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Sermon of the week: “What Every Catholic Should Know” by Mike Gendron.

Your sermon of the week is What Every Catholic Should Know by Mike Gendron. This is a good message on the soul-damning errors of the Romish system.

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Also download John MacArthur’s sermons Unmasking the Pope and the Catholic System from this previous post and Exposing the Idolatry of Mary Worship from this previous post.

31 thoughts on “Sermon of the week: “What Every Catholic Should Know” by Mike Gendron.”

  1. Where does the notion that saints do not appear at the White Throne judgment, but rather at the alleged “Bema Seat” come from? I’ve heard this from dispensationalists but not from a reformed fellow. Every person’s works will be judged and those who have not their name in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be thrown in the lake of fire.

    Bema seat – I do not find it in Scripture.

    Having said that, bravo for Mike Gendron for pointing out the demonic aspect of false gospels

    At the end, Gendron sounds like a typical SBC pastor, entreating the Roman to let go and trust Christ – calling it the wisest choice possible. FAIL! We need to be clear on this point – man does not choose God. As the Roman’s wife demonstrated – God calls dead people to new life, He does not invite people to choose life.

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  2. Manfred;

    His choice of words may have been more a “poor choice” than a revealing of his doctrine regarding who chooses who.

    I receive Gendron’s newsletter and from what I’ve seen he is Reformed and holds to the 5 Points.

    – Pilgrim

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  3. Pilgrim,

    Thanks for the reply. His comment about hanging out with someone from Dallas Theological fit right in with his “poor choice of words” 🙂

    5 solas from which we derive 5 points. God’s Truth revealed.

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  4. Hi folks,

    I have not yet listened to the sermon, but I intend to later on tonight. As far as the points Manfred raised above, I confess I’m a little unclear as to what the problem is?

    The “Bema Seat” he’s referring to is the Judgment Seat of Christ, referenced in 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

    In other words, my guess as to what he’s talking about is the particular judgment each one of us, as believers, will face when we “depart from this body and are present with the Lord” – ie., die, stand before the Lord, and are rewarded according to what we have done (or not).

    This is what I have always been taught, and that we Christians will not be present at the Great While Throne judgment because we will already be in heaven. I am certainly no expert in eschatology, but as far as I understand it that will take place after the millenium, and is the final judgment.

    If we died in (let’s say) 2030, and immediately go into the presence of the Lord (Phil. 1:23), why would we be resurrected to face judgment again if Armegeddon occurs in (for instance) 2100?

    I have heard that Dallas Theological Seminary is one of the few good ones left. So please feel free to correct me on the above – I’m still learning as well – but please do not tear me apart or snark me to death; that I simply cannot deal with. 🙂 Thanks!

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  5. Hi Marie,
    Blessings to you and please know that I’m not “snarking”you 🙂 One comment is that I would not agree that Dallas Theological Seminary is one of the good ones left. Many reasons I would cite for this; one is my belief that dispensationalism is a false theology for which DTS is a bastion.

    Here is a Part 1 from a two-part message from A.W. Pink who was a dispensationalist but came to reject this theological worldview later in life.

    Here is another good series with part 1 found here.

    God bless

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  6. Brother Michael,

    Great stuff! Thanks – I’m listening to Part 1 now. I didn’t know that Arthur Pink was a dispensationalist-turned-Covenant Theology. That issue, along with the varying view on eschatology, is one of the ones that confuses me. Probably this series will shed some light on the issue.

    Does dispensationalism go hand-in-hand with belief in a pre-trib rapture? I hold to both views, although not dogmatically (I find my theology is similar to John Macarthur’s in pretty much all these areas).

    Again, thanks for the resource ~ that’s what I was hoping someone would provide, in order to clear up my own confusion on that issue.

    Back to discussing the actual content of the sermon, y’all….

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  10. It’s my belief that EVERYONE appears at the White Throne Judgment, as EVERYONE will have their works judged. And the only thing that keeps anyone out of hell is having one’s name written in the Lamb’s Book of life. There is nothing in Rev 20 restricting the White Throne Judgment to children of Satan.

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  11. I have followed Mike Gendron’s ministry for many years. He and his wife counseled me when a close neighbor, who was RC, was dying and expressed no hope in an eternity with Jesus.

    It has been my understanding that he does not consider himself Calvinistic or Dispensationalist; but rather, just biblical. [Not to say that those two groups aren’t. :-)]

    As far as the Judgment Seat of Christ¸ 2 Corinthians says, ‘we’, speaking of Christians, ‘may receive the things done in the body’. Wouldn’t that be the ‘rewards’ of Matthew 6:20-21 and 1 Cor. 3:12-15?

