*Scientology is a trademark and service mark of
the Religious Technology Center that
appears on the front and the back of this book.
THE TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
1: The Issue of Religious Liberty
Chapter 2: Scientology “scriptures” by L. Ron
Hubbard
Chapter 3: The Supreme, Central, Final and
Sufficient Authority
Chapter 4: The View of Incarnate Truth on Scripture
Chapter
5: Are
the “scriptures” of Scientology Binding and Authoritative?
Chapter
6: Is polytheism compatible with
the Bible?
Chapter
7: Is Jesus Christ the unique Son
of God?
Chapter
8 Is the teaching of the goodness
of man compatible with the Christian Scriptures?
Chapter
9: Is authentic salvation through auditing?
Chapter
10: Does Scientology bring
destruction to the soul?
Chapter
11: Who
actually brings life to the soul?
Chapter
12: The Imputed Righteousness of
Christ alone
Chapter 1:
The Issue of Religious Liberty
Herein this author exercises his
right in religious liberty as an American citizen[1]
in respectfully countering[2]
the beliefs of Scientology on the basis of the Holy Bible: It is crucial for us to understand that
Scientology is a false religion.[3] This author considers Scientology a non-Christian
religion. It is properly understood to
be a religion because it has tenets of religious belief, a religious text and
it is called a church. This author
believes it is a false church because of their false beliefs (e.g., the
“scriptures” of Scientology). This
author may utilize the term cult because it expresses the religious nature of
Scientology. This because any system of
religion that does not adhere to the truth of Divine Scripture (and claims it
does not conflict with it)[4]
is in fact a cult.[5] By saying this Petillo does not mean that we
hate Scientologists. This author believes
the most loving thing one can do is express the truth of the gospel of God to a
lost, deceived, fallen group in a dark world.
This author also does not deprive Scientologists of their religious
liberty to express their worldview. It
should be noted that there is absolute and divine truth and it is found in
nothing less then the God-breathed Scriptures.
It is fundamental if we understand the position of Scientology on
religious liberty. We would do well if
we turn to their resources about religious liberty. Let us review the Creed of Scientology:
That all men have
inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance;
That all men have
inalienable rights to think freely, to talk freely, to write freely their own
opinions and to counter or utter or write upon the opinions of others;
We
see that we are entitled to think clearly (though in truth because of sin human
beings deserve nothing except righteous judgment); and to counter the opinions of others. Although in passing I believe they deny their
members in practice to truly think clearly we are left with the issue of
religious liberty. But before this, if
God has prescribed in His written Word the only way of salvation through Jesus
Christ the Lord (Acts 4:12; John 14:6), wouldn’t it be foolish to reject His prescribed, divine
remedy for sinners? The world may offer
conflicting views but God’s written Word is timeless, true, trustworthy. And isn’t the way of the Lord a way of joy in
Christ in following the will of God? In
Divine Scripture Christ is called the Man
of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3). But we
also know that Christ always pleased God the Father (John 8:29). This
means Christ flawlessly followed the will of His Holy Father. Hence Christ was the most happiest Man who
lived because He followed God’s will for Him in His sinless life (John 8:46 cf. 1 John 3:5).
Because Christ was without sin (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19) there was not the slightest room of flawed pleasure. From the pure depths of His being, He was the
most joy-bound Person in all of history.
Christ was Incarnate Joy and Wisdom, and yet, as the Living Son of God,
separate from sinners, He suffered greatly, enduring the humiliation of the
Cross at Calvary. Christ
came to take away the sin of His people (Isaiah 53:11). When human beings sin; we experience
unhappiness. But the world tells people,
that sin is not serious (or perhaps not even real), and that sin is the way of
fun and happiness. But anything contrary to the
Word of God is sin (Deuteronomy 5:32). But
true joy from the Word of God is following the will of God in living an
obedient life. This is the picture of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians may be
tossed on life’s rough sea, and sorrow may come, but Christians have true joy
because of the faithfulness of God, and the grace-given responsibility of
living a holy life by working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). A holy life is a life marked by obedience,
constant faithfulness in repentance of sin, putting to death the deeds of the
flesh, reliance upon Christ the Redeemer.
Now let us return to the subject of religious
liberty. It is fundamental in expressing
my research in support of biblical Christianity and against Scientology. Christians do possess the right to express religious
views in defense of biblical Christianity.
As Christians express our biblical beliefs we must do so in a charitable
fashion and in love, in patience, in gentleness, in respect. Shouldn’t this apply to both sides in a
genuine fashion in accord with what is right, honest, true? By expressing my counter views I do not mean
it in the sense of vain sayings or ridicule or false accusations in
mischievousness. I am not interested in
debating trifling things, or engaging in superfluous battles. Th intention in this presentation is not
meant as unloving or in mean fashion. It
is the Christian privilege to express the truth of God in Christian love yet
remaining anchored and firm in the Word of Christ Jesus the Incarnate
Lord. If God has indeed spoken to men,
and people of the Church of
Scientology contradict what that is, then it is the most
loving thing to share the good news of the gospel of truth and grace. It would
be in fact the most unloving and uncharitable thing if the gospel was neglected.
It is the intention of this author to express the love of God in Christ Jesus,
and the truth of God in His Incomparable Word about unvarnished doctrine that
is divine in origin. If it was not
divine in origin, it would indeed be profanely arrogant to express the gospel
to you, but if the gospel is truly divine, it is therefore not profanely
arrogant but the most tenderhearted work to be done. It is this author’s intention to use this
time meaningfully and express the biblical views of gospel truth. If the Spirit of truth is at work in the
hearts of men, the Christian should be confident that a genuine conversion will
occur in support of biblical Christianity.
According to divine truth, the written Word of God
in the Old and New Testaments reveal that it alone is infallibly
authoritative. It is not the “scriptures”
of L Ron Hubbard that bind the conscience of men but the God-appointed
Scriptures. If we understand divine
truth we will comprehend the truth of Scripture: it teaches monotheism (the
belief in One God) and Trinitarianism (God revealed in three distinct
Persons). It is far from biblical
Christianity to teach the presumption and consideration of polytheism.
Christians teach that Jesus of Nazareth is surely the Messiah (yet Hubbard
casts doubt upon it). The Holy Bible
teaches resurrection not reincarnation (and salvation is found exclusively in
Jesus Christ). Far be it from God’s Divine
Word, that it is a consequence of the Hindu scriptures. Rather, we see that Divine Scripture is God’s
Living and Active Word (matchless in nature, divine in origin). And Jesus Christ is the God-man, but the Church of Scientology teaches He is no greater then Buddha or
Moses. We see God’s Word teaches
mankind’s radical corruption (Romans 3), but the Church of Scientology teaches in their Creed that mankind is “basically
good.” Christians profess that men in
heaven are glorified yet never become Gods themselves. Far be it from the God of the Bible to
advocate the teaching of evolutionary progress
that men are “homo novis.”[6] That is, into a godlike being through
evolutionary progress.[7]
What shall we shall to these things? Let us take the example of the Lord Jesus
Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ did not
prohibit the Jewish leadership of His day in denying them religious liberty. He respected
their liberty to express their religious views.[8] But Christ most assuredly opposed their
religious views. He even called them hypocrites to their faces (Matthew 15:7; 22:18; 23:23-36). He
held to divine Scripture and held them accountable to the supremacy of divine
Scripture in the Old Testament. Why? Because Christ understood it was God speaking
to mankind (Matthew 15:4). If the Old
and New Testament is God speaking to men, we would do well to heed its message
of repentance and faith (Mark 1:15). Christ proclaimed not mere
opinions but divine truth (John 17:17). The truth of Christ is
truth in reality, and it will be demonstrated herein. Christians must be consistent in our
argumentation, and present the truth of Sacred Scripture. We
will examine the claims of Divine Scripture, and how Scientology departs from divine
truth in the presentation of the beliefs of the Church of Scientology (as commonly known about them). You are encouraged to investigate what is
presented herein regarding the Scriptural verses, and the claims of the Church of Scientology.[9]
We must investigate how the claims of
Scientology match up with the Holy Bible.
