J. Hollis Robertson
What is there about any one man that causes millions to speak of him as “Holy Father?” The answer lies in his fraudulent claims. Jesus promised his apostles that they should sit upon twelve thrones judging the tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). He promised one throne for each apostle. He did not promise one throne higher than any other. In fact Jesus said, “Call no man your father upon earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9). Our Father is in heaven and not in Rome. Therefore millions “do not call him Holy Father” because:
1. Christ did not appoint a pope (father) (Matt. 23:9).
2. Christ taught his apostles not to exercise dominion over any one (Matt. 20:25-27).
3. The only representative Christ has upon earth is the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17). He guided the apostles unerringly (John 14:26; 16:7-13). He did not specify a successor to these apostles neither did he infallibly guide a so-called successor.
4. Paul named the offices in the church and the pope is not mentioned (Eph. 4:11).
The informed peoples of the earth do not consider Peter the first Pope because:
1. Peter denied being head of the church. He said Christ is the head (1 Pet. 2:4-6; Acts 2:29-33).
2. Peter calls himself an elder (1 Pet. 5:1) and specifically forbids others to become “lords” over God’s people (1 Pet 5:3).
3. James and not Peter, nor, Peter’s legate presided at the “first church Council” (Acts 15:13, 19).
4. There is no mention anywhere in the scriptures by the other writers that Peter was given universal supremacy.
5. Paul’s appointment as an apostle was not made by Peter nor any congregation. Christ made the appointment (Acts 26:16).
6. Paul severely rebuked Peter in Antioch, “because he (Peter) was to be blamed” (Gal. 2:11).
The Roman Catholic Church cannot trace Francis as the historical successor of Peter, because:
1. Peter was never a pope. He was married (1 Cor. 9:b; Mark 1:30).
2. The first four centuries of church history records no Popes. In fact, the Sixth Council of Carthage forbade all bishops to take the title of prince of bishops, or sovereign bishop.
3. Between 1378-1417 there were two sometimes three popes reigning at the same time and each with his College of Cardinals and each solemnly anathematizing and excommunicating the other and all his followers.
4. Peter was a Christian (1 Pet. 4:16) and was never a Catholic. Those of early times never heard of the Roman Catholic Church or if they did the inspired writers of the New Testament failed to mention it.
These reasons are sufficient to show why millions do not call him “Holy Father.”
