There will never be multiple bodies for one soul. This is the requirement of reincarnation. The body should not be discarded and forgotten. It will be reunited with the soul during the final judgment.

“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”(Hebrews 9:27)

We live one life, die one death and then we face judgment. There is no second, third, or a hundred reincarnations and then return to life on earth. There Is No Other Direction That We Should Follow Other Than The True Word Of God. St. Paul and Other apostles did not use the word “karma”. Instead St. Paul used the phrase “You reap what you sow” Correct

“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap.”(Galatians 6:7)

Saint Paul Also Encourages Us To Become More Faithful Followers Of Jesus Christ.

“Be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”(1 Corinthians 11:1)

So, It’s Good For Us To Determine What Pleases The Lord.

“You yourselves search out what pleases the Lord.”(Ephesians 5:10)

3. Year of the Lord instead of Year of the Snake

 Do You Believe in God? If yes, Then you have to believe His Word.

“To proclaim the acceptable YEAR OF THE LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.”(Isaiah 61:2)

4. Christmas Instead of Xmas

 Some people might say that “Xmas” is not trying to “X” Christ out of Christmas. It actually is a legitimate abbreviation.” “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Χριστός which comes into English as “Christ”, Yes, that’s right. But not all people know this. It’s not a good enough reason! Christmas is directly related to CHRIST Jesus and he should be given due recognition for the day

“And for the sake of his Name, we received grace and mission in all the nations, for them to accept the faith.” (Romans 1:5)

We should do what’s right in order to avoid Misinterpretation. “Let your conversation be pleasing with a touch of wit. Know how to speak to everyone in the best way.” (Colossians 4:6)

Original Source: Apologete

The Biblical Foundations of the Mysteries in the Holy Rosary

Original Article was created by Apologete Blog

The Five Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary

“To a young virgin who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the family of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.”(Luke 1:27-28)

Many of us are wandering that in unexpected situations, God will choose us to accomplish His goals. Let us not refuse since He already chose us. Let us give Him our big, “YES” and while there is time and we are still breathing, let us do the things that God asks us to do so we can follow his wishes.

“So while there is time, let us do good to all and especially to our family in the faith.”(Galatians 6:10)

Let us also offer prayers for people that God chose for an important mission although there is fear and shame on their hearts. This will make them stronger and have the fortitude for them to give their yes to God.

” And we shall confidently answer: The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.”(Hebrews 13:6)

2. The Visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth

“Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah.She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!” And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit exults in God my savior! He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name!”(Luke 1:39-49)

Let us accept Mary as our mother with our whole hearts because Christ gave her to all Christians as their mother.
Lets us give our highest respect to her just like Elizabeth’s acknowledgement of her as the mother of the Lord. (Luke 1:43)
Let us also pray for those who sinned because of abortion so that they can be forgiven and those who are planning to abort their babies.
They should have fear in their hearts so they cannot commit this sin and realize that babies in their wombs are important before the eyes of God.

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”(Psalms 127:3)

3. The Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem

“They were in Bethlehem when the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger, because there was no place for them in the living room.There were shepherds camping in the countryside, taking turns to watch over their flocks by night.Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, with the Glory of the Lord shining around them.As they were terrified,the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid; I am here to give you good news, great joy for all the people.Today a Savior has been born to you in David’s town; he is the Messiah and the Lord.
Let this be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”(Luke 2:6-12)

Let us think of God because of the difficult times. He became man not to live in prosperity. Let us pray that our brothers in difficult situations will have the Lord Jesus Christ as their inspiration.
Let us also pray for that our brothers will be contented with what God gave to them and learn how to suffer so they will experience the true meaning of serving Christ.

“Do not depend on money. Be content with having enough for today for God has said: I will never forsake you or abandon you.”(Hebrews 13:5)

Let us pray that our government will become a better example regarding employment and not corruption or stealing. They should follow the command of God and feel that the promise of God will give them hope so they will feel that God will not leave them.

4. The Presentation of Jesus to the Temple

“When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, they brought the baby up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to God.And they offered a sacrifice as ordered in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.There lived in Jerusalem at this time a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy Spirit was in him. He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel,and he had been assured by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the Lord. So he was led into the Temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law. Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed God, saying,Now, O Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace,for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for all the people to see.Here is the light you will reveal to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, See him; he will be for the rise or fall of the multitudes of Israel. He shall stand as a sign of contradiction,while a sword will pierce your own soul. Then the secret thoughts of many may be brought to light.”(Luke 2:22-35)

Let us pray that all parents offer to God their children so that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit to grow up being obedient to their parents and become good examples wherever they go.

“Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.”(Ephesians 6:2)

5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

“Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was customary. And when Jesus was twelve years old, he went up with them according to the custom for this feast. After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it.They thought he was in the company and after walking the whole day they looked for him among their relatives and friends.As they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem searching for him, and on the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions.And all the people were amazed at his understanding and his answers.His parents were very surprised when they saw him and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried while searching for you.Then he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand this answer.Jesus went down with them, returning to Nazareth, and he continued to be subject to them. As for his mother, she kept all these things in her heart.”(Luke 2:22-35)

Let us pray for our brothers that what they will not only look for richness in this world and material things but realize that they should look for the heart of God since this is where blessings come from and will never be exhausted.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”(Matthew 6:33)

Let us pray that they look for Jesus with all their hearts.
Let us also pray that mothers will become like the Virgin Mary who think of the welfare of their children. They must become mothers who teach Christian discipline to all their offspring. They should not neglect their children to the best of their abilities

The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden

“Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over to pray.He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be filled with anguish and distress.And he said to them, “My soul is filled with sorrow even to death. Remain here and stay awake with me.He went a little farther and fell to the ground, with his face touching the earth, and prayed, “Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.”(Matthew 26:36-39)

Let us pray that all of us will understand that while serving God, we will be out to the test and we will feel sadness and pressure.