This presentation is an intellectual defense of the Christian
faith. It is not meant by this apologetic
presentation as trying to impose or force[10]
biblical views upon Scientologists. Moreover,
this apologetic presentation is not meant as “scripture,” because the Old and
New Testament are Divine Scripture alone.
This author wishes to exercise religious liberty in presenting the
absolute truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the ministry of Petillo to objectively
present the truth about deception in Scientology regarding doctrine, and the
God-breathed Word about true, Christian doctrine. Why is it important for the claims of
Scientology to correspond with the Divine Scripture of the Old and New
Testament? Because if Scripture is
indeed God speaking to men; it is therefore binding on the conscience of
men. If Scripture is binding on the conscience
of men, we would be foolish if we did not truly
heed its message. We shall
investigate this question of supreme authority, and why we owe alleigence to
God’s written Word alone (not the errant Church of Scientology). May
Scientologists carefully look into this vital subject (while maintaining integrity)
in the pursuit of divine truth for the honor, glory, power, dominion of the God
of the Holy Bible!
Chapter 2:
Scientology “scriptures” by L. Ron
Hubbard
Scientology places the writings of
L. Ron Hubbard as their “scriptures” for their church. The Church of Scientology adheres to the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. The “scriptures” of Scientology reveal what
their belief system is. It comprises of
beliefs of Eastern Religion, and makes up their understanding of what
Scientology is. When we approach this,
we must understand that the basis for their beliefs comes from their
“scriptures.” Their book is called a
“Holy Book” that comprises a collection of Great Teachers.[11]
But there is a fundamental flaw on
the basis of belief for Scientologists.
This essential flaw is the adherence to the writings of Hubbard instead
of divine revelation in the Old and New Testament. There is a fundamental departure in
Scientology from what supernatural revelation says. Christians find real supernatural revelation
in the Divine Scriptures of biblical Christianity. If the basis for belief is fundamentally
flawed, then belief will necessarily be flawed.
The basis of belief will determine the reason for that belief. If the Divine Scriptures in the Old and New
Testament do not form the foundation of belief, eternal consequences will
emerge. The eternal consequences are
fundamental errors about divine truth that keeps the soul in real bondage to
sin. Bondage to sin (if left unchanged)
will lead each unregenerate person to eternal damnation. Sin blinds a person’s mind into embracing
false beliefs. It takes nothing less
then the Holy Spirit of God and the Word of God to open the hearts of men, and
illumine the minds of the sons of men.
The Bible’s message is clear: Repent and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15). Mankind
has the responsibility to repent of all their sins because God is superlatively
holy. God is also just, good, perfect.
The Lord cannot tolerate the sins of the sons and daughters of men. But Scientology does not embrace repentance
of sins, but a non-biblical way of dealing with the sins, evil, depravity of
men.[12]
Ii must be asked: upon what basis do
we accept their “scripture” of authority?
Upon what basis, do we accept the writings of Hubbard as a “Holy
Book?” Are the writings of Hubbard
compliable with authentic Christianity? As
it has been already seen in a brief manner, the beliefs of Scientology run
contrary to Biblical Revelation. That is,
they do not actually represent what
the Bible teaches. But Scientology
believes that it does not conflict with other religions or what they practice,
but clarifies them and brings spiritual understanding about mankind’s nature.[13] We have seen that genuine Scientology is not
compatible with authentic Christianity. To
suggest that reincarnation, for example, is compatible with biblical
Christianity is to purposefully overlook the Christian teaching of
resurrection. The teaching of
reincarnation (or rebirth as
Scientologist prefer to call it)[14]
is wholly absent from the teaching of biblical Christianity. The Lord Jesus Christ and the totality of Divine
Scripture teach resurrection not reincarnation.
Even the enemies of Christ understood His claim of resurrection but
chose to reject it (Matthew 27:63). Both
resurrection and reincarnation are not compatible with each other. For a discussion on this see my book on the
resurrection That Very Foundation on Chapter 8: Is Reincarnation True?
In ancient times there was a group
called the Sadducees. These individuals
did not believe in the resurrection. They
came to the Lord Jesus asking Him a question (Matthew 22:23-34). What
was the response from Christ? What did He respond with? He responded with a basis of belief from
the Divine Scriptures (Matthew 22:29-32). His response was: “You are mistaken, not understanding the
Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29 NASB). The Sadducees were
held accountable for what Divine Scripture says. Jesus understood that they neither knew Scripture
nor the power of God. In Divine
Scripture we find the power of God in the Word of the gospel. But upon what basis do we accept the Old and
New Testament? Shouldn’t we accept what
Divine Scripture says because it demonstrates itself to be God-breathed? That is, God speaking to the sons and
daughters of men. It shall be demonstrated
from Scripture about its self-attestation, and self-authenticity.
Chapter 3:
The Supreme, Central, Final and
Sufficient Authority
The question of authority is the ultimate
question. Whatever our authority is for
belief will show what we believe. It is
a fundamental question of extreme importance for our study. Authority determines belief, and belief shows
what presuppositions people embrace as true or false. If Scientology is wrong on their authority of
belief, there beliefs are wrong. How can
we test their beliefs? But before this,
what should we use to test the truthfulness of the claims of Scientology? The rational faith of biblical Christianity
is founded on no less then the written Word of God. Christians understand that Scripture is in
fact God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That is, that God
inspired Holy Scripture through holy men of old. Scripture is Holy and Divine because it is
God speaking to mankind. If God-breathed
Scriptures are Holy and Divine, it is supreme, central, final and sufficient as
our Sacred Authority from God.
Why is Divine Scripture supreme? It is
the supreme authority on life, faith, morals because it is God-breathed. If Scripture is God-breathed, everything
else is subject to its authority. If
Scripture is God-breathed, it ought to be central (Deuteronomy 30:10; Joshua
1:8) in determining what is and what is not, divine truth. The preaching of the written Word of God is
central in the worship of God’s people.
The written Word of God is living and active, and it shapes our
religious beliefs. If the Scripture is
God-breathed, it is not only supreme and central, but it is our final infallible authority on what people are
to believe. Nothing in all creation
binds the conscience men, then that which is God speaking. Everything
that is less then that which is God-breathed,
falls short in determining our religious belief. We must be rightly committed to the real,
true, genuine foundation of belief. This
is known as the Reformation principle of sola
scriptura (that is, the Bible alone).
