The Biblical Foundations of The Catholic Mass

(Part 1)

 

Paul Newcombe

 

 

Introduction

 

This study aims to address some of the common Protestant objections which are raised in opposition to the Catholic Mass.  Many of the standard Protestant charges levelled against Catholic worship are based upon an incorrect knowledge of Catholic doctrine — these misconceptions will also be addressed in the body of this analysis.  In drawing upon Sacred Scripture to answer the various questions, it is hoped that the reader will begin to recognize the Catholic Mass in the heart and mind of Christ and the Apostles.  Moreover, it is hoped that the reader will begin to recognize the Catholic Mass, in a biblical sense, as the primary intended form of New Covenant worship for all Christian people.

 

In order to present a classical example of the more persistent Protestant arguments lodged against the Catholic faith, the opinions recorded by Dr. Ron Carlson and Mr Ed Decker in their Fast Facts on False Teachings, [Harvest House Publishers, 1994] will be utilized.  This book is a representative real-life illustration of published material which, in this case, devotes a forceful chapter to undermining Catholic theology — including the theology of the Catholic Mass and the Catholic Eucharist.  Dr. Ron Carlson is president of Christian Ministries International.  A graduate of Bethel College and Theological Seminary, he has spoken in 75 countries and is recognized as one of the foremost lecturers on the non-Christian cults and Christian apologetics.  Mr Ed Decker is president of Saints Alive, a counter-cults ministry.  He is known for his bestsellers The God Makers, The God Makers II, and What you need to know about the Masons.  As outlined on the back cover of their above-mentioned book — “Two world-renown authorities on the cults have combined their extensive knowledge to give you quick, clear facts about today’s major cults and false teachings”. 

 

Gentlemen, let the critique begin.      

 

Key Catholic Principles Regarding Salvation, the Eucharist, and Holy Mass:

 

These points of Catholic faith (chosen from among many) have been selected to specifically shed light on the common non-Catholic objections to the Mass: 

 

(1). Christ’s perfect sacrifice upon the cross supersedes the imperfect temple sacrifices; satisfies the offended justice of our heavenly Father; opens the gates of heaven; and (in union with the resurrection) is the act of redemption for every human being that will ever exist. 

 

(2). Jesus, the night before He dies, transforms the Jewish Passover liturgy into the Mass by instituting His own body and blood as the eternal sacrifice in the upper room.

 

(3). The Catholic Eucharist is more than merely a symbol of the body and blood of Christ.  The Eucharist is His actual body and blood.  The Catholic Mass, therefore, in which the Eucharist is offered to the Father, is not simply a memorial meal, not simply a community supper (although it has those aspects).  The Catholic Mass is actually a stepping into the sacrifice that Jesus offered to the Father upon the cross—the sacrifice of Himself as a holy and immaculate victim to the Father. 

 

(4). Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross and the sacrifice of the Eucharist in Holy Mass are one single sacrifice—they are eternally fused together by Christ.  Catholic people literally go back to participate in the crucifixion event outside the walls of Jerusalem through the liturgical rite by which they celebrate it.  The Mass effectively becomes a doorway to the cross of Christ for believers in every century until the end of time.

 

There is much Catholic doctrine here that non-Catholic Christians often neglect to address in publications critical of the Catholic Mass.  Using a biblical superstructure, these major components will be unpacked as a reply to the more common Protestant criticisms summarized below:

 

 

Common Protestant Criticisms Lodged Against the Catholic Mass:

 

Protestant materials often introduce a number of topics in their opposition to the Catholic Mass.  These topics usually include:

 

(1). The Catholic Mass purports to re-sacrifice Christ; however, the book of Hebrews states that Jesus was sacrificed once for all time.  Therefore the whole concept of the Catholic Mass is a clear violation of the New Testament.

 

Standard Example:

 

“The simple act which Jesus said to do in remembrance of Him has become the continual crucifixion of Christ.  In fact, the Mass, the ‘unbloody sacrifice’, is performed over a hundred thousand times a day around the world!  It is designed to offer up over and over again that same sacrifice of Christ, who is said to be present physically in the ceremony. … This claim denies the all sufficiency of Christ, His atonement and death on the cross as a once-for all, completed act”.

 

[Dr. Ron Carlson & Ed Decker, Fast Facts on False Teachings, Roman Catholicism,  pp. 229-230, (1994), Harvest House Publishers]

 

(2). Upon the cross, Christ says “it is finished”, yet Catholicism wrongly attempts to add the Mass to His work of redemption. 

 

Standard Example:

 

“When Christ died once for all time He cried out, ‘It is finished!’  And he stamped ‘Paid in Full’ on our debt.  There is nothing more you can add to your salvation”.

 

[Dr. Ron Carlson & Ed Decker, Fast Facts on False Teachings, Roman Catholicism, pp. 229-230, (1994), Harvest House Publishers]

 

(3). The foundational concepts of the Catholic Mass are not found anywhere in the New Testament.

 

Standard Example:

 

“Celebrating the Mass is the chief act of the Roman Catholic priesthood.  Yet there is not one word of such a Mass to be found anywhere in the New Testament”.

 

[Dr. Ron Carlson & Ed Decker, Fast Facts on False Teachings, Roman Catholicism, p. 229, (1994), Harvest House Publishers]

 

 

Response to Protestant Criticisms:

 

These criticisms will be addressed, but not in a sentence or two.  I intend to honor the people who are sincerely interested in what the Catholic Church teaches by providing a more thorough explanation.  Utilizing the Old Testament, traditional Jewish practice, and the teachings of Christ and the apostles I hope to paint a picture of Catholic beliefs that will remove misconceptions and provide a deeper appreciation for these most important doctrines.