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.”(Philippians 1:29)

Let us pray that we will be given blessings by God so we can be reminded and we will be diligent in praying since this is the only way so will not succumb to temptation and sadness.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

“I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released for them Barab’bas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:24)

Let us pray for innocent people who are treated badly especially our brothers who work in other countries and are constantly maltreated.

“For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment.”(1 Peter 2:19)

Let us pray that will be given strength so we can entrust to God all things especially those who are angry at us and condemn us despite the good things and intentions that we have.

3. The Crowning of Thorns

“The Roman soldiers took Jesus into the palace of the governor and the whole troop gathered around him. They stripped him and dressed him in a purple military cloak. Then, twisting a crown of thorns, they forced it onto his head, and placed a reed in his right hand. They knelt before Jesus and mocked him, saying, “Long life to the King of the Jews!They spat on him, took the reed from his hand and struck him on the head with it. When they had finished mocking him, they pulled off the purple cloak and dressed him in his own clothes again, and led him out to be crucified.”(Matthew 27:27-31)

Let us pray that all servants of God like us and those who plan to serve Jesus Christ will endure all trials and sufferings. Hopefully, we can live through these because of the inspiration from Christ.

“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”(1 Peter 4:13)

4. The Carrying of the Cross

“Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

They took charge of him.Bearing his own cross, Jesus went out of the city to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew: Golgotha.”(John 19:16-17)

Let us pray that all our brothers who carry the Cross and that they should not be ashamed of this and instead be proud that we are following Christ. For every Cross that we carry because of our temptations, we should realize that we are not alone when we are with Christ.

“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.”(Galatians 6:14)

5. The Carrying of the Cross

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished”, and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him.But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”(John 19:28-37)

Let us pray that we learn how to get rid of fears from our hearts by following the desires of God and we will not be fearful of anything including death.

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.”(Philippians 1:21)

Let us pray for our brothers who have not known Christ yet and find out that serving Christ will be forever and realize that we have to offer our lives to serve God until our last breath.

The Five Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him.”(Matthew 28:5-6)

Let us pray that our brothers who have lost hope will think that there is an end to all sufferings because just like Christ we will be given a glorified body and all sickness, misery, and sadness will be gone and replaced by everlasting happiness.

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”(Romans 8:18)

2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven

“While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.”(Luke 24:51)

Let us pray that many people will realize that this world is only temporary and not to think of anything but to be able to enter the kingdom of Heaven.
Let us pray that we will be guided to do what makes God happy and that His desires will be fulfilled. We should also be given strength so that we can finally enter Heaven during the final part of our lives.

“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”(Colossians 3:2)

3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. And suddenly out of the sky came a sound like a strong rushing wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared tongues as if of fire which parted and came to rest upon each one of them. All were filled with Holy Spirit and began to speak other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak.”(Acts 2:1-4)

Let us pray that we will be given the Holy Spirit which will guide us to discover the whole truth for out true humility and the real meaning of love. Let us pray for today’s youth asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit regarding their needs and problems.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”(John 16:13)

4. The Assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven
It is clear that Hebrew 11:5 said Enoch became pleasing before he was taken by God.

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.”(Hebrews 11:5, English Standard Version)

If Enoch was pleasing to God and brought to Heaven, what else is very pleasing to God?

“But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary. God is very pleased with you.”(Luke 1:30, New International Reader’s Version)

Like Enoch who was brought to Heaven because God liked him and Mama Mary who was also loved, let us pray that we can do things that make God happy.

“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.”(Ephesians 5:10)

5. The Coronation of our Blessed Mother
If King Solomon was able to make his mother sit down beside him . 1 Kings 2:18-19 since he was a king, why can’t Jesus ask His mother to sit on the throne because he is the King of Kings?
He was given full authority by Heaven (Matthew 28:18). If a king like Solomon who was only given wisdom can make his mother to sit on the throne why can’t the source of all wisdom ask His mother to sit down on the throne?
If Bathsheba, who was a mother, was asked by Solomon to sit where he should be seated, why can’t Mary, who was given a great responsibility and did not go against Christ, cannot be asked to seat down on the throne?
Let us pray that our brothers will not seek high positions and glory. Instead, let God give us all the glory and bring us to where we should be. Let us also pray that we will be given big and numerous responsibilities and be given the grace to become more humble.

“But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”(James 4:6)

The Five Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus
“As soon as he was baptized, Jesus came up from the water. At once, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God come down like a dove and rest upon him.

At the same time a voice from heaven was heard, “This is my Son, the Beloved; he is my Chosen One.”(Matthew 3:16-17)

Let us pray that our brothers who live wealthy lives also appreciate those below them and recognize that poor people are also used by God as their brothers. They should look at the humility of Jesus as a good example and allowed John the Baptist to show the good example to all people.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will raise you up.”(James 4:10)

Let us pray that people who seek glory and crave for high reputation must seek to become children o God since there is no better title more than this. It is better to be called this than President, Governor, Mayor or any other title and let God Himself introduce them.
2. The Baptism of Jesus

“Jesus was also invited to the wedding with his disciples.When all the wine provided for the celebration had been served and they had run out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.Jesus replied, “Woman, your thoughts are not mine! My hour has not yet come.However his mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”(John 2:2-5)

Let us pray for those who love each other so that they may think of the sanctity of marriage and God’s patience towards those who love each other.