Many religious groups (e.g., the Church of Rome) reject this sacred
doctrine of truth, but they find themselves fighting against God (Acts 5:39). The Divine
Scriptures are sufficient to determine the religious beliefs of mankind. Taking away from Scripture, or adding to
Scripture is forbidden by God (Revelation 22:18-19). Therefore Scripture is
the sufficient (1 Corinthians 4:6), reliable (2 Samuel 22:31), flawless and preserved (Psalm 12:6), central
(Psalm 1:2), and proven (Psalm 18:30) Word of truth (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:18).
The written Word of God is the supreme (2 Peter 1:20-21), infallible (John 10:35), inerrant (John 17:17) and final authority on doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It is
supreme because it is the Word of God.
It is infallible because of the testimony of Christ. It is the final authority because it is God
speaking to men. Because it is God
speaking; it cannot have error because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). The Church of Scientology should be subservient to Divine Scripture. The Divine Scriptures serve as the final
arbiter in all religious controversies.
The Scriptures are divine rather the human in origin. God the Holy Spirit breathed out the Word of
God, and it was written by holy men of old.
If the Word of the Old and New Testament is
God-breathed, it is not only supreme, central, final, but also sufficient. God’s Word is “profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God
may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB).
Can something be lacking if the man of God is adequate, equipped for
every good work? Truly not, for God has
revealed His divine truth of authority is the God-breathed Scriptures. This author challenges any: what greater
divine treasure of history do men possess, then the God-ordained Word of God in
the Old and New Testaments (2 Samuel 7:28-29; 1 Kings 12:22-24; Matthew 15:6;
Acts 4:31)?
If Scripture is God-breathed, it ought to be
treasured by people of God above any other religious text of men. The Holy Scriptures are not among other religious texts (in the
sense that they are not equal or
better then Scripture) but the Divine Scriptures are above other religious texts (in sense that they are divinely
supreme and the authentic Word of Grace).
Blessed are the divine Scripture above all “sacred” texts. Truly, Divine Scripture is the matchless Book
that has no comparison. If people of God
treasure it above the religious texts of men, it is in its proper place of
honor. If Scripture is set aside as our
Sole Divine Authority, we do well in honoring God as its Superintending-Creator. If we are to take God seriously, we must
submit to His Divine Word, for in it is set forth the Sacred Words of God. When taken in its proper context, and truly
led by the Spirit of God, we would do well to rests our eternal destinies upon
it. Do you have a true certainty from
God about the “scriptures” of Scientology?
Do you posses the Incomparable Word of Truth as it is set forth in Holy
Scripture? If you protest about God’s
Word being the supreme, central, final and sufficient authority, you should
look to the Lord Jesus, for was not the Lord Jesus committed exclusively to the
Divine Scripture in the Old Testament?
If Incarnate Truth solely believed God’s divine truth because it is in
the Old Testament, we have no greater example to imitate. Shall we not do what is right and imitate
Christ who is Incarnate Wisdom? In
reality, what doctrine people chose to believe places one’s integrity on the
line (Titus 2:7). If we submit to the
Scriptures of Christ, and His Word in the New Testament, we will maintain
proper integrity in belief of divine, heavenly truth. In the all-sufficient Scriptures we have the
ultimate authority for life, doctrine, morals.
We turn now to the view of the Lord Jesus Christ about Scripture.
Chapter 4:
The View of Incarnate Truth on
Scripture
The Lord Jesus Christ is Incarnate Truth. That is, He is the personification of Truth
as the God-man. His view on Divine
Scripture is the highest view a person can embrace. We see that the Lord Jesus believed Divine
Scripture has its proper place within the worship of the man of God. Christ evaluated Divine Scripture above all
“sacred” texts of the religions of men.
We ought to take His example seriously because He is without spot,
wrinkle, blemish. That means whatever He
teaches is free from error or sin. He
spoke the very Voice of God and the very Word of God by the Spirit of God. His teachings were divine rather then human
in origin, and He always pleased the Father of glory. If He always pleased the Father of truth, He
never taught or acted contrary to His Holy Father’s righteous will for His
life. The Lord Christ taught that
Scripture was God speaking to man. He
saw Scripture not as another “sacred” text but the sacred text above all
texts. Here we find the purest, sweetest,
loveliest view of the Divine Scriptures.
The teaching of Christ was the purest on earth because He taught from
the pure Word of truth. If we adopt
exclusively the written Word of God in its right context we will honor, exalt,
praise the Holy Trinity of glory and truth and mercy and judgment (Matthew 28:19).
Christ held accountable the people
of His day about the Scriptures by saying “Have you never read in the Scriptures…?”
(Matthew 21:42 NIV). In
the Scriptures we find God’s sole Divine Revelation to men. In the Scriptures we find the truth of God
set forth to the exaltation and glory of God.
Christ holds the people of His day responsible, for in the Scriptures
are the power of God and rejecting it leads to error (Matthew 22:29), the
supremacy of the Scripture in prophetic fulfillment (Matthew 26:54), the events
in time correspond with the Prophetic Scriptures (Matthew 26:56), the
Scriptures are the place where Jesus is proclaimed as the divine Messiah (Luke
24:27), the Scriptures are the central and supreme authority to testify to
Jesus as the Anointed One of God (Luke 24:32), and Christ opens the minds of
His own in understanding the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). We also see Christ in Matthew 4 being tempted
by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). What sole authority
did Christ use to rebuke Satan? It was
the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
The role of the Divine Scriptures in the life of Christ was central,
supreme, sufficient, final. This is
clearly seen in His use of Scripture in rebuking Satan. We also see Satan quoting from Scripture
(Matthew 4:3, 5-6, 8-9). He knew well
that the Divine Scriptures were the supreme authority for this Man of God. But we see Christ responding with the Holy
Text of God. We can learn from this that
Scripture not only should be supreme in spiritual warfare, but in how we
conduct our lives (Matthew 15:4).
The Scriptures are the Prophetic God-breathed Word
in the gospel, and the preaching of the Lord Jesus: “Now to Him who is able to establish you
according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the
revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but
now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the
commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading
to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory
forever. Amen” (Romans 16:25-27 NASB). The Exclusive Word
of God is able to establish God’s people at His command of His Word in righteousness
and truth.
Christ said that anyone who acts on His words is
likened to a wise man (Matthew 7:24), and whoever does not act on His words is a foolish man (Matthew 7:26). With the
Words of Christ come divine amazement (Matthew 7:28); with His Word comes healing (Matthew 8:8); with
a Word comes divine power (Matthew 8:16); and the Word of God is proclaimed through His apostles (Matthew 10:14). Christ
declared about His apostles, “He who receives
you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me” (Matthew 10:40 NASB). The
Word of Christ is the Word of God, and it will by no means pass away (Matthew
24:35). Therefore the Word of Christ
establishes the writings of the New Testament letters and epistles (e.g., Luke,
Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude).
Having the Divine Scripture of Christ brings
promised truths of God (Romans 1:2); and the “perseverance and the
encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope” (Romans 15:4 NASB); the real apostolic teaching of the
death and bodily resurrection are the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); and
Paul’s letters are Scripture are described by Peter (2 Peter 3:16). The apostles
of Jesus took the same view on Scripture: they held it as supreme, central,
sufficient, final authority for life, doctrine, morals. The view of Christ on Scripture should
determine our view on Scripture. What
greater example can we imitate then that of the Lord and Redeemer Jesus
Christ? What better example have we save
that of the Lord Christ? May
Scientologists see the necessity, centrality and sufficiency of Divine
Scripture in the gospel of truth, grace, peace that is able to save the souls
of men to the uttermost!
