QUESTION: Was Erasmus, the editor of the Textus Receptus, a “good” Roman Catholic?ANSWER: Erasmus, who edited the Greek text which was later to be known as the Textus Receptus, was an embarrassment to the pope and a poor example of a “good” Roman Catholic.
EXPLANATION: Desiderius Erasmus was born in 1466 and died in 1536 at the age of seventy. This was no mean feat during the days when the plagues, coupled with primeval medical practices, worked together to limit the average age of a man’s life to approximately 35-40 years.
Both of his parents fell victim to that same plague while Erasmus was just a lad. He and his brother were then placed in the care of an uncle who promptly sent them off to a monastery just to be rid of them. Thus Erasmus’s destiny was sealed long before he could ever have a say in the matter.
Young Erasmus became well known for his charm, urbanity and wit, and was in possession of an obviously above average intellect. He was later to choose to be an Augustinian on the sole attribute that they were known to have the finest of libraries.
His behavior was somewhat bizarre by Augustinian standards. He refused to keep vigils, never hesitated to eat meat on Fridays, and though ordained, chose never to function as a priest. The Roman Church had captured his body, but quite apparently his mind and heart were still unfettered.
He is known to history as one of the most prolific writers of all times.
Erasmus was a constant and verbal opponent of the many excesses of his church. He berated the papacy, the priesthood and the over indulgences of the monks. He stated that the monks would not touch money, but that they were not so scrupulous concerning wine and women. He constantly attacked clerical concubinage and the cruelty with which the Roman Catholic Church dealt with so called “heretics.” He is even credited with saving a man from the Inquisition.
One of his many writings consisted of a tract entitled “Against the Barbarians” which was directed against the overt wickedness of the Roman Catholic Church.
He was a constant critic of Pope Julius and the papal monarchy. He often compared the crusade leading Pope Julius to Julius Caesar. He is quoted as saying, “How truly is Julius playing the part of Julius.” He also stated, “This monarchy of the Roman pontiff is the pest of Christendom.” He advised the church to “get rid of the Roman See.” When a scathing satire, in which Pope Julius was portrayed as going to Hell, written in anonymity was circulated, it was fairly common knowledge that its author was Erasmus.
He was offered a bishopric in hopes that it would silence his criticism. He rejected the bribe flat.
Erasmus published five editions of the New Testament in Greek. They were brought out successively in 1516, 1519, 1522, 1527 and 1535. His first two editions did not contain I John 5:7 although the reading had been found in many non-Greek texts dating back as early as 150 A.D. Erasmus desired to include the verse but knew the conflict that would rage if he did so without at least one Greek manuscript for authority. Following the publication of his second edition, which like his first consisted of both the Greek New Testament and his own Latin translation, he said that he would include I John 5:7 in his next edition if just one Greek manuscript could be found which contained it. Opponents of the reading today erringly charge that the two manuscripts found had been specially produced just to oblige Erasmus’s request, but this charge has never been validated and was not held at the time of Erasmus’s work.
The Roman Catholic Church criticized his works for his refusal to use Jerome’s Latin translation, a translation that he said was inaccurate. He opposed Jerome’s translation in two vital areas.
He detected that the Greek text had been corrupted as early as the fourth century. He knew that Jerome’s translation had been based solely on the Alexandrian manuscript, Vaticanus, written itself early in the fourth century.
He also differed with Jerome on the translation of certain passages which were vital to the claimed authority of the Roman Catholic Church.
Jerome rendered Matthew 4:17 thus: “Do penance, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Erasmus differed with: “Be penitent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Erasmus was also a staunch defender of both Mark 16:9-21 and John 8:1-12. Zeal which our modern day scholars cannot seem to find.
Possibly Erasmus’s greatest gift to mankind was his attitude toward the common man. In the rigidly “classed” society in which he lived, he was an indefatigable advocate of putting the Scripture in the hands of the common man. While Jerome’s Latin had been translated at the bidding of the Roman hierarchy, Erasmus translated his Latin with the express purpose of putting it into the hands of the common people of his day. A practice that the Roman Catholic Church knew could be dangerous to its plan to control the masses.
Erasmus is quoted as saying, “Do you think that the Scriptures are fit only for the perfumed?” “I venture to think that anyone who reads my translation at home will profit thereby.” He boldly stated that he longed to see the Bible in the hands of “the farmer, the tailor, the traveler and the Turk.” Later, to the astonishment of his upper classed colleagues, he added “the masons, the prostitutes and the pimps” to that declaration.
Knowing his desire to see the Bible in the hands of God’s common people, it seems not so surprising that God was to use his Greek text for the basis of the English Bible that was translated with the common man in mind, the King James Bible.