“The will of God for you is to become holy and not to have unlawful sex. Let each of you behave towards his wife as a holy and respectful husband.”(1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

3. The Proclamation of The Kingdom of God

He said, “The time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News.”(Mark 1:15)

Let us pray that all people were not created simply to sleep, eat and work but to serve God and spread the Good News to all especially those who have not heard about Him yet.
They should realize that life is too short and while there is time, these should be preached to give warning to those who do not believe the word of God.

“Because I cannot boast of announcing the Gospel: I am bound to do it. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!”(1 Corinthians 9:16)

Let us pray for our brothers who love doing wrong and those who do not believe in God or our brothers who rejected Christ. Hopefully God will knock on their hearts and that they repent and follow God.
4. The Transfiguration

“Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone.Jesus’ appearance was changed before them: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became bright as light.Just then Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.Peter spoke and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. If you so wish, I will make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.Peter was still speaking when a bright cloud covered them in its shadow, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my Son, the Beloved, my Chosen One. Listen to him. On hearing the voice, the disciples fell to the ground, full of fear.”(Matthew 17:1-6)

Let us pray that our brothers will continue to serve God and will not stop like the servants of Christ who saw the glory of God.

“I race forward and run towards the goal,my eyes on the prize to which God has called us from above in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 3:13-14)

May they be given grace to stay with God and His word and see the beautiful things given by God.

“If you remain in me and my words in you, you may ask whatever you want and it will be given to you.”(John 15:7)

5. The Institution of the Eucharist

“Jesus also took bread, and after giving thanks, he broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”(Luke 22:19)

The Eucharist is very important for those who receive.

“Those who eat this bread will live forever.”(John 6:58)

Let us remember that before we receive this, that we should not have any mortal sin since if we receive this and are not worthy, we will sin against God.

“Therefore, if anyone eats of the bread or drinks from the cup of the Lord unworthily, he sins against the body and blood of the Lord. Let each one, then, examine himself before eating of the bread and drinking from the cup.”(1 Corinthians 11:27-28)

Let us pray that our brothers who have received the Body of Christ will receive this with their hearts and not just their mouths. They should care for this and remind them to follow Christ in serving and becoming humble as well as follow the will of God.

Repetition of Prayers is against the Bible?

I was born and raised by a nominal Catholic Family. We never prayed a rosary together as a family. We never attended mass together. We are not a regular mass goer. My parents are just a typical Catholic during their early age and so we are. 

During my early age, I never experienced to be persecuted due to my beliefs in the Catholic Church. I finished elementary in a public school in Mindoro without experiencing such persecution. For that reason, I used to believe that the Catholic Church is indeed the True Church of Christ founded by Jesus. 

My parents enrolled me in a private institution run by Dominican Nuns from Roxas City during High School. From there, I learned most of the Catholic prayers like Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, (although I already know those prayers but not the English version). Memorizing the prayers is a must because we have a religion subject and during exam prayers are included, so regardless of your religious affiliation you are required to memorize the Catholic Prayers.

Our place in our Province is dominated by nominal Catholics. There was no single individual there who knows the Catholic Faith very well. We are all Catholic by name. Even the members of the Church Ministry there are also ignorant of the Catholic Faith. In our Brgy. (which was called Faithful, yes our Brgy was called Faithful) we only have two popular religion. The Catholic Church who has the most number and the "Iglesia ni Cristo -1914" who came next. 

Due to lack of knowledge of the real teachings of the Church, (our community is also very far from the town proper, it almost lies adjacent to Mt. Halcon so its not so easy to reached) as time goes by many other religious organization entered our community and the most memorable to me is the Church founded by Eliseo Soriano the "Members of Church of God International" or commonly known to us as "Ang Dating Daan". 

I can remember during our High School, they used to invite people (specially Catholics in our place because Catholics there are very easy to defeat in a debate)to their Bible exposition wherein you can ask what ever you want to ask about the Bible and they will answer it with verses. Fortunately, I never attended any of their expositions held in our place during that time. However, my classmates (mostly are my friends) who were able to attend, became heretics to the teachings of Catholic Church.

Form then on, the thing that I used to avoid which is to be persecuted because of my religion came into existence. Of course I used to ignore them, I never believe whatever they are saying. 

One of the most unforgettable persecution that I encountered with my classmates was about the Rosary. One afternoon during our lunch break one of my classmate ask me this question:

Classmate: "Alam mo Randel, may isa akong tanong na hindi mawala sa isip ko." 

Randel: "talaga? ano yun?"

Classmate: "Sabi kasi ng Ang Dating Daan, wala daw sa Bible ang Rosary, tapos bawal daw ang magdasal ng paulit ulit. Binasa pa nga nila sa Bible e, nakalimutan ko lang yung verse, pero sabi dun word for word "hwag magdadasal ng paulit ulit". 

During that time, I personally dont know why the Catholics are praying the rosary. I even don't understand why we need to do it everyday aside from the fact that its a command from our nun teachers. What had been my answer to my classmate is a simple statement that can be refuted easily.

Randel: e bakit ipinapagawa sa atin kung bawal? hindi naman siguro yan ipapagawa sa atin kung mali db? so may dahilan kung bakit ipinapagawa yan? at hindi yan masama.

I can feel that my classmate got more confused due to my statement but what can i do, I dont know how am I going to answer it. 