Chapter 5:
Are the “scriptures” of Scientology
Binding and Authoritative?
We have seen that Divine Scripture
is given by inspiration under the superintending work of God the Holy
Spirit. What do we mean by “binding” and
“authoritative?” Are the “scriptures” of
Scientology given by inspiration of God?
Are they in fact inspired by God?
If it is not inspired by God, upon what basis can it be “binding” and
“authoritative?” We have seen the
theological errors of Scientology. Upon
what basis can we say that they are inspired by God? Surely it is the not the same basis of the
Old and New Testament. If Scientology
does not have the Sole Basis of Holy Scripture as its foundation, it is
incompatible with Authentic Revelation in the Old and New Testament. If it is incompatible with divine truth, how
can it be “binding” and “authoritative” in a divine sense? What is binding and authoritative from God is
found in the Divine Scriptures. Only
what is from God can be binding and authoritative upon the conscience of men in
matters pertaining to religion, doctrine, how we conduct our lives (e.g., will
we conduct our lives in sin, or in holiness?)
If the source of authority came from men, would it be in fact divine in
origin? Would it be binding and
authoritative? Surely not!
In the “scriptures” of Scientology we see an
absence of Divine Inspiration. The
writings of L. Ron Hubbard are considered “scripture” but do these writings
match up with what is God-breathed? The
“scriptures” of Scientology fail to match up with divine characteristics of
what constitutes Divine and Holy Scripture.
Do the writings of Hubbard correspond or conflict with the Old and New
Testament? We have found that Hubbard’s
teachings conflict with Scripture. How,
then, can it be considered on par or similar with Sacred Scripture? It cannot be, because it lacks the Holy Spirit’s
inspiration. Without the Holy Spirit’s
inspiration, it cannot properly be called a “Holy Book.” This, then, excludes all the “sacred” texts
of the religions of men. The errors of
Scientology fail the test of inspiration, because God cannot lie, and He would
not inspire falsehood. If God inspired
falsehood or contradictory beliefs, He would in fact be a lair. But Christians know that God the Holy Spirit
only inspired the Divine Scriptures in the Old and New Testament. It is complete in all respects, and we can
turn to it with great dependence, trust, devotion.
Scientology claims that what it teaches is
something that truly helps men and women, but can a source of authority truly
claim to be from God if in fact it is from the inspiration of men? Can the inspiration of men be “binding” and “authoritative”
upon the conscience of men? Surely not;
because the interests of men do not concern themselves with the interests of
God. The interests of God and the
interests of men are diametrically opposed to each other. Christ condemned the interests of men by
rebuking the apostle Peter because it was after the ordering of Satan (see Mark
8:33). Scientology
is after the interests of men because what it teaches is contrary to biblical
Christianity. If it teaches what is
contrary to God-breathed writings, it has no basis of being “binding” and
“authoritative” upon the conscience of men.
Christ possessed the highest view of Divine Scripture, and He embraced
it as the Living, Holy, Sacred Word of God.
The question really comes down to, will you believe Hubbard (who taught
contrary to the Old and New Testament in embracing reincarnation, for example),
or will you place your eternal destiny on the sinless God-man, Jesus Christ? Will you believe a man who was a sinner, or
will you believe the sinless Living, Risen King?
As previously noted, Scientology embraces the
teaching that men are “basically good.”
This teaching does not embrace the sinlessness of men, but recognizes
mankind’s imperfections. It certainly
does not advocate the total depravity of men (Romans 3). Therefore we can say with assurance that
Hubbard was indeed a sinner. Walter
Martin captured his imperfections well in briefly writing about L. Ron Hubbard’s
marriages and involvement in the occult.[15] If Hubbard was a sinner without the
superintending work of God in his writings, we can truly question the
authenticity of his “scriptures.” If we
can truthfully question Hubbard’s writings, we can substantiate the errors of
his views. Hubbard questioned the origin
of the Divine Scriptures[16]
and his writings provide us with unsubstantiated claims about and against
biblical Christianity, such as, the New Testament parables were the same as the
Egyptian Book of the Dead.[17] Christians do not deny that holy, fallible,
sinful men wrote Divine Scripture. But
this does not invalidate our point, because we rightly affirm the
superintending work of God in the production of Divine Scripture. “Scriptures” of Scientology lack this work of
God. Moreover, Christians possess the
only infallible Man in history: Jesus Christ the divine Son of Man. He testified to the inspiration of Scripture
in the Old and New Testament. Christ was
the only sinless Man, and He bore witness to the infallible trustworthiness of
Scripture because of God’s inspiration in it (see Luke 24:44). Therefore, upon the basis of Christ (the
Sinless Lamb of God), we can rightly say with the angels in heaven, and the
saints in glory, that Divine Scripture alone is in fact binding and authoritative
upon the conscience of the sons and daughters of men.
Chapter 6:
Is polytheism compatible with the
Bible?
Does the Bible leave people to the
religious possibility of polytheism?
Hubbard embraced the view of allowing monotheism or polytheism.[18] Is the subject of monotheism or polytheism a
matter of personal preference? Or is
there absolute truth on this vital subject of the nature of God? Let us explore what the Bible teaches about
God. First, the one being of God
includes the Father, Son and Holy Spirit alone (Matthew 28:19). God is one in essence (Deuteronomy 6:4), and three in person (2 Corinthians 13:14). This
Reformed orthodox view of God is opposed, for example, to the teachings of
Mormonism. Trinitarians do not believe
in three separate beings that make up
God. Rather, we believe that there are
three distinct persons who are God
within the one being of God. The
biblical teaching of the Trinity is wholly consistent with monotheism. Therefore, it entirely excludes the teaching
of polytheism, but Hubbard rejects the Christian Trinity.[19]
When Trinitarians discuss the
Trinity is it biblically proper to identify each of the three persons as the
one true God (without embracing the notion of many gods), but there is a unity
of persons. Within the one unity of God
there are three distinct persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The teaching of the Trinity prohibits
polytheism but rightly includes
monotheism. What is the basis for the
belief in the Trinity? It is nothing
less then the written, inspired Scriptures.
This subject is by no means trifling or a matter of personal
preference. It is actually a matter of eternal importance, and the destiny of the
human soul is at stake.
Let us look into what the written
Scriptures teach on this essential subject.
What does the Bible say about other Gods? Does the Bible exclude the teaching of other
Gods? For in these questions will reveal
the true teaching of Divine Scripture. Let
us listen very carefully to what Sacred Scripture teaches. The one true God of Divine Scripture makes
this subject abundantly clear. Holy
Scripture teaches that there is but one true God, and there is no god besides
Him: "You are My
witnesses," declares the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, so
that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there
will be none after Me." (Isaiah 43:10 NASB). "I,
even I, am the LORD, and there is no savior besides Me” (Isaiah
43:11 NASB). "Thus says the LORD,
the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I
am the last, and there is no God besides
Me…. 'Do not tremble and do not
be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock?
I know of none” (Isaiah 44:6, 8 NASB).
