Why the Papacy is not Biblical or Christian!

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. The papacy is the position, power, and authority of the pope. Based on the following evidence, the Roman Catholic teaching about the office of the pope should be rejected because it is not in agreement with the teachings of the New Testament. I regularly interact with believers who assume that the Roman Catholic Church is just a variation of legitimate Christianity. However, the differences between Catholicism and Christianity are very significant and are actually irreconcilable. One of the most significant differences between the Catholic church and Christianity is the issue of salvation. Catholicism teaches a different way of salvation. While both Catholics and Christians believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, they differ on how it's achieved and maintained. Catholic theology emphasizes salvation as a process, requiring not just faith but also participation in the sacraments and good works. This is a rejection of the core belief of Christianity. In Catholic theology, while salvation is fundamentally a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the sacraments and good works are considered necessary for salvation. Christianity emphasizes salvation by grace alone, through faith in Christ, with works as a result of that faith, not a requirement for salvation (see Ephesians 2:8-10). In addition to the significant problems of Catholic belief about salvation, Catholics also have errant beliefs about the pope being an inerrant (not capable of being wrong) leader of the church. This is not found in the Bible, meaning the foundation of papal infallibility—the existence of the papacy itself—is not Scriptural. In summary, the Bible speaks of only one abiding, infallible guide left by God for His church. It is the written Word of God, not an infallible leader (2 Timothy 3:15–17). And, as the Holy Spirit carried holy men along in the writing of that Word (2 Peter 1:19–21), so He indwells, fills, and guides members of the church today (see John 16:13). I will end with a question. We are given true and reliable divine revelation from God in the Scriptures. If you read through your Bible plainly and naturally, are you given the picture of an individual who has special power over the church? Well, let me tell you that you are! But, this individual is Jesus! He alone is the head of the church (see Ephesians 5:23, 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18), and His authority is never passed on by succession. Be encouraged!