I finished High School without getting the answer to that question. Maybe you are asking: Why didn't you ask your nun teachers? We did. but we were not able to get the direct answer to the question.

Now let us know the truth. Did God really prohibit repetitions of prayers literally?

Let us first read the verse that they are using to accused the Catholic Church of violating God's command.

Matthew 6:7 ( King James Version)

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking..

This is the verse that anti-Catholics are using to accused us of violating God's commandment.  Now let us study the verse further.

Let us all remember that the one speaking in this verse is Jesus himself. When Jesus said, "use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking" (Matthew 6:7, NAB), He was referring to a belief of the pagans that a god would not listen to your prayer unless you used his correct title, and the title would change every day. Thus, the pagans would begin their prayer with every title they could think of in order to make sure their prayers would be heard (e.g., "O Great Zeus, O Master of Olympia, O Great Father Zeus. . . .") Jesus tells us this is vain because pagan gods don’t exist, and when we pray to God he hears all our prayers. We don’t have to worry about getting the right title.

In fact, Scripture gives us many examples of repetitive prayer. For example, in Matthew 26:36–46, Jesus prayed the same prayer three times. In Revelation 4:8, four living creatures are around and within the throne, and day and night they do not cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty." And then there’s the tax collector in Luke 18:9–14 who is beating his breast repeatedly and praying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" And let’s not forget Luke 11:1–4, where Jesus tells us how to pray: He gives us the Lord’s Prayer. Since most Christians pray the Lord’s Prayer from time to time, they are all "guilty" of repetitious prayer. But it is not vain prayer—after all; we merely are doing as Jesus taught us.

Any prayer can be prayed in vain. What makes a prayer efficacious is the attitude of the heart (cf. CCC 2559). And sadly, "If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain" (CCC 2562; cf. Matt. 15:8–9). 

Additionally, Because Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and the New Testament was Written in Greek.

Let us check this out...

In Greek:

proseuchomenoi de mE battologEsEte Hosper hoi ethnikoi dokousin gar hoti en tE polulogia autOn eisakousthEsontai

In the Greek scripture the word used is "battologEsEte".

The verb battologeo means to "stutter."

According to www.thefreedictionary.com (Stutter - A speech disorder characterized by spasmodic repetition of the initial consonant.)

The bible clearly states that This type of prayer is found in Hosea 7:14.

"They have not prayed to me sincerely, but instead they throw themselves down and wail as the heathen do. When they pray for grain and wine, they gash themselves like pagans. What rebels they are!"(Hosea 7:14)

I experience another persecution during college in the hand of the Iglesia ni Cristo members that converted two of my siblings. Those instance in my life lead me to study the Catholic Faith more deeper. 

And at present, I already part of those Catholic Apologist who are actively defending the Catholic Church in social medias such as Facebook and blogs.  Thank you.

If you are a Nominal Catholic who are willing to learn and defend the Mother Church. Help us by visiting 

The Splendor of the Church Website. Please like us also in Facebook.

Thanks.

-Randel Paul

An Open Letter to ALL CATHOLICS

The Iglesia ni Cristo

Dear all Catholics,

Do you have a relative, classmate or a friend who is a member of the cult called “Iglesia ni Cristo”? There are a lot of things you need to know about this cult because someday if you join this cult it will turn you to someone you are not. It will make you an unreasonable false accuser. Members of Iglesia ni Cristo are required to invite non-members to visit the nearest INC chapel. They usually don’t discuss doctrines with you but rather they will let you go to their nearest local for you to hear their teachings. They want you to go to their chapel not only because of their teachings but also for you to see the beauty of their chapels, discipline and brotherhood but do not be deceive, the devil do not appear to you in red tall horn with fire but they will appear to you as everything you want. There are some things that you should know before you accept any invitation for their Bible Lesson and that is to study you Catholic Faith. One of the weaknesses of those Catholics or even devout Catholics who left the Catholic Church and joined INC is the lack of explanation behind the mysteries of the Catholic Faith. As a result, they will believe whatever the INC ministers about Catholicism and they are speechless and unable reason out because of their lack of knowledge about Catholic Faith. Some will unreasonably attack INC with lack of knowledge about the Catholic Faith, as a result a persecutor of INC becomes an INC member. You do not want to happen to yourself.

This is what will happen if you will accept an invitation from Iglesia ni Cristo.

“The Name Game”

You will sit and listen to the INC ministers reading the Bible from one verse to another and talks about salvation and the life of man and it’s ending is for you to know that the name of the Church that can save you written in the Bible is “church of Christ”(Acts 20:28 Lamsa only) and it is also the name of their church “Iglesia ni Cristo”, therefore you must join INC in order to be saved. Do not be deceived, what is written in the Bible is the church is necessary for salvation and whoever will enter it and obey the commandments of God will be saved. If you follow the line of thinking of INC ministers, you would drink the contents of a bottle labeled as “drinking water” without thinking if it’s water or not. There is only one church built by Christ and Christ promised that it will last forever. He said “I am always with you until the end of time” c.f (Matt 28:20). Only the Catholic Church is the church that exists from the 1st century until today. Therefore, the church which Christ built is the Catholic Church. It is also Traditional, St. Ignatius a student of St. John the Apostle named the church “Catholic Church”. The church built by Christ was mentioned by many names, the name “church of Christ” is only a descriptive name of the church built by Christ. If you read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, you’ll see that it was also used to refer the Catholic Church

Catechism of the Catholic Church 811 "This is the sole Church of Christ, which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic and apostolic…"

Iglesia ni Kristo in the Philippines is only built in 1914 by Felix Manalo. It is so unreasonable to join a church because you can find its name in the Bible especially it can be read in Lamsa Version. Do not join INC just because you think that you do not belong to the “Church of Christ”, you are already in the Church of Christ, the original one the Catholic Church which was protected by God for almost 2000 years.