    Whereas in Rev. 20, the ‘great white throne judgment’ we find ‘books’ and ‘another book’, which is the ‘Book of Life’. God uses what is written in the ‘books’ to judge ‘according to the works’ of the ‘dead’. The ‘Book of Life’ contains the names of those who are to live eternally with God.

    Seems like a pretty clear distinction to me…

    As always, you guys are keeping me on my toes!

    ~Yvonne

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  12. Seems like a pretty clear distinction to me…

    While I pray that I will always be open to correction, I also come to the same conclusion you do, Yvonne.

    In Christ,
    – Jeff H

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  14. John macArthur is an dispensationalist, but not a hyper one.
    My understanding is similar to his concerning the Judgments and the end times, and God’s dealing with the nation of Israel.
    My only point on this good sermon is that Mike Gendron said that he would not use the early church fathers as support for the claims of the sufficiency of the Bible, but said that the catholic church uses them (early church fathers) as their examples of traditions.
    Would not the early church fathers be an examples for the Bible’s sufficiency?

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  15. Manfred, Most of the time you are correct in what you say here but concerning the Judgement of Christ (to you it is a myth) you’re quite wrong. Roman’s 14:10-12 refers specifically to it as does IICor. 5:10 as pointed out by Marie. There are other references to it also that do not use the phrase “Judgement Seat of Christ”. One in particular is Rev. 19:7-9. The Bride has made herself ready. She did not do this alone – it was granted to her to be arrayed in fine linen which is the righteous acts of the saints. How do we know our acts are righteous if we have yet to be judged? This occurs before the Great White Throne (perhaps immediately after the rapture that you also disallow). If there is no rapture when do go to heaven so that Rev.19:14 can take place? Or is it someone else arrayed in fine linen as the Bride is in 19:7&8? Rev. 20:4 states that we all reign with Christ for a thousand years, then satan is released from prison to again deceive the nations for a time. After this comes the GWT. Rev. 20:12: “And I saw the DEAD, small and great stand before God…and the DEAD were judged according to their works.” Back to Rev. 20:4, opps! We are ALIVE with Christ!!! Did we die again in order to stand before the Great White Throne as you would have people believe. Sorry, my brother, but it is you who are reading into scripture what you want to fit your preconceived notions of how things ought to be. We may be present at the GWT, but only with our Lord, (along side? behind? I do not know) not to be judged, for this has already be accomplished. How can Luke 22:30 be possible if we are all judged at the same time?

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  16. Darrel,

    None of the Scripture describing the judgment of works declare that judgment to be a separate or different occurrence from the Great White Throne judgment.

    Since Christ returns to judge the quick and the dead on Judgment Day, when He establishes the new heaven and new earth, what calls for two separate judgments?

    If only lost folks appear at the Great White Throne, why is the telling passage: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” If every one at the White Throne is destined for hell – why this reminder that works don’t save and only those saved by the blood of the Lamb will inherit eternal life? I see verse 15 as a reminder that, though our works will be judged, none of them count for payment. It is only the grace of God by which any is saved – everyone else is cast into hell.

    The judgment at the Great White Throne is that of works. Saints of the living God will have our works judged.

    I know we’ve all been taught that there’s a separate judgment for the sheep – all I’m saying is that I don’t see support for that in Scripture.

    Did you read this? http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/bema.html

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  17. Manfred,

    So far all you have stated is conjecture on the judgement of the saints and lost. There has been no scriptural evidence for this conjecture presented, except your private interpretation. Others, along with myself, have presented several verses contrary to your opinion which seem to have been brushed aside.

    I hope we can all conclude that jugdement for our sins was accomplished on the Cross of Christ as He suffered and died for the elect. To be sure that was God’s final (and only) judgement for our sins.

    The time line of Rev. 20:11-15 is after the thousand year reign, after the capture/release/recapture of the wicked one. If we have yet to be judged for our sins (works) as you assert what makes us worthy to reign with Christ? (Or do we? your theory leaves that up to question). The reason for the Book of Life being opened at that time could be to conclusively prove to the damned that no mistake had been made concerning their fate. Although He would be in no way obligated to provide such proof, perhaps it is done for His glory and point to the fact that He indeed makes righteous judgements.

    Perhaps you do not realize how dangerously close this notion of a combined judgement of saved and sinners comes to the Roman catholic view of heaven, hell, and purgatory. You’re just one step away from confirming their false doctrine.

