2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE SIN OF DENYING CHRIST’S DEITY
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Luke 11:14-28
Matthew 12:43-45
“He that is not with me
is against me…”
THE SIN OF DENYING CHRIST’S DEITY
The Jews were guilty of blasphemy against the Spirit when they accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan (cf. Mark 3:22). What a terrible thing it was for Jesus who is God Himself to be subjected to such an insult. He had done nothing but good for those people, and yet this was the treatment He received. He must have been deeply hurt and grieved by such mockery and scorn. He endured all these for us. What longsuffering!
Like the Jews who denied the deity of Christ by attributing His miracles to the devil, the Catholics deny the Lord’s deity by making Mary superior to Christ. The Catholic Church cites Luke 11:27 as proof that Mary is indeed above Jesus, “Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.” But they conveniently ignore Jesus’ swift rejoinder and correction of that remark, “Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Yes, Mary was blessed, but not because she bore the Son of God, but because she was born again and became a child of God. This can only come by hearing the Word of God and obeying it. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). If Mary is to be followed, it is in her faithful submission to and obedience of God’s Word. When told that she had conceived in her womb the Messiah, she humbly surrendered herself to do His will, and told the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). This was what Jesus wanted the people to learn: blessed are those who hear and obey the Word of God. Mary is in no way superior to Jesus. If Mary could speak to Catholics today, she would no doubt cry out, “Stop your ‘Hail Mary’s.’ Hail Christ only!”
THOUGHT: Like Luther and Calvin, come out of the Roman Catholic Church (2 Cor 6:17)!
PRAYER: Father, grant me the courage to take a separatist stand for Thee.