Here then, is the real problem of our negligence. We fail in our duty to study God's Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy.
R.C. Sproul

There Is A Vicar Of Christ

There Is A Vicar Of Christ

THERE IS A VICAR OF CHRIST

HIS NAME IS THE HOLY SPIRIT

The word “vicar” means deputy-one who has been sent to take another’s place. The Lord Jesus Christ, knowing the need for an infallible Vicar for His church, speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit and His office as Vicar of Christ. St. John 14:26- “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

St. John 15:26-“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me.” St. John 16:7-“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.”

St. John 16:13,14-“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…He shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

THE IDENTITY OF THE VICAR OF CHRIST

If someone were to approach you on the street and say,”I am the President of the United States” you might believe him. Of course, if you personally knew the President, or if you had documented evidence that he were someone else, you would deny the claim of the imposter.

The Pope claims to be the Vicar of Christ; those who know the Holy Spirit immediately reject his claim, and others can see the documented evidence that proves this man to be an imposter.

THE PERFECTION OF THE VICAR OF CHRIST

The Lord Jesus Christ, Himself the Infinite Son of God, knew that the Church would need an infallible Vicar to keep it from errors that would assail her. Rather than designate a man, He appointed the Holy Spirit, Himself not only infallible, but infinitely perfect.

There is a sharp contrast between the person and work of the Holy Spirit and that of the pope of Rome, who claims to be the Vicar of Christ. Papal “infallibility” is an empty doctrine when compared to the infinity of the Holy Spirit.

DOES THE CHURCH NEED A VISIBLE HEAD?

“We walk by faith, and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7) Do you trust the judgement of a human imposter or the ability of God Himself to guide you into all truth?

THE WORK OF THE VICAR OF CHRIST

  1. He convicts of sin (Jn.16:8). Only He can show you that, outside of Christ, you are infinitely lost.
  2. He testifies of Christ (Jn. 15:26). He reveals to your heart the Bible truths of a crucified and resurrected Saviour.
  3. When you respond to this heart-revelation, the Holy Spirit baptizes you into the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). By this regenerative act you are born again. (Jn. 3:5)

    If you are incorrectly assuming that the pope is the Vicar of Christ, your salvation is being worked out by his system-the Mass, Confessional and Sacraments. You are invited to put your trust for eternity in the Christ of the Bible who completed a work on Calvary for your eternal salvation (Heb. 10:11-18)

COPYWRIGHT 1987 by Bill Jackson
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