"I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is
no God I will gird you, though you have not known Me; That men may
know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and
there is no other…” (Isaiah 45:5-6). “Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let
them consult together Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none except Me” (Isaiah 45:21 NASB).
The Bible teaches, therefore, that
there is only one and true God: the three persons are the one true God (but the
three persons do not make up the one true God but are the one true God). The persons of the Godhead within biblical
Christianity are clearly seen: The Father (James 1:17), the Son (John 1:1) and the Holy Spirit (Genesis
1:2). The teaching of the Blessed and
Holy Trinity is taught throughout the Sacred Pages of the Bible. It is has other Divine Basis save the Divine
Scriptures. Christians can turn to the Blessed
Scriptures, and be assured about this divine truth. It is indeed a precious truth of God, and we
must submit to it with great reverence, respect, devotion. Believing the Blessed Trinity (as stated in
the blessed Athanasian Creed; a
summary of the Trinitarian faith) is necessary for salvation of the soul (John 1:12; 5:24; 14:17).
This author remembers when he first
gained true assurance of salvation (1
John 5:13). Because
of the work of the Spirit of God (John 3ff), he was able to believe the
Trinity. The reason sinners believe is
not because of some kind of “goodness” in them.
Rather, it is because of the monergistic work of the Spirit from the
Father through the Son. The Father loves
the Son, and sent the Son into the world.
The Son is the eternally begotten God; He perfectly obeyed the Father’s
will, and freely gives His life for the life of the sheep, and verified His
atoning death, and all His teachings, by His triumphant bodily resurrection. The Holy
Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and He is a divine person, neither
mere energy nor force, but a real divine person. Without the sovereign work of the Spirit of
God and the power of the Word of God this heart would not have been
changed. Reformed theology is
God-centered theology that brings the most glory to God in the regeneration of
men (e.g., being sovereignly born
again), and deprives men of arrogance, pride, glorification. May Scientologists believe the message of the
gospel of grace and peace, and surrender their lives by His Almighty grace to
the Sovereign and Only Lord Omnipotent this day! Amen.
Chapter 7:
Is Jesus Christ the unique Son of
God?
What does the Bible teach about
Jesus Christ? Is Jesus of Nazareth the
unique Son of God? The Bible teaches
that Jesus Christ is the unique Son of God (Matthew 16:16; John 3:16; 3:18; 14:6). The Bible presents truth apart from fables,
and gives God’s people the Word of Truth (2 Peter 1:16). But
Scientology gives us a different picture of Jesus of Nazareth. Hubbard asserted that Christ was merely a
“implanted legend,”[20]
provides an uncertainty about Jesus as Messiah,[21]
and the Church teaches that Jesus may have embraced reincarnation.[22] Moreover, Hubbard taught that Christ “never
announced his sources”[23]
though Jesus claimed it was from God[24]
and taught that Buddha and Jesus “were just a shade above clear.”[25]
The Bible teaches that “…He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many
convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking
of the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3 NASB). Moreover, we have already noted that
Christianity is not based upon “cleverly devised tales” but Jesus’ apostles
were “eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16 NASB). Hence
this rules out the implanted legend view.
The Bible teaches without hesitation
that Jesus was the Christ of God (Luke 9:20). There are abundant
prophecies that reveal that Jesus is the Christ. Here are two prophecies: the Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14 cf. Matthew 1; Luke 1), and His
resurrection (Psalm 16:10 cf. Acts 2:31). The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ rules out the possibility of
reincarnation. The Lord Jesus rose,
having victory over the grave, death, sin.
He is the only Man in history who rose from the dead in a glorified
body. His teachings are, therefore,
timeless, divine, true. There is no man
in history who can compare with Jesus Christ.
Surely His people can say with people of old: “…What manner of man is this, that even the
wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41 KJV). The context of the
awesome miracles of Jesus (e.g., John 2:1-11) is as the Living God in human
flesh (John 8:58). The Son was the only Person within the Godhead
to become man (John 1:14) for the redemption of His people (Romans 3:24).
As already established and noted,
the Lord Jesus Christ taught from the Divine Scriptures in the Old
Testament. It is an explicit falsehood
to say He never announced His sources. The
Lord Jesus was God Incarnate and He taught with divine authority, saying “but I
say unto you” (e.g., Matthew 5:21-26, 27-30, 31-37, 38-42, 43-48 KJV).
The Lord Jesus followed and prayed to His Father (John 17)[26]
who is the Lord of heaven and earth (Luke 10:21). The teaching of Jesus was not from any God of
Scientology but from the one true God, the Father (John 7:16; 14:24). The God of Jesus Christ is
the same God of the Old Testament not the God or Gods of Scientology. Hence He did not believe in the possibility
of polytheism. If what Jesus taught was truly from God, why do you not heed His
message of faithful repentance (Mark 1:15)?[27] Christ did not teach from other sources of “divine
revelation” as binding and authoritative.
Rather, He taught divine truth exclusively from Divine Revelation in the
Old Testament, and what He Himself proclaimed, declared, preached.
As previously noted, the Lord Jesus
Christ was sinless, and to be a shade above clear means nothing. For Christ Jesus lived and walked as the only
sinless Man in human history. The
Reformed orthodox view of the sinlessness of Jesus Christ is consistent with
the Bible. Christ said, “Which one of
you convicts Me of sin? If I
speak truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46 NASB). Jesus
Christ, the divine Son of Man, is seated at the right hand of Power (Matthew
26:64), and He faithfully and flawlessly intercedes for His chosen few (Romans 8:34). The
sinless One took the sin of His people upon Himself, and suffered vicariously
in their place. He reigns as the sinless
King of kings in heaven over creation and all things. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the unique Son of God, and we would do well to listen to Him (Matthew 17:5).
Chapter 8
Is the teaching of the goodness of
man compatible with the Christian Scriptures?
The Bible teaches that mankind is
radically corrupt or totally depraved (Romans 3ff). The teaching of Scientology, as noted in
their Creed, is that mankind is basically good.
Is this teaching compatible with the Bible? Does it represent something Christianity
teaches? Surely not! This teaching of the goodness of man departs
from the Bible. Freemasonry also teaches
that man is basically good. My rebuttal
is seen in my newest book The Freemason
Controversy, Chapter 5: Is Man Basically Good?
The Bible teaches that man was born in sin (Psalm 51:5); that Christ
knew the depravity of man (John 2:24-25); and Christ understood that man is radically corrupt
(Mark 10:17-19).
Moreover, the Bible teaches that man is deceitful and hopelessly evil,
and our sinful condition is beyond our understanding because of its wickedness
(Jeremiah 17:9), and there is a complete absence of goodness in man
(Romans 7:18).
The teaching of the goodness of man
does not have a sound teaching on the holiness of God. If one starts with the goodness of man, he or
she will lose sight of the sin of man, the wrath of God, the holiness of
God. If we believe the goodness of man,
it will probably preclude the repentance of men. But if we start with the true depravity of man, we will see the necessity of faithful
repentance because of the sheer holiness of God. If God is holy, He cannot tolerate sin. If God cannot tolerate sin, He must be a God
of holy wrath for those who do not truly believe
(John 3:36). The wrath of God comes from His holiness,
righteousness, goodness (Romans 1:18). A God without righteous wrath is a God who
loves sin. If God loves sin, He is not a
God but a sinner in need of a Savior himself.
