There was a time in my life when I questioned if I could ever talk to Jesus or God because I never knew what that really meant. Now that I understand I am a child of His, the realism and intimacy comes easier and I KNOW I can talk to Him at any time. After today, my heart is breaking for approximately 1.2 Billion Catholics.
In my opinion, this news as pictured above, has ripped away the intimacy we had from Christ and gave permission to technology substituting for it. The leader of a group the size of Catholicism, the Pope has driven a deeper wedge between “Christians” and their healing of forgiveness.
Multiple articles have confirmed that Pope Francis has now offered to reduce time in “purgatory” if Catholics follow him on Twitter….other articles word it “Pope Francis will offer plenary indulgences on Twitter….the Pope will start relieving the punishment for your sins via social media.” Am I the only one who feels this is absurd and completely anti-scripture??
Now I realize that by expressing my thoughts on this that many if my friends who are of Catholic background may take offence; however, I pray and plead with those of you who do to take a step back from the emotions and see the reality in what scripture says and how misleading this offer from the Pope is!
Consider this: The articles say that the Pope is going to give “plenary indulgences”….meaning what? It’s described as an act that will lesson one’s time in purgatory. Again, lets look at not the fancy words, but the literal meaning of it all. Plenary means, “Full, complete or entire; attended by qualified members.” Indulgences means, “being lenient or permissive.” So in another words, the Pope is going to offer full leniency on sins if people follow him on Twitter??
Oh, after you follow him, I guess they (those asking for plenary indulgence) have to admit their sins, lift up prayers and THEN attend mass….yep, I remember that scripture!! Since when, being that I’ve always wondered, have we entrusted another sinful man to give submit our sins to for forgiveness?? Wasn’t the curtain of the temple torn when Christ rose from the grave?? (Matthew 27:51)
The tearing of the temple curtain is not just an unusual coincidence. It is a dramatic sign. The Most Holy Place is the inner sanctum of the temple, where God dwells in darkness and mystery. Only one person is allowed beyond the great curtain, and that is the high priest. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, he enters the sanctuary, holding before him the blood of sacrifice for sins. Now, by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, the way into the presence of God is open to all. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews understands that Jesus is the perfect high priest who offers the perfect sacrifice of himself. He opens the way into the holy place of heaven, through the torn curtain of his own body (Hebrews 10:19–20).
Just that scripture alone shows that because of Jesus, to whom we all should share a relationship with, we have direct connection to the Father. Yet emphasis still is given to a MAN, here on earth, surrounded by the same flesh and desires we all struggle with and sin from (Romans 3:23), and tells us that HE will offer his followers pardon from the punishment of theirs sins which have already been “absolved”.
Hmmm….the Apostle Paul stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:6that “…The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.“. So….how can this man (who isn’t Jesus or God) pardon his followers from the punishment their sin comes with? Why have we become a nation, a world that can place such emphasis on the word of God and then place a MAN in the position clearly contradictive to it? How is this any better than the religious leaders and Pharisees in Jesus’ time? Oh wait! I know! Because they use Christ (and Mary) as their focal reasoning for justification to the twisting of God’s word.
Now I know you might be thinking, “Well, other men of God wrote the Bible, why can’t another man be appointed to lead His people according to the Bible?” Now if that is your similar thought, then consider this: people are appointed by God to lead others for Him, to Him everyday….yet it’s the ones who KEEP to His words and don’t refocus the emphasis given to someone/something else.
Focus: John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believes IN HIM ( not Mary, or the Pope) shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 14:6, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
No one…..anyone….can come TO THE FATHER….except through me….Jesus said this, not the Pope…..not Buda, not Ghandi, not the Dali Lama….but Christ….God’s ONLY begotten Son.
Telling someone your sins is confession and is best only for accountability and relieving yourself emotionally somewhat. Confessing to another man who claims to offer “pardon” from that sin’s punishment is, in my opinion, sac religious according to scripture. I don’t see the Pope offering to carry an enormously heavy cross to be crucified for all 1.2 billion Catholics….
And another thing…..social media is cool and all….giving millions an opportunity to reconnect or connect for the first time with old friends, new friends, etc. But when I read the Pope’s intentions through social media…all that is is a popularity contest that’s unfortunately giving millions of sinners an escape from responsibility of their actions, an excuse to sin more and most importantly…..FALSE HOPE.
I wonder who has more followers? The Pope or the Queen??
Find rest in Christ….one-on-one like He asks us to, “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28, 29 NLT)
Read the article referenced:
Planting Seeds of ❤️ for Jesus 