The Fundamentals - Torrey - LXI - Chapter 21 (Is Romanism Christianity)

Required reading
The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 21 (Is Romanism Christianity).

My summary
Today Medhurst sets out to prove that Romanism is not Christianity.

Firstly Medhurst asserts that 'Christianity consists of what Christ has taught, and commanded in Scripture. But Romanism does not even profess to be founded on Scripture only: it claims a right to depart from what is contained in it a right to add to Scripture what is handed down by tradition; and both to depart from and add to Scripture by making new decrees.'

Secondly Medhurst says 'Christ commanded us to show "meekness" towards those who oppose us (2 Tim. 2:25). He says, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who use you despite fully and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).  But Romanism teaches men to hate, and, if they are able, to persecute to the death all those who will not receive it.'

Thirdly Medhurst states that 'As to the sacrifice of Christ, Christianity teaches that He was "offered once for all, to bear the sins of many" (Heb. 9:28); that those who are sanctified by His sacrifice are so "by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (10: 10) ; that "by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified," or made holy (10:14): these passages declare that the sacrifice of Christ was offered once for all, never to be repeated. But Rome declares that Christ is sacrificed anew, every time that the Lord's supper, which she calls "the mass," is celebrated; and that those who administer it are sacrificing priests.'

Fourthly Medhurst says 'Christianity is in direct opposition to Romanism as to the mode of a sinner's justification before God.'

Fifthly Medhurst tells us 'Christianity says "there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5), who is at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20), where He "ever lives to make intercession" for us (Heb. 7:25). Christianity says that there is but one Mediator; that we cannot draw near to God except through Jesus.  What says Romanism? I quote from "a book of devotion for every day in the month of May," published by Papal authority. "Great is the need you have, of Mary in order to be saved!'

What grabbed me
The clearly stated Roman Catholic teaching about Mary is shocking: 'I quote from "a book of devotion for every day in the month of May," published by Papal authority. "Great is the need you have, of Mary in order to be saved! Are you innocent? Still your innocence is, however, under great danger. How many, more innocent than you, have fallen into sin, and been damned? Are you pentitent? ' Still your perseverance is very uncertain. Are you sinners? Oh, what need you have of Mary to convert you! Ah, if there were no Mary, perhaps you would be lost! However, by the devotion of this month, you may obtain her patronage, and your own salvation. Is it possible that a mother so tender can help hearing a Son so devout? For a rosary, for a fast, she has sometimes conferred signal graces upon the greatest of sinners. Think, then, what she will do for you for a whole month dedicated to her service!" 

Here you see that Mary is everything; that Jesus Christ is nothing. Romanism teaches also that it is right to ask the intercession of all departed saints (Session 25). How dreadful is it that sinners are thus kept back from Jesus, and are prevented from reaching God through Him.'

I still can't get over that statement: 'Ah, if there were no Mary, perhaps you would be lost!' 

It is nothing less than a complete mockery of Christ.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 22 (Rome, the antagonist of the nation) and 23 (The true church).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.