God is not unjust, unrighteous, unholy to have wrath. If God is sinless, He must be holy, and if He
is holy, He must have wrath, because sin is a violation of His righteous
law. God is a law unto Himself, and He
always does everything with perfection.
Moreover let’s suppose that man is basically good, it surely does not
mean perfection. How, then, in
comparison to a perfect God can you rightly say “man is basically good?”
But the teaching of the goodness of man is the grounds for the exaltation
of man. That is, that on the basis of the
goodness of man is the teaching of the Godhood of man.[28] It is man-centered,
man-magnified, man-glorified. Such
theology is foreign to everything that is sacred, divine, holy. If one teaches that man can attain to
Godhood, what does that say about his arrogance, pride, presumption? He has in fact demonstrated that he is a
wretched sinner. We have seen that there
is one and only God. That is, that there
is one true God not many. Men who have
committed themselves to this teaching have called God a hypocrite, lair,
sinner. The love of falsehood is the
love of a lie. But the love of truth is
the loyalty of His people. How can a man
attain to Godhood if he is in fact a sinner?
But what are the groups that have
similar teaches on the goodness of man? The
Church of Rome does not teach men are basically good, but they do indeed teach
that men have an island of goodness in them.
Arminianism holds to the sinfulness of men but leave the certainty of
the free will of man to cooperate with God.
If there is nothing good in men, then, we cannot cooperate with
God. Men are enslaved to sin, and in
bondage to sin. Unconverted people do
not have the spiritual freedom to choose God’s gospel because unregenerate
people are spiritually dead in “trespasses
and sins” (Ephesians 2:1 NASB). Human
beings are held captive to the will of the devil (2 Timothy 2:26). It takes
the sovereign regeneration of God the Holy Spirit to quicken His people out of
spiritual death (Titus 3:5). If someone truly repents of their sins, it is
evidence of the work of God. If man is
basically good, what is the need for repentance? If men were basically good, would they not
still commit imperfections? If men
commit imperfections, doesn’t that constitute in some way a reason for
repentance?
Why is repentance “despicable and
utterly beneath contempt”[29]
if God has commanded it for sinners (Mark 1:15)? Doesn’t repentance
demonstrate that God is indeed good (Romans 2:4)? If God displays His goodness by those who
repent, wouldn’t you do well to repent?
If you reject repentance, do you not know that Christ says you will
perish? “Now on
the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the
Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to
them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other
Galileans because they suffered this fate?
"I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise
perish. "Or do you suppose that
those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse
culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? "I
tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:1-5
NASB). It is suggested that you must
reject the teaching of the goodness of man to be consistent with Divine
Scripture. You ought to cling to the
teaching of the Bible about the true doctrine of the total depravity of man. You ought to repent of your sins. Do you not lie to yourself? When you broke one of the Ten Commandments you
broke them all (James 2:10).
Chapter 9:
Is authentic salvation through auditing?
The Bible clearly and plainly
teaches that salvation is solely through the one and only begotten God, Jesus
Christ the Incarnate Savior (Acts 4:12). Is salvation “to be free
from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth?”[30]
Is the way of salvation “to erase engrams through auditing?”[31] When we ponder this area of theology, we
ought to consider our eternal destiny.
Let us listen carefully about what Scientology claims. They are asking people to place their eternal
destinies in their hands. Upon what
basis ought we to trust the Church of Scientology? Have they
provided a truthfully consistent and consistently truthful presentation of
orthodox theology? The preponderance of
the evidence suggests, no, they have not.
What they have presented is contrary to the Christian Bible. This is not a trifling matter but it
considers our very souls, and where we will spend eternity. If Scientologists reject the Christian gospel
of faith and repentance for their entire lives, their souls will spend eternity
in eternal torment (Matthew 25:41). Hell
is a place where sinners go who reject faithful repentance to the one true God
of the Bible (Luke 16:19-31).
Is incarnations and reincarnation
compatible with the Bible?[32] We have already seen that the Bible teaches
resurrection not reincarnation. What
else does the Bible say about this? Men
are appointed once to die, and then, comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
Moreover, the Bible teaches that there is a heaven and a hell (Matthew
25:31-46). The Bible teachings rule out
the possibility of reincarnation. Reincarnation
is not taught in the Christian Bible.
Those who say it is are countered by the Bible’s support of
resurrection, judgment, heaven, hell. We
have seen that the teaching of Scientology is not the authentic divine teaching
of Divine Scripture. It radically
departs from the Bible’s teaching, and provides a way of destruction through the
broad gate spoken of by the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13). Will you
heed the teaching of the Lord Christ? Or
will you heed the teaching of man-made instructions that are vain, empty,
worthless? You cannot have fellowship
with the world, and with Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14). Chose
who you will serve: “And if it seem evil
unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the
gods which your fathers served
that were on the other side of
the flood, or the gods of the Amorites,
in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”
(Joshua 24:15 KJV).
Let us turn to what the Bible teaches about
salvation. The Bible teaches that
salvation is through the divine Son of Man alone. The Lord Jesus Christ is the divine Son of
Man, and eternal life is found in none other.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the
right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who
were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man,
but of God” (John 1:12-13 NASB). “For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned:
but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in
the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18 KJV).
The pre-converted elect will respond in true faith in the Living God. Men are responsible to believe and
repent. The Father draws His own people
to His only Beloved Son. The reason of
belief is because of the work of God. He
makes[33]
His chosen people willing. Every one of His elect will respond in true
faith, and they will never fall away. It
is not because of the decision of men.
Rather, it is because of the monergistic work of the Spirit in
regeneration. God saves, and God gets
all the glory: “All that the Father gives
Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast
out. "For I have come down from
heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. "This is
the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing,
but raise it up on the last day. "For this is the will of My Father, that
everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I
Myself will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:37-40 NASB).
Will you respond in faith to God’s call in the
message of the gospel? Or will you be
like the rich man who did not repent (Luke 16:19-31)? In
the story of Jesus, the rich man found himself in hell because he did not
repent. It was too late. Once someone has died, it is too late to repent. The call for repentance is for everyone
alive. It is a matter of eternal
importance, and people who lack repentance have the wrath of God abiding upon
them. They may be comfortable in their
lives. They may not take seriously the
wrath of God. But it is true as it has
ever been: God’s wrath is a real reality set forth in Divine Scripture. As sinners we need the sinless Lamb of
God. Without the Lamb without blemish,
we cannot stand before God because of mortal sin. Sin has separated human beings from God. But if we have truly embraced Jesus Christ as
Lord and Redeemer, we have Him as our divine Substitute. He has given His people His divine
righteousness, and He has taken the sin of His people upon Himself. He freely gave of Himself because He loved
His own to the end (John 13:1). The work
of Christ is not applied to everyone, but God will never cast out any of His own
who come to Him with empty hands of faith.
Chapter 10:
Does Scientology bring destruction
to the soul?
The Bible teaches: “For the Son of man is not come
to destroy men's lives, but to save them…” (Luke 9:56 KJV). But,
is the teaching of Scientology compatible with authentic Christianity? What does Scientology teach on this
subject? According to the Creed of
Scientology, they teach the following:
And we of the Church believe the laws
of God forbid man:
To destroy his own kind
To destroy the sanity of another
To destroy or enslave another's soul
If
Scientology’s view leaves men in spiritual bondage, what are the consequences? If the Church’s view of salvation leads men
into spiritual bondage, what shall we say about this? Isn’t falsehood deceptive? And if falsehood is deceptive, does it not
constitute a path of destruction to the soul?
