In Matthew 16:18, a verse which has been the subject of controversy and debate, Jesus states “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (ESV). Below we explore common interpretations and applications of this text. As with […]
The Biblical doctrine of atonement teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is a complete, final, and wholly sufficient payment for the sins of all who believe. In contrast, the Catholic Church teaches that upon death, believers whose sins have not been fully absolved enter into an interim state, known as Purgatory, in order that […]
Since the Protestant Reformation, several church traditions have been established which differ distinctly from the Catholic Church. Collectively referred to as Protestant churches, major denominations that grew from these movements include the Lutherans, Presbyterians, Anabaptists, and later the Methodists and Baptists. Though differing from one another in structure, operation, and secondary doctrinal matters, the various […]
There is much controversy concerning whether Peter was the first pope. This question highlights how beliefs differ between the Roman Catholic Church and churches of the Reformation. Church bodies that broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation, and after, deny the authority of the pope based on Scripture. So the answer based […]