“The Apostasy”

The name game is not enough to convince you so probably you will raise the questions,

“What happen to the church which Christ built”?
“Why the Catholic Church is not the true church’?

The INC ministers will quote some Bible verses that speak about apostasy where members of the church will abandon the true faith and some was killed to prove that the church which Christ built was gone after the end of the 1st century. However, it only speaks about the individual members of the church not the church itself, that’s what apostasy means. Whenever a person abandons his faith, he is an apostate and committed apostasy. They are trying to prove that apostasy is fulfilled by the Catholic Church because the Catholic Church invented many doctrines by the council. One thing that they failed to understand about the church build by Christ is it was likened as a mustard seed (Matt 13:31-32). The kingdom of God which is the church will grow and will undergo development. Its development can be seen in the book of Acts where they gather together and had a council to settle a doctrine ( see Acts 15), that’s why the development of the Church doctrine is also through a council. And it cannot teach wrong doctrines

Apostasy is the opposite of the promises of Christ:

Christ promised the he will be with his church until the end of time - Matthew 28:20
Christ promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it – Matt 16:18
Christ promise that he will send his Counselor to be with his church forever - John 14:16-18
Christ promised that the church will be guided into all truth - John 16:13


And according to Paul, the glory of the church will last to all generations forever and ever. - Ephesians 3:20-21

Apostasy is the weakness of all their teachings. If you can refute it, the rest of their teachings cannot stand especially about the doctrine about of Last Messenger.

“The Error of Bible Alone”

Iglesia ni Kristo believes that the Bible alone is the sole basis of faith. If it’s not written in the Bible, they will reject it. By nature we Catholics believe that the Bible is the word of God. There are some Catholics falsely believe that the teachings of God are all written in the Bible alone and this becomes an advantage for the INC ministers. Ministers will show Catholic teachings that are not found in the Bible such the term “Trinity” “Purgatory” and even the word “Catholic”. This is one thing that every Catholics should understand the Catholic Church do not use the Bible alone as the basis of faith, but also in Traditions (2 Thess. 2:15) and “Magisterium” which is also known as “teaching authorities” (Mat 16:18;Matt 18:18). The doctrinal terms may not found in the Bible but its definition is found there, therefore it is Biblical, Catholic means “universal, all nations” it is the idea of Christ about the Church. “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19) ” The belief of Bible alone is not biblical and ironically, the term “Bible Alone” is nowhere found in the Bible. If they are consistent with their belief that they reject everything that is not written in the Bible, they should reject the doctrine about “Last Messenger”, such term is not found in the Bible.

“A personal interpretation”

INC ministers will appear in Americana suit while holding the Bible. This is a powerful way for you to believe that what they preach to you is the WORD OF GOD. But keep in mind that the Word of God was already preached by the Catholic Church long before the Bible was finished. When the author of the book of Revelations was still writing in 100AD, the Catholic Church is already on its 5th pope, St Evaristus. The Bible was collected, recognized, canonized and preached by the Catholic Church long before Felix Manalo was born. So whenever you hear an INC preach, what he preached is nothing but a personal and absurd interpretation of Felix Manalo of the Bible yet it is very convincing if you don’t read the Bible or you did not study about the Catholic Faith and its history. Like, protestant preachers, they believed that they only preach what is written in the Bible and they don’t use their own words but that is not true. Every preacher must have always an interpretation whether it’s from him or from the others.

‘’The Image Worship”

INC ministers accuse the Catholics for worshiping idols, and they want you to accuse the Catholics too and they do it through using Catholic Book. Two things are needed to know here:

a. Religious images of the Catholic Church are not idols. Idols means false gods and the INC ministers are aware that Catholic Church teaches only one God, the Holy Trinity and calling the images of the Catholic Church as idols is already an intellectual dishonesty, which means INC ministers are aware that they are lying.

b. Kneeling does not always mean worshiping; kneeling is also a sign to show honor, respect and sincerity. In fact, during ordination, ministers are kneeling in front of Manalo yet they deny they are not worshipping Manalo. With that, we can conclude that INC ministers are contradicting themselves from what they say with what they do.

There are a lot of Catholic book to know the teachings about the Catholics Church and it is unwise to study the truth about Catholicism from an anti-Catholic.

These are only few things to learn for before you visit an INC chapel. You may appreciate their financial management, you may appreciate their unity brother hood and discipline which they are so proud of but do not accept their Bible interpretation. “We should respect other people as persons made in the image of God, but this does not mean that we allow their false teachings to propagate. Charity demands that we correct errors and proclaim the truth. The salvation of souls is at stake. If a sheep falls in a ditch, we must lift it out. If a man falls into error, we must help him recognize his folly.. For a man is more valuable than a sheep”. –Dr. Quirino M. Sugon

If you are searching for more info about the Catholic Faith, just kindly visit the following site:

http://www.catholic.com/
http://www.thecatholictreasurechest.com/
http://www.apologete.com/
http://www.splendorofthechurch.com.ph/

Equip yourself with enough knowledge about Catholicism before you visit INC so that you might know that the church needs you. You need to learn about your Catholic Faith not only for yourself or to challenge debate, but for your Catholic Brothers and sisters so that they too may understand behind the mystery of the Catholic Faith. If you find it hard to understand the Catholic Teachings, keep on going and have faith because even the apostles too were having difficult times understanding Christ yet they still follow him.The term "cult" may a little bit hard for them but for 100 years INC referred as idolaters and pagans. God bless.