What do we mean when we say “destruction to the soul?” Destruction to the soul means being led down
a path that leads to eternal damnation.
Have we not seen that Scientology’s views contradict Sacred
Scripture? Whatever contradicts
God-breathed writings is falsehood. If
whatever contradicts God-breathed Scripture is falsehood, shouldn’t we
faithfully embrace what real Scripture teaches?
The Divine Scriptures speak of a Divine Prophet (Acts 3:23; Isaiah 9:6), and whoever does not listen to Him
will be destroyed (Acts 3:22-24; Deuteronomy 18:15-18). If this is true, doesn’t the rejection of the
message of Christ about repentance lead human beings to destruction (Mark 1:15)?
If the divine identity of Jesus
Christ is compromised, does it not constitute falsehood? Jesus clearly proclaimed His Deity (John 8:58). If
someone denies it, or says it is possible to believe in many Gods, the deity of
Jesus is compromised. If it compromised,
the human soul is headed for eternal destruction in hell. Does this not constitute destroying one’s own
kind? The Lord Jesus said “Come to Me”
(Matthew 11:28). Isn’t
rejecting, refusing or overlooking God’s sacred truth a way of
destruction? Who will stand on the Last
Day before God who has rejected His divine truth? Men without the true Christ and His true Word
are left in spiritual insanity, madness, confusion.
If what is contrary to God’s divine
Word is falsehood, doesn’t it demonstrate itself to be spiritually
irrational? Whatever is spiritually
irrational is flawed, falsehood, foolishness.
But God’s divine Word teaches what is spiritually rational. But if Scientology derives men of spiritual
rational truth, doesn’t that constitute a breaking of their own Creed? Isn’t that destroying the sanity of another? In this case, it is far more severe. Being spiritually irrational has eternal
consequences, not merely earthly consequences.
Doesn’t this demonstrate that Scientology is actually its chief violator
of its own Creed? Whatever is in the Divine
Word of God is divine truth, and leads men into spiritual realties, sanity,
knowledge.
If the truth about man’s nature is
rejected, what are people left with? If
believing man is basically good shows an explicit falsehood, and leads men into
further bondage, isn’t that destroying or enslaving the souls of others? We have seen that divine truth teaches man is
radically corrupt. But if people start by
saying men are basically good, what room is there for repentance, redemption,
reconciliation? If people start with men
as basically good, their understanding of their own depravity will be obscured,
rejected, forbidden. If it is obscured,
rejected, forbidden, doesn’t this demonstrate that they have been
deceived? If they have been deceived,
will not this destroy or enslave their souls?
Isn’t the Word of God clear, and what are the consequences of rejecting
it? The consequence of rejecting God’s Divine
Revelation is eternal damnation. Eternal
damnation is destruction, torment, the absence of God’s mercy. Hell is a place where God’s presence of wrath
is constantly upon the wicked. Sin must
be punished if God is righteous, just, holy.
But Who is He who died for the sake of the life of His people? To this we now turn.
Chapter 11:
Who
actually brings life to the soul?
The Bible teaches that true eternal
life comes through the Lord Jesus Christ of the gospel of grace, peace,
truth. The divine gospel is the divine
remedy for lost sinners. Paul was sent
“to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the
dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an
inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.' (Acts 26:18
NASB). The power of the gospel is the
power of God in the salvation of human beings:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for
salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”
(Romans 1:16 NASB). Believe
in the God the Son: “He who believes in
the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son
will not see life, but the wrath
of God abides on him” (John 3:36 NASB).
The Son gave His life for the life
of many: “For even the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NASB). If people come to Christ, they will have
life: “You search the Scriptures because
you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about
Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life” (John 5:39-40 NASB).
Feed on the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ (that is, believe Him): “For the bread of God is that which comes
down out of heaven, and gives life to the world…Jesus said to them, "I am
the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in
Me will never thirst” (John 6:33, 35 NASB).
It is in the Lord Jesus Christ that Christians
have abundant life: “The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it
abundantly” (John 10:10 NASB). The Lord Jesus is the
resurrection and the life: “Jesus said
to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live
even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do
you believe this?" (John 11:25-26
NASB). The Lord Jesus is called the life
(John 14:6), and He laid down His life for His beloved friends (John 15:13). Eternal
life is to know the Father, and the Incarnate Christ (John 17:3). John wrote his Gospel in truth and
righteousness that you may have life in His name (John 20:31).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the way of eternal
life. He is the King of eternal life,
and He saves His people to the uttermost.
The Lord Jesus is called the Prince of life (Acts 3:15), and repentance is unto life (Acts 11:18). God’s
people were reconciled by the death of Christ, and are saved by His life
(Romans 5:10). Life is
found in none other then the Lord Jesus Christ:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans
6:23 NASB).
Will you surrender your life to the One who says “It is I; do not be
afraid” (John 6:20 NASB)? Will you submit to the One who says “Come
unto Me” (Matthew 11:28 KJV)?
Chapter 12:
The Imputed Righteousness of Christ
alone
As noted, Scientology teaches that
man is basically good. If man is
basically good, what need is there for the divine righteousness of Christ? From a biblical perspective we can see how
devastating this teaching is to the human soul.
Without the divine righteousness of Christ alone, there is no hope for
the soul to stand before a holy and just God.
Helpless, hopeless, defiled sinners need the righteousness from above
because God will not accept the civil righteousness of men as the righteousness
of Christ. The righteousness of men is
but filthily rags unto God (Isaiah 64:6).
The best acts of men are tainted, soiled, filled with sin. But the life of Christ was a sinless life of
faithful, flawless, devoted obedience.
Christ was sinlessly committed to the will of His Righteous Father, and
He always submitted to His Holy Father’s will for His life. Christ freely died an atoning death for His
beloved few, and He was the divine Substitute for sin for His people. Hence we need the unified righteousness of
Jesus Christ. Without His unified
righteousness we will perish, because our “good” deeds are not perfect in the
sight of God. God demands perfection,
pure righteousness, undefiled holiness.
Divine Scripture speaks of the
righteousness of Another. That is, it is
the real and true righteousness of Christ.
The Old Testament saints looked forward to the Cross, and the New
Testament saints look back to the Cross.
Saints in history possessed the heavenly righteousness of Christ. With the righteousness of Christ people are
able to stand before God. God has one
and only Son: the Lord Jesus Christ. It
is through the life and death of Christ that we can stand before God in the
righteousness of Another. Christ lived a
sinless life in the place of His people.
He was tempted, and He endured it in sinless perfection. He performed miracles that attested to His
divine Messianic identity. He freely
endured suffering on the Cross in the place of His people. If a sinner hopes to stand before God, it
needs to be done through the matchless Son of Man. If it is done through some other, it will not
avail. We know that the righteousness of
Christ avails before God the Father because God has revealed He is well-pleased
in Jesus Christ alone in the sense that God has one and only Son: Jesus Christ. The Father is not well-pleased in another,
but only and exclusively in His Son alone.
