Cardinal Robert Bellarmine, Italian Jesuit, named ‘Doctor of the [Roman Catholic] Church,’ is one of the premiere apologists for the Pope and his apostate Church. This so-called ‘saint’ has written numerous ‘scholarly’ theses, not the least of which is Fifteen Marks of the Catholic Church. In this present essay five of those marks by which he claims ‘prove’ his Church to be the true Church will be examined. Ultimately, these marks will be shown to be proof of his Church’s condemnation as prophesied by the Word of God.
1. The Church’s Name, Catholic, universal, and world wide, and not confined to any particular nation or people.
ANSWER: Universal and worldwide may be viewed in a positive or negative light. Positively, it can be viewed as those saints, members of Christ’s true Body, described in Revelation 7:9. Negatively, it can be viewed as those described in Revelation 17:15, members of Antichrist’s false body, the Great Whore Church, who kill protesting Christians in the name of Christ, and who are doomed to destruction. The question then becomes, Who is telling the truth: Bellarmine or factual Church history?
2. Antiquity, in tracing her ancestry directly to Jesus Christ.
ANSWER: Antiquity may also be viewed in a positive or negative light. Positively, it can be viewed in terms of doctrine, having taught and believed the same doctrine handed down by the Apostles (Ephesians 2:20). This immediately eliminates the Roman Catholic Church whose traditions, doctrinal decrees and blaspheming sacrificing priesthood contradict even the most basic precepts of Christianity. Negatively, it can be viewed as ancient as the Serpent himself, a liar and murderer from the beginning. The Pharisees had such antiquity on their side, as do their spiritual descendants in Rome.
4. Extensiveness, in the number of her loyal members.
ANSWER: The number of members can be viewed either positively or negatively. Although from a worldly carnal viewpoint large numbers spell success, such is not the case from a biblical, spiritual view. Israel was chosen though she was few in number (Deuteronomy 7:7). The parable of the broad road and narrow gate confirms this truth. Jesus calls His sheep ‘little flock’ (Luke 12:32).
10. Holiness of Life, of the Church’s representative writers and defenders.
ANSWER: If pervasive pedophilia, rape and sodomy by its priesthood — for centuries — can be defined biblically as ‘holiness of life,’ then yes, The Roman Catholic Church is the most holy Church on earth.
11. The glory of Miracles, worked in the Church and under the Church’s auspices.
ANSWER: I find it incredible Cardinal Bellarmine uses Church ‘miracles’ as proof of God’s favor and blessing when Holy Writ clearly states it is through the very deception of alleged ‘miracles’ that Antichrist and his Church body will rise to power (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9). In fact, Jesus warns that such miracles, i.e. ‘signs and wonders,’ will be so great as to deceive all people, except God’s Elect (Matthew 24:24).
There is no question the Pope and his Roman Catholic followers are sincere. However, sincerity is never the issue. Saving knowledge of the true God is the issue (John 17:3). Loving the true God and His truth is the issue.