Build

 Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 


This verse is very topical at the moment with the new pope, because Roman Catholics misinterpret it to be about the papacy. In the context however, Jesus isn't talking about Peter apocryphally becoming the inaugural bishop of Rome and having papal successors. Jesus is referring to Peter's statement of faith.

If the 'rock' that Jesus built his church on was Peter and his successors, we'd be on very shaky ground. Thankfully, Jesus was referring to Peter's previous comment. Peter had just declared that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

Jesus is the Saviour of the world. We're not saved by Peter or the flawed papacy, thankfully. If we were, we'd be hopeless.

As we're told elsewhere, the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. There's no other way to everlasting life with God but Jesus. The pope is no help to use spiritually.

'Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Christ for our salvation. May we trust in him rather than anyone else for our salvation. In his name we pray, amen'.


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