It has been said that “Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched.” There is probably far more truth to this statement than can be casually discerned. For the reformers were armed with Erasmus’s Bible, his writings and his attitude of resistance to Roman Catholic intimidation. Of Luther he said, “I favor Luther as much as I can, even if my cause is everywhere linked with his.” He wrote several letters on Luther’s behalf, and wholeheartedly agreed with him that salvation was entirely by grace, not works.
He refused pressure by his Roman Catholic superiors to denounce Luther as a heretic. If Erasmus had turned the power of his pen on Luther, it would undoubtedly have caused far more damage than the powerless threats of the pope and his imps were able to do. As it is, only his disagreement with Luther’s doctrine of predestination ever prompted him to criticize the Reformer with pen and ink.
Erasmus’s greatest point of dissension with the Roman Church was over its doctrine of salvation through works and the tenets of the church.
He taught that salvation was a personal matter between the individual and God and was by faith alone. Of the Roman system of salvation he complained, “Aristotle is so in vogue that there is scarcely time in the churches to interpret the gospel.” And what was “the gospel” to which Erasmus referred? We will let him speak for himself.
“Our hope is in the mercy of God and the merits of Christ.” Of Jesus Christ he stated, “He … nailed our sins to the cross, sealed our redemption with his blood. ” He boldly stated that no rites of the Church were necessary for an individual’s salvation. “The way to enter paradise,” he said, “is the way of the penitent thief, say simply, Thy will be done. The world to me is crucified and I to the world.”
Concerning the most biblical sect of his time, the Anabaptists, he reserved a great deal of respect. He mentioned them as early as 1523 even though he himself was often called the “only Anabaptist of the 16th century.” He stated that the Anabaptists that he was familiar with called themselves “Baptists.” (Ironically, Erasmus was also the FIRST person to use the term “fundamental.”)
So we see that when Erasmus died on July 11, 1536, he had led a life that could hardly be construed to be an example of what could be considered a “good Catholic.”
But perhaps the greatest compliment, though veiled, that Erasmus’s independent nature ever received came in 1559, twenty-three years after his death. That is when Pope Paul IV put Erasmus’s writings on the “Index” of books, forbidden to be read by Roman Catholics.
IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does it condemn clerical dress? (Matt. 23:5-6). Why does it teach against the adoration of Mary? (Luke 11:27-28). Why does it show that all Christians are priests? (1 Pet. 2:5,9). Why does it condemn the observance of special days? (Gal. 4:9-11). Why does it forbid us to address religious leaders as “father”? (Matt. 23:9).
Also, IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11). Why does it address only God Himself as the “Holy Father”? (John 17:11). Why does it teach that there is one mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5). Why is it completely silent about infant baptism, indulgences, purgatory, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other things in the Catholic Church?
IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible teach that all Christians are saints? (1 Cor. 1:2). Why does it condemn the making and adoration of images? (Ex. 20:4-5). Why does it teach that baptism is immersion instead of pouring? (Col. 2:12).
Furthermore, IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible forbid us to address religious leaders as “father”? (Matt. 23:9).Why does it teach that Christ is the only foundation and not the apostle Peter? (1 Cor. 3:11). Why does it address only God Himself as the “Holy Father.” (John 17:11).
If the Bible is catholic, why then did the Pope put the Bible on the Index of forbidden books in the 12th century?
EVEN MORE: IF THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK, THEN: Why does the Bible teach that there is only One Mediator instead of many? (1 Tim. 2:5). Why is it completely silent about infant baptism, indulgences, purgatory, confession to priests, the rosary, the mass, and many other heresies perpetrated by the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church is Satan’s Monstrosity and has done Nothing Except Attack God’s Word
Leslie R Wilds writes: “Did you know that when the King James Bible came out besides the Tyndale Bible which was suppressed because they murdered him the King James Bible was the only Bible available to the General Public. Because the Catholic Church suppress it. And just like Ruckman says it came out before German rationalism English deism or French atheism Ever Raised its ugly head all of that including Darwinism is a direct assault against the King James Bible because the word of God became available to everyone through the English king who authorized it whether you like the king or not King James Bible is the word of God it is not to be altered ever.”
Is Peter the Rock or is Jesus? CATHOLIC HERESY EXPOSED! [podcast]
Articles
The Joy of Seed Sowing
“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22
Always remember, there must be a seed sown before there can be a crop reaped.
BEFORE Jesus saved me, He had several of His people along the way drop His precious Word into my sin-darkened, alienated heart. Read Ephesians 2. Wow.
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” Ephesians 4:18
Some of this Gospel action from God’s people toward me, included the tangible, the printed page. These things all culminated into His saving me into His glorious kingdom (Isaiah 55:11).
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
How about you? What was the process of our LORD saving you? Who did He use? How did they sow His seed into your life.
Think about how when we plant a seed in the ground. Do we plant that seed and stand back and expect to see the plant begin to rise up out of the ground? No. Jesus spoke of this very thing.
