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The Last Rites
This is the last ritual many Catholics perform - Viaticum, also known
as the Last Rites:
| "As the sacrament of Christ's Passover the Eucharist
should always be the last sacrament of the earthly journey,
the 'viaticum' for 'passing over' to eternal life." Pg. 379,
#1517 |
This ritual includes anointing the dying person:
| "If the sacrament of anointing of the sick is given to
all who suffer from serious illness and infirmity, even more
rightly is it given to those at the point of departing this
life... The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity
to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism
began it." Pg. 381, #1523 |
The belief that this anointing "completes our conformity to the death
and Resurrection of Christ" is another tradition of men the Scriptures
say nothing about.
More Bondage
Since this ritual can only be performed by a priest or other Catholic
leader, it keeps members in bondage to the Catholic religion right up
until the moment of their death:
| "Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of
the Anointing of the Sick." Pg. 379, #1516 |
The Catechism also teaches that the Last Rites are the "seed of
eternal life":
| "In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church
offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist
as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of Christ,
received at this moment of 'passing over' to the Father, has
particular significance and importance. It is the seed of
eternal life and the power of resurrection..." Pg. 381,
#1524 |
But the Bible disagrees, declaring that this ritual is neither the
"seed of eternal life" nor the "power of resurrection." These are
man-made doctrines that God neither initiated nor endorsed.
This act is nothing more than one final earthly good work, which the
Bible proclaims to be useless:
| "...that I may win Christ. And be found in him,
not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of
Christ, the righteousness which is of God by
faith:" Philippians 3:8-9 |
Here are a few more man-made rules associated with this ritual:
| "If a sick person who received this anointing recovers
his health, he can in the case of another grave illness
receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the
person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may
be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing just
prior to a serious operation. The same holds true for the
elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced." Pg. 379,
1515 |
Rules on top of more rules. Please remember, God never ordained
any of them. Men created them all.
Conclusion
As you make your own decision on this doctrine, here are a few points
to consider:
- This ritual is never taught in the Bible.
- Not one Bible character ever received the Last Rites, including
Paul, who said:
| "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my
departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith:" 2 Timothy 4:6-7
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- Not one Bible character ever administered the Last Rites.
This doctrine overflows with commandments of men. Will you place your
faith and trust in these man-made rules and regulations, or in Jesus
Christ?
Remember, Jesus warned:
| "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9 |
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