FOR THE GLORY OF CHRIST, WE AFFIRM AGAINST THE PAPISTS: Colossians 1:18
DOCTRINE. For the glory of Christ, the good of romanists, and to love our neighbors, we must affirm against the papists.
BOOK HELP FOR FURTHER STUDY
Are We Together? by R.C. Sproul - www.a.co/d/36VRdC3
Catholicism: East of Eden by Richard Bennett - www.a.co/d/6rczQ09
AUDIO/VIDEO HELP FOR FURTHER STUDY
Sproul’s series on Roman Catholicism - https://learn.ligonier.org/series/roman-catholicism/scripture-and-tradition
Leonardo De Chirico: Roman Catholicism Today - https://youtu.be/I-ypLDtHUI8?si=OKCfvQoQqEyf1r0e
All Ligonier messages on Roman Catholicism - https://learn.ligonier.org/topics/roman-catholicism?type=Teaching%2BSeries%7CmediaResource
Sproul on the Roman Catholic Church today (short) - https://youtu.be/iwjhz3mAZnw?si=Y6zYrS6h0BXJzDjG
Sproul and MacArthur on Catholicism - https://x.com/jcryle/status/1921194664218014089?s=46&t=VMiyLYkBygnOn7o_sQIszA
STUDY AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Introduction and Context
Historical Perspective: Why do the sermon notes suggest that the Reformers and Puritans spoke more harshly against the Papists than many modern Evangelicals? How might historical context (e.g., the Reformation) influence their tone?
1689 Baptist Confession: The sermon references the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, which calls the Pope the “antichrist” and “man of sin.” How does this language reflect the theological concerns of that time? Should such language be used today? Why or why not?
Current Event: The sermon mentions the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. How might contemporary events shape the way a sermon like this is received by a congregation?
I. Christ is the Only Head of the Church, Not the Pope
Scriptural Foundation: According to Colossians 1:18, what does it mean for Christ to be the “head of the body, the church”? How does this contrast with the Roman Catholic teaching on the Pope’s authority?
Catholic Teaching: The sermon cites Vatican I, Vatican II, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to show the Pope’s claimed authority. How do these teachings conflict with the Protestant view of Christ’s headship?
John Owen’s Critique: John Owen calls the Pope’s claim to headship a “usurpation of Christ’s prerogative.” What does this mean, and how does it align with the sermon’s overall doctrine?
II. Justification is Through Faith Alone, Not Through Faith Plus Works
Sola Fide Debate: The sermon outlines the Catholic rejection of justification by faith alone (e.g., Council of Trent, Canon IX). How does this differ from the Protestant understanding in Romans 3:28?
Catholic Perspective: The Catholic Catechism (Paragraph 2010) suggests that works can “merit” graces for sanctification. How does this teaching challenge the Protestant doctrine of justification?
William Perkins’ Argument: Perkins argues that justification is by faith alone because Christ’s righteousness is the sole cause of acceptance with God. How does this align with Romans 4:4-5?
III. Scripture Alone is the Final Arbiter, Not Traditions
Sola Scriptura: The sermon contrasts the Catholic view of Scripture and tradition (e.g., CCC 80, 82) with the Protestant view in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why is the sufficiency of Scripture a critical issue in this debate?
Tradition’s Role: The Catholic Church claims that Scripture and tradition form “one deposit of God’s Word.” How might this view impact the authority of Scripture in a believer’s life?
John Owen’s Defense: Owen argues that adding tradition as an equal authority undermines Scripture’s perfection. Do you agree? How can believers ensure they prioritize Scripture over human traditions?
IV. Man is Appointed to Die Once, and After That Comes Judgment, Not Purgatory
Purgatory Doctrine: The sermon cites Catholic teachings on Purgatory (e.g., CCC 1030–1031). How does this doctrine conflict with Hebrews 9:27 and the sermon’s emphasis on Christ’s sufficient sacrifice?
Biblical Assurance: Based on Luke 23:43 and Philippians 1:23, what assurance do believers have about their state after death? How does this challenge the idea of Purgatory?
William Perkins’ Critique: Perkins calls Purgatory a “mere fiction” that diminishes Christ’s sacrifice. How does this reflect the Protestant emphasis on the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement?
V. There is One Mediator Between God and Man, Christ Jesus
Mary as Mediatrix: The Catholic Church describes Mary as “Advocate and Mediatrix” (CCC 969). How does this teaching conflict with 1 Timothy 2:5?
Pope Leo XIV’s Speech: The sermon quotes Pope Leo XIV invoking Mary’s intercession. How does this practice reflect broader Catholic theology, and why does the sermon call it “witchcraft”?
William Perkins on Idolatry: Perkins compares Catholic devotion to Mary with the idolatry in Jeremiah 7:18. Do you think this comparison is fair? Why or why not?
VI. Christ Was Sacrificed Once for All, Not in the Mass
Catholic Mass as Sacrifice: The sermon cites the Council of Trent and CCC 1366, which describe the Mass as a propitiatory sacrifice. How does this conflict with Hebrews 7:27 and 10:12-14?
Protestant View: The sermon emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice was “once for all.” Why is this doctrine central to Protestant theology, and how does it challenge the Catholic view of the Mass?
William Perkins’ Critique: Perkins calls the Mass a “blasphemous error.” What makes the Catholic teaching on the Mass so problematic from a Protestant perspective?
VII. God Demands All Men Everywhere Repent, Including Unbelieving Jews
Pope Francis’ Statement: Pope Francis claims that Jews do not need to be evangelized. How does this conflict with Acts 17:30-31 and Acts 4:12?
Universal Call to Repentance: The sermon stresses that “all men everywhere” must repent (Acts 17:30). Why is this message particularly significant when addressing the Jewish people?
Thomas Goodwin’s View: Goodwin insists that Jews must be called to repentance and faith in Christ. How does this align with the sermon’s broader call to preach the gospel to all?
Seven Concluding Exhortations
Christ as Head: How can believers practically “look to Christ Jesus alone as the Head of the Church” in their daily lives and church practices?
Faith Alone: What steps can a believer take to ensure they are trusting in Christ alone for justification, rather than relying on works?
Scripture’s Authority: How can you “bind your conscience to Scripture alone” when faced with competing traditions or teachings in the modern world?
Urgency of Repentance: The exhortation to “prepare to die today” emphasizes the absence of a second chance like Purgatory. How does this urgency shape the way you live out your faith?
Christ as Mediator: What does it look like to pray to God through Christ alone, and how can believers avoid distractions like praying to saints or Mary?
Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice: How does trusting in Christ’s “once for all” sacrifice impact a believer’s assurance of salvation?
Call to Evangelize: The final exhortation urges believers to “preach the gospel and call all men everywhere to repent.” How can you apply this in your interactions with others, including those of different faiths?
For Group Discussion
Tone and Approach: The sermon uses strong language against the Catholic Church (e.g., “false church,” “witchcraft”). Is this tone appropriate for addressing theological differences today? How can we balance truth with love in such discussions?
Ecumenical Challenges: Given the differences outlined in the sermon, how should Protestants engage with Catholics in dialogue or evangelism? What common ground, if any, can be found?
Application to Today: The sermon was prompted by the election of Pope Leo XIV in 2025. How do the theological issues raised in the sermon apply to current events or trends in the global church?
Personal Reflection: Which of the seven reasons to “affirm against the papists” resonates most with you, and why? How has this sermon challenged your understanding of Christ’s role in the church and salvation?