Top marks to Gary Benfold (see comments on Name that theologian #1). It was Joseph Ratzinger, not Karl Barth, A. W. Tozer or P. T. Forsyth who said, "if the Church were to accommodate herself to the world in any way that would entail a turning from the Cross, that would not lead to a renewal of the Church, but only to her death." (Ratzinger's Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI, Tracey Rowland, 2009, OUP)
As a convicted Evangelical Protestant I can't disagree with that statement. We must never forget that the cross of Christ is the source of the Church's renewal. We live because he died. But it is regrettable that Roman Catholic teaching does not do justice to the saving efficacy of the cross. The finality of the atonement is undermined by the idea that Christ's propitiatory sacrifice is re-offered at the Mass. The sufficiency of the atonement is compromised by Rome's unbiblical teaching on purgatory. Christ suffered for the sins of his people, making any further suffering on their part in "purgatory" unnecessary. When Jesus said, "It is finished!" He meant it.
Thank you, brother for this clarifying statement. We must not foolishly accept all Romish doctrine based upon an isolated opinion one Pope my hold. Blessings as you continue to hold forth the truth!
ReplyDeleteIt would be better if you simply were to state that you agree with the Pope's statement, rather than the negative "I can't disagree with it," as if you would love to do so.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it reflects (appropriately) the prior expectation that he would have disagreed, given that the Pope and the sect he heads are enemies of the Gospel.
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