Your Brother in Christ,
Gab

Bible Alone [Sola Scriptura]

I am reading some apologetic materials online when one of my Facebook friend shared a YouTube video that discusses Protestant Churches wrong dogma about Sola Scriptura.

Sola Scriptura is a dogma of Protestant churches that teaches the Bible as the SOLE basis of  Christian Faith. This dogma started only on 15th century when Martin Luther  (A former Catholic Priest) started his own church in Germany. Lets watch the whole presentation to find out if Sola Scriptura is Biblical.

Video credit to the Uploader

Catholic Teaching about Purgatory

Purgatory is a belief that is held by Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christians. The belief in purgatory comes from the Holy Bible. The Apostolic Church from earliest times has taught the existence of purgatory. The earliest surviving writings from the Church Fathers confirm this belief and it's basis in scripture.

Common Objections:
1. Purgatory is not Biblical. False!
2. Purgatory negates Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. False!
3. Purgatory was invented in the Middle Ages. False!

The Biblical Case for Purgatory
Purgatory is similar to several Biblical concepts (e.g. "Trinity") in that it is not explicitly named. It's attributes and nature are deduced from reading scripture and making logical conclusions. In this sense it can be easy to confuse the facts. But what does the Bible say? Let's take a look at scripture.

Purgatory is the effect of Christ's sufficiency.
God is perfect Holiness. (Isaiah 6:3)
We are called to that same Holiness. (Leviticus 19:2, 1 Peter 1:15, 1, 1:16)
Nothing unclean can stand in the presence of the God or enter Heaven. (Ex. 33:18-20, Ps. 15:1, 66:18, Heb. 12:14, Eph. 5:3, 5:25-2, Apocalypse 21:27)
Our impurities can be cleansed. This purification and final sanctification must happen before we enter Heaven. (Hebrews 12:29, 12:6, 12:10, Isaiah 6:5-7)
Remaining venial sins can be forgiven in the next world. (Matthew 12:32)

Let's walk through the scripture.
1. God is revealed as perfect interior holiness
Isaiah 6:3
And they cried one to another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God of hosts, all the earth is full of his glory

2. We are called to that same holiness
Leviticus 19:2
Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel. And thou shalt say to them: Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy. 
1 Peter 1:15
But according to him that hath called you, who is holy, be you also in all manner of conversation holy: 
1 Peter 1:16
Because it is written: You shall be holy, for I am holy. 

3. Who can stand in the face of the holiness of God? 
Exodus 33:18
And he said: Shew me thy glory. 
Exodus 33:19
He answered: I will shew thee all good, and I will proclaim in the name of the Lord before thee: and I will have mercy on whom I will, and I will be merciful to whom it shall please me. 
Exodus 33:20
And again he said: Thou canst not see my face: for man shall not see me, and live.
Psalms 15:1
A psalm for David. Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? or who shall rest in thy holy hill? 
Psalms 66:18
If I have looked at iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. 
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men and holiness: without which no man shall see God.
Ephesians 5:3
But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not so much as be named among you, as becometh saints: 
Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church and delivered himself up for it: 
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life: 
Ephesians 5:27
That he might present it to himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Apocalypse 21:27
There shall not enter into it any thing defiled or that worketh abomination or maketh a lie: but they that are written in the book of life of the Lamb.

4. We are deprived of the vision of God because of our sinfulness. But there is a divine purging fire which can heal us.
Hebrews 12:29  
For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:6  
For whom the Lord loveth he chastiseth: and he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 
Hebrews 12:10  
And they indeed for a few days, according to their own pleasure, instructed us: but he, for our profit, that we might receive his sanctification. 
Isaiah 6:5  
And I said: Woe is me, because I have held my peace; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people that hath unclean lips, and I have seen with my eyes the King the Lord of hosts. 
Isaiah 6:6  
And one of the seraphims flew to me, and in his hand was a live coal, which he had taken with the tongs off the altar. 
Isaiah 6:7  
And he touched my mouth, and said: Behold this hath touched thy lips, and thy iniquities shall be taken away, and thy sin shall be cleansed. 

5. Jesus implies that our sins can be forgiven in the next world.
Matthew 12:32
And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but he that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world, nor in the world to come.
Scripture from the Greek Septuagint, the Old Testament of Christ, the Evangelists and Paul, and of the councils of Hippo and Carthage, affirm purgatory.

(Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include a larger Old Testament as did the Bible of Jesus' time. The Greek Text of the Bible used at this time is called the Septuagint. More Information on The Septuagint will be provided in a new article - This text was apart of scripture before Martin Luther mangled the Bible, and remained even in protestant Bibles well into the 19th Century. Some non Catholic, and non Orthodox Bibles still include them in the "Apocrypha" -- an incorrect name, which should be "Deuterocanon". )

2 Maccabees 12:42 
And so betaking themselves to prayers, they besought him, that the sin which had been committed might be forgotten. But the most valiant Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forasmuch as they saw before their eyes what had happened, because of the sins of those that were slain.
2 Maccabees 12:43
And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection.
2 Maccabees 12:44
(For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,)
2 Maccabees 12:45
And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.
2 Maccabees 12:46
It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.

