The Truth About The Mass
Recently the Knights of Columbus have used newspaper advertisements to place their religious views before the people. We use this same means; and thank God that we live in America where all people have this privileges. May it ever be this way.
We plead with the people to read their Bibles and forsake religious error of all kinds. We desire to study the scriptures with those who request it. Questions on Bible matters may be mailed to us. We are ready to engage in private or public discussion with any church leader.
We trust that each reader of this article will take their Bible and read every scripture found therein.
1. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Catholics make much over the observing of the Mass. The Bible is given us to instruct us in righteousness; and is perfect to thoroughly furnish the man of God unto all good works. The Bible is silent concerning the Mass and the priestly ceremonies that go with it. Therefore we conclude them unscriptural, anti-scriptural, not a part of righteousness; and neither is it a good work.
2. Again: In 1 Peter 4:11 — "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracle of God." Where in the "oracles of God" do you find authority for the Mass? Also, Peter 1:3 — God's power (His word), "hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness . . . " The Mass was not given by God's word; therefore it does not pertain to either life or godliness.
3. Again: 2 John 9-11 shows us we must abide in the "doctrine of Christ." Where did Christ ever teach about the Mass? I fail to find it in my Bible. Further: The above scripture warns us against encouraging this kind of doctrine that opposes Christ's teaching—this makes us a partner in the evil deed.
4. The observance of the Mass seems somewhat akin to something we find in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 called the "doctrine of the devils." Now read this carefully.
5. Catholics think it remarkable that the Mass is carried out in Latin—(a dead language and not known by the laity). But in reference to speaking in an unknown tongue when "the whole church is come together in one place" the Apostle Paul said, "yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (Read 1 Cor. 14: 2, 19, and 23)
6. Quoting from the K. C. advertisement—"Going to Mass on Sunday is, of course, an obligation for every Catholic." However, it is not an obligation for a Christian. Jesus said, John 8:31, "If ye continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed . . . " and John 15:15—"If ye love me, keep my commandments." One can show his love for Christ and be his disciple without ever observing one Mass, because in none of the words or commandments of Christ do we find him mentioning such a thing.
7. The Lord's supper or communion is taught in the scriptures and New Testament Christians observe it on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7) This is not equal to the Mass for the Mass is designed for a different purpose and observed in a different way. Read Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22;19-20, 1 Cor. 10:16-17, and 1 Cor. 11:23-30.