Although the Judaizers confirmed the teachings of Jesus, they taught that some Jewish religious practices must be adhered to; most notably circumcision. So the message of the Judaizers was counter the that of Paul; i.e. justification by faith alone, causing confusion and concern among Paul’s recent converts.
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-8
Paul did an extraordinary job of spreading the simple message of the gospel. However, it wasn't long before those “in authority” started to pervert the teachings of Jesus. Today the Judaizers are alive and well in many of today’s denominations, most notably the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church leaders perverted the Lord’s Table by twisting the words of Jesus, “Do this in my name” to the pagan doctrine of transubstantiation.
As Jesus hung on the cross He said “It is finished.” Rather than accepting the doctrine of justification by faith, the Catholic Church teaches that one has to continually work to keep his/her salvation. And then there is purgatory that one wants to avoid so there is the buying of indulgences and mass cards. Ditto for the false doctrine of buying a deceased loved one's way out of purgatory, of course once a person has breathed his/her last their destination is determined. Not only does the Catholic Church add works, is a major source of revenue.
The robes and breastplates of the Pharisees have evolved into the beautiful and expensive regalia of the priests. It’s not just the Catholic Church that is so opulent, the Protestants can be also. The Crystal Cathedral which just went bankrupt comes to mind as does the flowing robes of the late Rev. Kennedy as he preached from his elevated podium. So much stuff has been added to the churches that I reminded of the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept.” John 11:35
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