“As I was reading this article I was reminded of a time when I was at my Dad’s retirement home. And I went and spread Jesus tracts all throughout the home. They had a sanctuary which looked to be mostly Catholic. With rosary beads and a Catholic Bible. So I especially targeted this place. The next time I went back, I looked in the sanctuary, and saw, on one of the chairs, a lady’s sweater and a Jesus tract. But what really stuck out was how tattered this Jesus tract was! Apparently, she had been carrying it around with her for some time. All I did was plant not knowing what God would do! It was getting into the heart of this lady and was she then being used to spread more seeds? I was not blessed to meet this women but from the way this tract looked it was something she carried with her and treasured!” Karen Cochran
Mark 4:26-29
“26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
We don’t know how a seed turns into a plant and a crop. We just plant them and go to bed knowing they will produce the desired outcome (crop), right? Isn’t that the same faith we should have when we plant God’s Word in the hearts and minds of people?
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” Romans 1:16
May God bless each of us to prayerfully and faithfully plant that seed of God’s Word beloved. God’s Word is the seed of salvation (Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:23). Just like the ground when a seed is planted into it. GOD will do the rest as we simply, lovingly, wisely, plant His precious truth into the hearts of those around us.
Speaking of such…. Yesterday, I gave a copy of the Moments with Our Master book to a dear young couple (they are about 18). This daily devotional comes in a dark or light cover. I asked if they like to read. As most people, they answered in the affirmative. Then I asked if I could gift them with a book. Most people won’t turn down a free gift, right? Right. She was given the lighter cover version and he the darker. As usual I opened the book (anywhere) and told them that “there is a Scripture at the top, a few words and then a prayer. One devotional for each day of the year.” Show and tell. I encouraged them by saying “this is a great way to start your day.” God was working.
Everyone on earth is being influenced by others on earth and it’s our calling from God to influence people toward Him.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Personally, I love stopping by the thrift stores and finding every King James Bible they have. Great investment and it equips you to be armed and dangerous. Also, I like carrying, always, Scripture-rich resources. God will quicken. By doing these things (equipping) you are showing in earnest to the LORD that you want Him to use you.
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
Keep in mind that sowing the seed of God’s Word IS 100% a Great Commission operation and anyone participating in any fashion is obeying God and laying up treasure in glory – as He instructed you to do (1 Samuel 30:24; Matthew 6:19-21; John 4:36; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, etc.). Perhaps you’d consider to not only buy yourself a supply of printed page materials for ministry but also supply another saint with the same. King James Bible.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12
YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your every blessing and for finding me in my sin and saving me into Your family by the blood of Christ my LORD. Please sanctify and use us for Your eternal glory. I love You Jesus. Please now fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and open doors for me to sow the seed of Your Word in this late hour as we eagerly expect Your soon return. In Jesus’ Name.
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Abiding
The Good Shepherd and His True Sheep [podcast]
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant …” Hebrews 13:20
“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” John 10:3
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:1-13
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25
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Abiding
“He that Loveth Pureness of Heart” [podcast]
IS YOUR HEART PURE BEFORE THE ALMIGHTY BELOVED?
DO I truly love “pureness of heart”?
“HE THAT LOVETH PURENESS OF HEART, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11
Without a pure heart, obtained from seeking, worshiping, knowing, and obey God …. no one “shall see God.” Not one.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
If you or I have every word of the Bible memorized and die today with a heart that is defiled with sin, we’d bust hell wide open – and be trapped there irrevocably forever.
TODAY is our day, it’s your day, to throw up those hands and that heart to the LORD who made you, and cry out to Him to grant you a pure heart, one that is innocent, clean, washed, delighting in Him.
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
When the LORD is truly working in a man, that man is learning to love “pureness of heart.”
“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11
Coming and continuing to come to the light is essential to final salvation.
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:19-21
Choosing the Fear of the LORD
WE must surround ourselves with the Word, the people, the praises of our God! FLOOD your ear and eye gates beloved (Proverbs 4:23). Jesus is coming.
“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:21
Coming clean: To be sanctified by Christ, one must repent and believe upon Him. As the LORD works in them, there will be the response of honesty, humble repentance and a coming to the light, continually. If not, judgment will be incurred (Isaiah 1:19-20).
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
Those who cover instead of bring their depraved hearts into the light to have them changed and cleansed by the LORD, “shall not prosper.” In other words, they are stifled. Those who remain humble, teachable, correctable, rebukeable, and obedient, will receive divine mercy perpetually.
“God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” Psalms 55:19
Those who refuse to “choose the fear of the LORD” have no changes in their lives.
“For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:” Proverbs 1:29
Psalms 73
“Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalms 73:23-28
Drawing Nigh (close) to God Afresh
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:6-10
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The Joy of Seed Sowing
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