Experience teaches us that there are people who die so suddenly, they have not had the opportunity to confess their sins, but are not guilty of serious "death dealing" sin and separation from God. This is essentially the function of purgatory.

Purgatory: Denial of Christ's Sufficiency?
Definitely, NO!

Purgatory is the effect of Christ's sufficiency.
Some Christians maintain that all temporal punishments for sin are taken away if the person has repented.
The Bible indicates that although God takes away the eternal punishment, some temporal punishments may remain.

This objection is based on a pair of erroneous presumptions: That progressive sanctification and suffering take away from Christ's work on Calvary and that the Church teaches that purgatory is work.

To address the second objection first, purgatory is not a place for those bad Catholics who didn't finish working their way to heaven while on earth. "For by grace you have been saved by faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). The purification that takes place in purgatory is purely a work of God's grace, since there is no chance for merit after death, and the judgment of each individual is based solely upon their earthly life. But regardless of where Christ purifies men, it is precisely because his sacrifice was sufficient that each believer can be perfected.

Though Christ paid the infinite debt of man's sins 2,000 years ago, the sanctification process in the life each Christian continues. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul tells the faithful, "May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." According to Scripture, sanctification is a thing of the past (1 Cor. 6:11), present (1 Thess. 4:3), and future (1 Thess. 5:23) in the Christian life.

This process often involves suffering, as Paul indicates: "Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross… 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. [God] disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant; later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:1-12).

Therefore, the presence of suffering does not detract from Christ's sacrifice. In fact, there is only one mention in all of Scripture of something "lacking in Christ's afflictions," and that missing link is the suffering of his mystical body, the Church (Col. 1:24). 

In the Old Testament, God forgave David, but still took the life of his son:
2 Samuel 12:3
But the poor man had nothing at all but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up, and which had grown up in his house together with his children, eating of his bread, and drinking of his cup, and sleeping in his bosom: and it was unto him as a daughter. 
2 Samuel 12:4
And when a certain stranger was come to the rich man, he spared to take of his own sheep and oxen, to make a feast for that stranger, who was come to him, but took the poor man's ewe, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

In the New Testament, Christ reiterates this principle:
St. Matthew 5:25
Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, whilst thou art in the way with him: lest perhaps the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
St. Matthew 5:26
Amen I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing.

Women still experience the temporal punishment of birth pains:
Genesis 3:16
To the woman also he said: I will multiply thy sorrows, and thy conceptions: in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, and thou shalt be under thy husband's power, and he shall have dominion over thee. 

Even though Christ paid the infinite debt of man's original sin:
Romans 5:12  
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into this world and by sin death: and so death passed upon all men, in whom all have sinned. 
Romans 5:13  
For until the law sin was in the world: but sin was not imputed, when the law was not. 
Romans 5:14  
But death reigned from Adam unto Moses, even over them also who have not sinned, after the similitude of the transgression of Adam, who is a figure of him who was to come. 
Romans 5:15  
But not as the offence, so also the gift. For if by the offence of one, many died: much more the grace of God and the gift, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Romans 5:16  
And not as it was by one sin, so also is the gift. For judgment indeed was by one unto condemnation: but grace is of many offences unto justification. 
Romans 5:17  
For if by one man's offence death reigned through one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift and of justice shall reign in life through one, Jesus Christ. 
Romans 5:18  
Therefore, as by the offence of one, unto all men to condemnation: so also by the justice of one, unto all men to justification of life. 
Romans 5:19  
For as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners: so also by the obedience of one, many shall be made just. 
Romans 5:20  
Now the law entered in that sin might abound. And where sin abounded, grace did more abound. 
Romans 5:21  
That as sin hath reigned to death: so also grace might reign by justice unto life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Conclusion:

The sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice is not lessened by the fact that God's work of perfecting his children is a process that often involves suffering and even temporal punishment.

While:

Hebrews 12:11
Now all chastisement for the present indeed seemeth not to bring with it joy, but sorrow: but afterwards it will yield to them that are exercised by it the most peaceable fruit of justice. 

It is all a part of God’s promise made through Paul:
1 Corinthians 3:15
If any mans work burn, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire.
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing: that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus. 

Even if it should be through suffering loss, yet so as by fire:
1 Corinthians 3:15
If any mans work burn, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire. 

The constant faith of the Church affirms the belief in purgatory.
From the earliest of times, the Fathers of the Church taught the existence of purgatory. This information is independently verifiable. The Common objection that purgatory was invented in the middle ages is false.

Tertullian (Rome, 160 - 220?)
Origen (Alexandria, 185 - 254?)
Cyprian (Carthage, 200 - 258)
Ambrose (Tier, 340 - 397)
Augustine (Numidia, 354 - 430)
Basil (Caesarea, 329 - 379)
Gregory of Nazianzus (in Cappadocia, 329 - 389)
John Chrysostom (Antioch, 349 - 407)
Gregory the Great (Rome, 540 - 604)
And many others.

The teaching Magisterium of the Church affirms the belief in purgatory. 

Council of Lyons II (1274)
We believe ... that the souls, by the purifying compensation are purged after death.
Council of Florence
Repeated the Council of Lyons II.
Council of Trent (1545-1563)
We constantly hold that purgatory exists, and that the souls of the faithful there detained are helped by the prayers of the faithful.

The Official Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

The official teaching of Purgatory within the Catholic Church is quite small and occupies only a few paragraphs. The following is taken directly from my copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Page 291, Paperback).

III. The Final Purification, or Purgatory

1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.

1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:

    As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.

