Tragic

Posted by Gary on December 16, 2009

Colossians 2:23 “These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.”

It has been reported recently that Pope John Paul II engaged in the practice of self-flagellation, that is, whipping himself as a response to sin.

The report comes as the Roman Catholic Church continues its consideration of John Paul’s sainthood. It would appear that the revelation of the pope beating himself is an argument on behalf of his sainthood. (See this article on becoming a saint in Roman Catholicism).

How tragic this all is. Perhaps if John Paul had understood that sainthood is not achieved but received by the suffering and merits of Christ he would not have made himself suffer and misled the many who looked to him for truth.

Perhaps you think this all unkind but let me remind us that John Paul was the proclaimed bishop, teacher and shepherd of a billion souls and what message do we find in his actions? Punishment for his sins? This according to bishop Emory Kabongo:

“He would punish himself and in particular just before he ordained bishops and priests,”

Is this the message of the gospel, that my sins need to be punished further since Christ died for them? Was it not really finished when Jesus said, “It is finished?” (John 19:30). This practice is a tremendous revealer of the doctrine of Catholicism which at its root is human striving in addition to Christ’s work on the cross for salvation. 

What is even more tragic is that the world in general looks on this and says, “Oh, wonderful. What a devout, religious man.” One of the effects of the fall on us is the sin of self-righteousness and man centered salvation, the insistence that somehow I must and can contribute something to my salvation.

If you are not with me yet may I draw your attention to the verse from Colossians at the head of this post? Does it matter at all that the Bible calls this self-made religion? That severe treatment of the body is of no value against fleshly indulgence? Again and again Catholicism is confronted by Scripture and tells Scripture it is wrong because the church has said something else. Of course I know that Catholicism would never say that it is telling Scripture it is wrong but how do you explain the exaltation of self-flagellation when the Scripture condemns severe treatment of the body in regard to the matter of sin?

We have not understood the gospel rightly until we understand that all that sin deserves God gave to His Son, Jesus Christ. My sins deserve beatings, physical suffering and separation from God in hell but all this Christ has already tasted for me and because He has there is no punishment left for my sins.

Even more, any effort to punish myself for my sins is a great offense to God for it is to despise what Christ has done for me already. It is to say that Christ has not fulfilled what was necessary and here I come in all my devoutness and religion to prove something on my own.

Do you want to know whether or not you are humble in the sight of God? It is not proven by beating yourself, it is proven by believing His Word that there is nothing you can do about the matter of your sins except to place your faith in the One who was punished for them in your place. Here is where so many stumble, they will not believe this. They think this not right, too hard to accept. They will show God something and they do, unbelief, pride and contempt.

Beware of considering John Paul’s or your own intentions above God’s truth. God doesn’t want your sincere self-religion, He wants you to believe what He has said.The gospel is Christ doing everything necessary for your salvation and you receiving what was done for you. Do you believe this?