    The entire chapter of Rev. 20 gives the overview of what happens to the saints and the lost. Remember that the lost are lost not because of evil works but because they did not believe on the Name of the Son of God. Jesus stated in John 3 that they are “condemned already”. Just as our (the elect) eternal destiny was sealed on the Cross, so was that of the lost. The GWT is not to determined saved or lost, rather punishment for the deeds done in the body (V12) by the lost.

    May the Lord bless you in all that you do for His Name.

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  18. Excellent point Yvonne and Darrel. Indeed, we will receive rewards for our deeds. The great white throne judgment is the judgment of the unbelieving, Christ-rejecting souls who will now face sentencing, there will be no true blood bought born again believers present at this judgment. Perhaps the confusion lies in the wording, ‘judgment’. As already stated, we will receive rewards, not judgment, from Christ our Lord; the bible does indeed teach this.

    Lyn

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  20. Rev. 20:12, ‘And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works’– I refer to ‘the dead were judged’–Believers have had their sins paid for at the cross, why would we be brought before the Lord Jesus Christ to answer for every thought, word, and deed? While on earth, do we not continually repent of sin? If we are going to be judged, then why repent? The books are ‘evidence’ for the guilty, a recorded account of their unregenerate, unrepentant life while in the body. The book of life seals it…their names are not recorded there.
    Books were opened, books that contain the ‘works’ of the dead. Again, why would we be called before the Lord to be judged for our sins, which He has already paid for at the cross?
    I agree with MacArthur when he says, ‘their thoughts {Luke 8:17, Rom. 2:16}, words{Matt. 12:37}, and actions {Matt. 16:27}will be compared to God’s holy standard {Matt. 5:48, 1 Peter 1:15,16}, and will be found wanting{Rom. 3:23}.
    I conclude with this, this is where I ‘part company’ with the reformed view, I do not hold to the amil view, however, I do not wish to engage in a heated discussion with those who do. I have seen, time and time again, where this goes. The debate gets heated, and words said get offensive. I do not wish to go there; I respect my brothers and sisters in Christ who differ in their view on eschatology and prefer to leave it at that. I will borrow this phrase, ‘we can agree to disagree {in love}!

    Lyn

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  21. We can disagree without breaking fellowship. I simply don’t see anything but presuppositions. Nobody has answered my few questions or rebuked the article I linked to. I am not of the opinion that saints are judged at the White Throne – the Scripture says the works of men are judged there. And we agree that everyone’s works will be judged. Having one’s name in the Book of Life is the only thing that marks one as saved.

    I am not trying to argue – I am trying to understand why folks presume that saints appear at a different judgment seat. I don’t find that in Scripture.

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  22. There are many links I could post that dispute the ‘amil’ view, but again, out of respect for those who disagree, I will not; nor will I say your view is wrong and mine is right: this is boasting and borders on sinful pride. I will not attack and call an opposing view nonsense, I will simply suggest we not go too far on the subject of eschatology, for obvious reasons.

    As for 2 Cor. 5:10, ‘judgment seat’ =from Gr. ‘bema’, which translates ‘of the judgment seat/throne of Christ,a platform, tribune, a raised place mounted by steps’
    Rev. 20:11, ‘great white throne’-white-‘light, bright, brilliant’ throne-‘metaph. to God, the governor of the world’
    I will say I do find it strange that ‘judgment seat’, or ‘bema’ is not used in Rev. 20:11; instead we see a ‘great white throne’, which translates entirely different that ‘judgment seat’. Just my two cents worth.

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  23. Hello, all.

    I believe the GWT is one symbolic seat that is one and the same as the Judgement Seat of Christ. God, Who is Soveriegn and Lord, King and Judge, through the Holy Spirit in the word is describing His place above all creation, in lordship and judgement.

    Thrones of old usually had steps leading up, just as a bema, which is a type of seat. A throne is a type of seat. Both visually convey to those who stand before them the loftiness of the position, office, or power of the one who sits upon them.

    Revelation 20:12 refers to the dead being judged out of the ‘books’, which are the books of the works of man, mentioning the Book of Life as opened. Why is this book open if everyone before this GWT is surely not in it?

    This particular passage does not state one way or another about believers. However, other passages do. Every man appears before God to recieve his payment for the works he has done in the flesh. The unbeliever recieves the payment (reward, wage) for sin, which is death (cast in to Lake of Fire). The believer recieves the payment (reward, wage) for the imputed righteousness of the Living Christ, which is eternal life, an eternal share in the inheritance of the King of kings, and above all, God Himself as his portion forever.