1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin." From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:

    Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, Page 291, Paperback)


The Punishments of Sin 

1472 To understand this doctrine and practice of the Church, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the "eternal punishment" of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the "temporal punishment" of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, Page 411, Paperback)

The Early Church Fathers

The Early Church Fathers speak on Purgatory and Prayers for the dead.
Clement of Alexandria
The believer through discipline divests himself of his passions and passes to the mansion which is better than the former one, passes to the greatest torment, taking with him the characteristic of repentance for the faults he may have committed after baptism. He is tortured then still more, not yet attaining what he sees others have acquired. The greatest torments are assigned to the believer, for God's righteousness is good, and His goodness righteous, and though these punishments cease in the course of the expiation and purification of each one, "yet" etc. (Patres Groeci. IX, col. 332 [A.D. 150-215]).

Origen
If a man departs this life with lighter faults, he is condemned to fire which burns away the lighter materials, and prepares the soul for the kingdom of God, where nothing defiled may enter. For if on the foundation of Christ you have built not only gold and silver and precious stones (I Cor., 3); but also wood and hay and stubble, what do you expect when the soul shall be separated from the body? Would you enter into heaven with your wood and hay and stubble and thus defile the kingdom of God; or on account of these hindrances would you remain without and receive no reward for your gold and silver and precious stones? Neither is this just. It remains then that you be committed to the fire which will burn the light materials; for our God to those who can comprehend heavenly things is called a cleansing fire. But this fire consumes not the creature, but what the creature has himself built, wood, and hay and stubble. It is manifest that the fire destroys the wood of our transgressions and then returns to us the reward of our great works. (Patres Groeci. XIII, col. 445, 448 [A.D. 185-232]).

Abercius
The citizen of a prominent city, I erected this while I lived, that I might have a resting place for my body. Abercius is my name, a disciple of the chaste shepherd who feeds his sheep on the mountains and in the fields, who has great eyes surveying everywhere, who taught me the faithful writings of life. Standing by, I, Abercius, ordered this to be inscribed; truly I was in my seventy-second year. May everyone who is in accord with this and who understands it pray for Abercius (Epitaph of Abercius [A.D. 190]).

Tertullian
That allegory of the Lord [Matt. 5:25-26] . . . is extremely clear and simple in its meaning . . . [beware lest as] a transgressor of your agreement, before God the judge . . . and lest this judge deliver you over to the angel who is to execute the sentence, and he commit you to the prison of hell, out of which there will be no dismissal until the smallest even of your delinquencies be paid off in the period before the resurrection. What can be a more fitting sense than this? What a truer interpretation? (The Soul 35 [A.D. 210]).

The faithful widow prays for the soul of her husband, and begs for him in the interim repose, and participation in the first resurrection, and offers prayers on the anniversary of his death (Monogamy 10 [A.D. 213]).

Cyprian
It is one thing to stand for pardon, another thing to attain to glory; it is one thing, when cast into prison, not to go out thence until one has paid the uttermost farthing; another thing at once to receive the wages of faith and courage. It is one thing, tortured by long suffering for sins, to be cleansed and long purged by fire; another to have purged all sins by suffering. It is one thing, in fine, to be in suspense till the sentence of God at the Day of Judgment; another to be at once crowned by the Lord (Letters 51[55]:20 [A.D. 253]).

Cyril of Jerusalem
Then we make mention also of those who have already fallen asleep: first, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God would receive our petition, next, we make mention also of the holy fathers and bishops who have already fallen asleep, and, to put it simply, of all among us who have already fallen asleep. For we believe that it will be of very great benefit to the souls of those for whom the petition is carried up, while this holy and most solemn sacrifice is laid out (Catechetical Lectures 23:5:9 [A.D. 350]).

John Chrysostom
Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice [Job l:5), why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them (Homilies on First Corinthians 41:5 (A.D. 392)).

Not in vain was it decreed by the apostles that in the awesome mysteries remembrance should be made of the departed. They knew that here there was much gain for them, much benefit. When the entire people stands with hands uplifted, a priestly assembly, and that awesome sacrificial victim is laid out, how, when we are calling upon God, should we not succeed in their defense? But this is done for those who have departed in the faith, while even the catechumens are not reckoned .is worthy of this consolation, but are deprived of every means of assistance except one. And what is that? We may give alms to the poor on their behalf (Homilies on Philippians 3:9-10 [A.D. 402]).

Ambrose of Milan
Give perfect rest to thy servant Theodosius, that rest which thou hast prepared for thy saints… I have loved him, and therefore will I follow him into the land of the living; nor will I leave him until by tears and prayers I shall lead him wither his merits summon him, unto the holy mountain of the Lord (Funeral Sermon of Theodosius 36-37 [A.D. 395]).

Augustine
There is an ecclesiastical discipline, as the faithful know, when the names of the martyrs are read aloud in that place at the altar of God, where prayer is not offered for them. Prayer, however, is offered for other dead who are remembered. It is wrong to pray for a martyr, to whose prayers we ought ourselves be commended (Sermons 159:1 [A.D. 411]).

Temporal punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by some after death, by some both here and hereafter, but all of them before that last and strictest judgment. But not all who suffer temporal punishments after death will come to eternal punishments, which are to follow after that judgment (The City of God 21:13 [A.D. 419]).

That there should be some fire even after this life is not incredible, and it can be inquired into and either be discovered or left hidden whether some of the faithful may be saved, some more slowly and some more quickly in the greater or lesser degree in which they loved the good things that perish, through a certain purgatorial fire (Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Charity l8:69 [A.D. 421]).