# The Distinction Between the 1st-Century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church
The 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church represent two distinct identities with fundamentally different teachings and practices. Understanding this distinction is crucial for those seeking to align their faith with biblical teachings.

# Rooted in Scripture
The 1st-century New Covenant Church was rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament. Its practices and doctrines were guided by the inspired writings of the apostles, emphasizing salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers.

# Contrasting Teachings
In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church has developed distinct teachings and practices that diverge from biblical teachings. Some key differences include:

1. *Peter as first Pope*: The Bible indicates the "rock" refers to Peter's revelation that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:16-18), not Peter himself.
2. *Purgatory*: Unbiblical concept contradicting salvation by faith (2 Corinthians 5:8).
3. *Salvation by works*: Contradicts biblical teaching on salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift from God, undeserved and unearned (Romans 11:6). If salvation were by works, we would have something to boast about (Ephesians 2:9), but Scripture emphasizes that salvation is solely by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5, Romans 3:24).
4. *Praying to dead people*: Unbiblical, as prayer is to be directed to God alone (1 Timothy 2:5); praying to a dead Mary is particularly problematic since she died like everyone else (Acts 13:36). Moreover, Mary was a sinner like everyone else, declaring her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47) and making sin offerings (Luke 2:22-24). The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God's standards (Romans 3:23), including Mary. She was blessed for giving birth to Jesus (Luke 1:48), but not sinless.
5. *Mary as intercessor*: Scripture emphasizes Christ as our sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
6. *Mary's perpetual virginity*: Unbiblical, as Scripture mentions Jesus' brothers (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3), indicating Mary had other children with Joseph after Jesus' birth. Jesus' half-brothers include:
- James (Galatians 1:19)
- Jude (Jude 1:1)
- Joseph (Matthew 13:55)
- Simon (Matthew 13:55)
7. *Virgin birth*: The virgin birth ensured Jesus wasn't born with a sin nature passed down from Adam through Joseph (Romans 5:12-19). It wasn't about Mary's sinlessness but about Jesus being born without a human father's sinful lineage, making Him sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
8. *Transubstantiation*: Unbiblical concept contradicting Christ's symbolic representation in communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
9. *Papal infallibility*: Unbiblical, as only Scripture is infallible (2 Timothy 3:16).
10. *Latin Mass*: Unbiblical, contradicting biblical teachings on:
- *Understanding and intelligibility*: The Bible emphasizes understanding in worship (1 Corinthians 14:13-17), whereas the Latin Mass was historically inaccessible to many.
- *Communion as a symbolic remembrance*: The Latin Mass implies a sacrificial nature, contradicting Christ's finished work (Hebrews 9:25-28, 10:10-14).
- *Priesthood of all believers*: The Latin Mass emphasizes a mediatorial priesthood, contradicting the biblical teaching that all believers have direct access to God (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 10:19-22).

# Receiving Eternal Life
To receive eternal life, we must obey Jesus' command to be born again (John 3:3-6). This is not achieved by belonging to a church, denomination, or organization but by believing the gospel and placing our faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus emphasized that unless we are born again, we will not see or enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).

# A Choice to Make
Given these fundamental differences, it's clear that the 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church represent two distinct identities. As believers, we must choose between man's religion and biblical Christianity, understanding the eternal consequences of our decision.

# Conclusion
Recognizing the distinction between the 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church is crucial for those seeking to align their faith with biblical teachings. God's Church is not a denomination but is made up of all those who have been born again (John 3:3-6). The body of Christ is not an organization or denomination but a spiritual unity of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 1:22-23). By prioritizing Scripture and understanding the differences between these two identities, we can make an informed decision about our faith and ensure that we're following the teachings of Jesus Christ