Understanding Roman Catholicism

Mary: Source of Holiness

The Catechism alleges that the virgin Mary is the model and source of true holiness:

"From the Church he learns the example of holiness and recognizes its model and source in the all-holy Virgin Mary..." Pg. 490, #2030

You will not be surprised to learn that we have another conflict. As we discussed in the previous chapter, the Bible portrays Mary as a sinner who needed a Savior.

Yes, she was blessed to give birth to the Son of God, but that does not make her the source of holiness. Referring to herself, Mary marveled that God had:

"... regarded the low estate of his handmaiden..." Luke 1:48

The Biblical source of holiness

The Bible affirms repeatedly that God is our only model of holiness:

"Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee..." Revelation 15:4

"Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy." Psalm 99:5

"Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy." Psalm 99:3

Never do we read in Scripture about Mary being holy, much less the source or model of holiness:

"Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy." Psalm 99:9

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." Isaiah 6:3

The words "holy" or "holiness" are used over 600 times in the Bible. Not once does either word refer to Mary.

God announces that we should be holy, as He is holy, not as Mary is holy:

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16

"For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy..." Leviticus 11:44

Roman Catholic friend, do you see the difference here? God's Word repeatedly instructs you to look to the eternal God of the universe as your model and source of holiness. Catholicism counters, saying, "No, don' t look to God, look to this frail, human woman."

This is nothing short of blasphemy. And we can only ask, "Why does the Catholic church attempt to dethrone God Almighty from His rightful place and set Mary on His throne instead? Why does Catholicism want you looking to Mary for your example of holiness instead of God?

God deserves all glory and honor. Plus, He is a jealous God who reminds us that:

"... I will not give my glory unto another." Isaiah 48:11

Conclusion

Who will be YOUR model of holiness? God Almighty... or a sinful woman? Catholicism demands you look to the woman. The Bible declares that only God is qualified:

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11

"I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King." Isaiah 43:15

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Understanding Roman Catholicism © 1995 by Rick Jones


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