    If our Father in Heaven sees us as blameless in Christ, we have nothing to fear in this judgement. If we are blameless in Christ, and perfect in every good work in Him already, then pray for the strengthening of the faith in wisdom of brothers and sisters whose remnants of pride lead them to believe, after grace has carried them thus far, individual merit will now shine at a separate seat. Apart from Christ your works are dung and fit for fire. It is by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the GIFT of God.

    Every believer, regardless how we may rate ourselves in personal holiness and righteous works in comparison to another believer when our thoughts turn a prideful edge, recieves the FULL REWARD of the perfect, spotless, seamless, Father-well-pleasing, righteousness of Christ Jesus, the Lord Our Rightneousness. That is what you are clothed in, believers. It was deficient for some and efficent for others. His grace is sufficient for every one the Father has drawn to Him.

    I apologize if anything seemed snarky, it is not intended. I feel that those brethren who believe their walk in faith in Christ on this earth will be judged superior or inferior to others in Christ for the sake of additional ‘rewards’, while all the way through that walk in desperate need of being clothed in the righteousness of Another, may need to better consider again how their salvation was wrought and by Whom it was wrought.

    ____________________________________________________

    Sorry, I see a left an important word out in my next to last paragraph, next to last sentence. The word is ‘not’. Please allow me to correct it here:

    ‘It was not deficient for some and efficent for others.’

    Thank you.

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  24. [I saw all this on the net. Would you have any reaction?]

    Google “Copy of MacDonald’s Handwritten ‘Pretrib Revelation’ is Found!” And Joe Ortiz’s “End Times Passover” blog (3/9/10) is the first to air a facsimile copy of any part of it!
    If you are looking for arguments used by pretrib rapture teachers, Google “Pretrib Rapture Secrecy.”

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  25. Aaron,

    Thanks for the notice. I’ve read many articles making the connection. People who promote pre-trib rapture inevitably have people as their focus, rather the Lord. Escaping trials is not what the Lord promises. Security through trials is what we can count on if we be His.

    Unto the Lord who is worthy!

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  26. Manfred,
    Even though I lean towards a pre-trib view, I do not see myself as escaping trials; as a matter of fact, my profession of faith in Christ has cost me my job. I now work for minimum wage {I used to make over 20 dollars an hour, I now make 9.25}, and I praise God for the lessons He is teaching me. My holding to a pre-trib view doesn’t mean I have a clouded view of scripture. We simply cannot lump those who hold to a view contrary to our own in one class and assume they are looking for an escape route. I am fully aware of the trials and troubles that await me. I am near foreclosure of my home due to this job loss; am I bitter or shocked? NO! I praise God in good times and in bad, my belief on end times hasn’t spared me from temporal trials at all, on the contrary, I am somewhat familiar with persecution; albeit slight.
    I also realize that things will only deteriorate, and it could very well be I will undergo severe persecution, even martyrdom. If it be the Lord’s will, so be it. I praise God and am watchful, looking for the return of my Lord Jesus. Even if my view of end-times is wrong, what have I lost?

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  27. Lyn,

    Trials oft are the tools of our Lord to draw us way from ourselves, to lean and depend on Him alone. I am sorrowful to hear of yours, yet joyful to read of your joy in the midst of them.

    End times differences do not divide the sheep, as long as our focus is on the Lord Jesus.

    Grow not weary in well doing for in due time ye shall reap, if ye faint not. Faint not, my dear sister, faint not! The Lord is near to those who are in need.

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  29. THE DANGER OF PRIVATELY INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE
    Acts 8:30-35 – 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

    31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” So he invited Philip to get in and sit with him.

    32 This was the scripture passage he was reading: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

    33 In (his) humiliation justice was denied him. Who will tell of his posterity? For his life is taken from the earth.”

    34 Then the eunuch said to Philip in reply, “I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?”

    35 Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this scripture passage, he proclaimed Jesus to him.

    2 Peter 1:20 – Know this first of all, that there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation,

    2 Peter 3:16 – Speaking of these things 12 as he does in all his letters. In them there are some things hard to understand that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, just as they do the other scriptures.

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  30. michael,

    Do you have an interpretation of the Scriptures that you listed that causes you to think that there is danger in privately interpreting Scripture? If so, where did your interpretation come from? I’m curious because there has been no official pronouncement by Rome’s Magisterium on the proper interpretation of these texts.

    In Christ,
    CD

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  31. On this discussion I want to remind all of you that we are Saints from the Rapture and in revelation i t states we as Saints will even judge the fallen An gels God Bless Brother John

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