That is why Petillo points you to the One who saves to the uttermost:
Jesus Christ the Incarnate Lamb of God.
Paul called himself a wretched man
(Romans 7:24), and the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). When you
are convicted of your sin and misery by the Spirit of God and the Word of God,
you will, then, understand that you are the chief of sinners. Like Paul, sinners need the righteousness of
Christ alone. If this author were to say
“You do not need it” he would be lying to you.
But here he speaks the truth in Christ, and God is his witness in His
presence with His holy angels. It is not
a matter of “Well, this is good for you, but it is not good for me.” Or “Well, this is true for you but not for
me.” No, isn’t there such a thing as
truth? Who else proclaimed the matchless
truth save Incarnate Truth? Was there
any Man like the God-man, Jesus Christ (John 1:14)? Surely
not! In Scripture, the Father says “listen
to Him” (Matthew 17:5 NASB). You have
testimony from God Himself. He is wholly
pleased in His Son. As it was noted, God
cannot lie, and what He says is absolute truth, spotless perfection,
righteously flawless. Will you ignore
the testimony of God about His Son? Will
you ignore the testimony of Jesus about Himself? The Bible teaches that now is the acceptable
time to believe and repent (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Will this be the day you turn to God in repentance and faith? A Day will come when the Lord Jesus Christ
will judge the world in truth and righteousness, and reveal the hidden secrets
of the sons and daughters of men (Acts 10:42; Romans 2:16). The Creed of Scientology
speaks of “seeking to survive.” Wouldn’t
you survive Judgment Day if Christ was your divine Substitute? Only the righteousness of the Only Beloved
Son will be acceptable before God. If
the righteousness of Christ is from God and not man, wouldn’t you do well to
cling to the Cross of Christ by faith?
May this day come in your life!
Amen.
“But now
apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being
witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through
faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a
gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God
displayed publicly as propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness,
because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously
committed; for the demonstration, I say,
of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:21-26 NASB).
This
book is meant as a respectful defense of the truth claims of the Christian
faith in light of the religious claims of Scientology. This book is not a personal attack on
Scientologists but a firm defense of the Reformed faith set forth in the Bible
alone in biblical Christianity. The
production of this book is rooted in the reality of religious liberty. It is thoroughly documented with Divine
Scripture and the contrary beliefs of Scientology. Is the
Scientologist My Brother? deals with essential truths of the Christian
faith. The basis of the Christian truth
claims for this book is the Bible itself.
The matter of religious liberty opens the book, and issues of supreme
authority are examined, and the view of Christ Himself about the Holy
Bible. Are the “scriptures” of
Scientology a sound rule of faith?
Moreover, issues about the nature of God, and Jesus Christ are also
studied. The vital subject of the nature
of man, and salvation are examined. The
claims of the Holy Bible are presented, and it is compared with the claims of
Scientology. Do the claims of
Scientology conflict with Biblical Revelation?
Essential truths of the Christian faith are denied, but what is the
Christian response? Vital questions are
asked about beliefs of Scientology, and the imputed righteousness of Christ is
presented.
This work is vital for people who
wish to present the truth of Divine Scripture to Scientologists but who
struggle with their claims, and for people who are Scientologists that are
looking for divine truth. It is also for
people who have questions about biblical truth and Scientology.
Michael A. Petillo is a Reformed Baptist apologist and
theologian. He is author of eleven books
that include The Jehovah’s Witness
Controversy, The Freemason Controversy, The Religion of Animism, The Precious Truth of the Gospel
of Grace and I Thank Thee, O Father.
[1] Martin in The Kingdom of the Cults refers to the fact that mischievous
lawsuits “have soured many people toward their church” (Martin, p. 352). This author is not seeking to be sued, or
engage in unfounded lawsuits, but to engage in friendly, intellectual debate in
defense of biblical Christianity on essential Christian truth in Divine
Scripture in light of the Church’s claims.
It has been understood that Hubbard instructed Scientologists to
“attack” alleged enemies of their church, and people believe this “policy
didn’t die with him in 1986” (directly
quoted from Associated Press, Florida
City Accepts Status As Scientology Stronghold, presented on Fox News at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297755,00.html,
Sunday, September 23, 2007). It is
neither my intention nor purpose in writing in this book to personally attack
Scientologists (and I pray it is not their intention to do this to me), but to
biblically examine what Hubbard taught in light of Divine Scripture alone.
[2] The countering of religious
viewpoints is something expressed in the Creed of Scientology. Shortly, the reader will see that Petillo
quotes directly from the Creed (and providing reference to the Creed in
mentioning the Creed itself). It is
perfectly consistent with Petillo’s right of freedom of speech as an American,
and even with the Creed, to express counter views. His views are in accord with the Holy Bible
from the worldview of biblical Christianity.
Even if a Scientologist disagrees with him (which is his or her right if
they so choose), this book can be informative as well. But keep in mind that as much as the
Scientologist has the right to disagree with this author, Petillo has the same
right to disagree with him or her. It is
this author’s privilege to express an apologetic for the Christian faith in
light of claims of Scientology.
[3] Petillo wrote this book as a
believing, committed Reformed Baptist apologist. He has never embraced the teachings of
Scientology as true, but he seeks to give a reason for the Christian faith set
forth in Holy Scripture (1 Peter 3:15). Moreover, what does he mean when he says it
is “a false religion?” This author means
that it contradicts essential Christian truth from the Bible. For example, the Bible teaches that mankind
is totally depraved (Romans 3), but Scientology teaches from their Creed that
mankind is “basically good.” Here is an
apparent contradiction between biblical Christianity and Scientology. Moreover, this would be a characteristic of a
false religion. To substantiate my point
even further, any denial of an essential Christian truth found in the Bible is
a characteristic of a cult, or in this case, a false religion. The doctrine of Christianity and the beliefs
of Scientology will be presented, and rightly shown to be contrary. The documentation from Holy Scripture and the
primary sources from Scientology will be clearly seen in the citations of the
footnotes.
[4] L. Ron Hubbard, Volunteer Minister’s Handbook (Los
Angeles: Church of Scientology, 1976), xiv.
As noted by Martin, p. 362.
[5] Christians are brothers and
sisters in Christ, but non-believers are
not brothers and sisters in Christ because they deny Christ the
Incarnate Lion of Judah and His Word.
The Creed of Scientology speaks of "attainment
of brotherhood with the universe.” True
brotherhood is in Christ not with the
universe (e.g., true Christians have true fellowship about the true things of God). But true Scientologists are not in
Christ because of their denial of essential Christian truth (e.g.,
salvation through Christ alone).
[6] Martin, p. 350. This also includes the above information in
this particular paragraph as well in terms of obtaining information from
Martin, p. 350.
[7] Martin, p. 367.
[8] Martin, pp. 351-352. Also, see the entirety of what Martin has
written on Scientology from pp. 351-352 under Historical Perspective.
[9] This author rightly recommends
the primary sources from Scientology to read Walter Martin’s book The Kingdom of the Cults, pp.
350-369. It includes primary sources
used in this book, and Martin displays the statements in his remarkable chapter
about Scientology.
[10] It does not make a whole a lot
of sense to force one’s views on another.
What profit is there? A person
who says he or she believes, yet in his or her heart of hearts he or she does
not really believe? Forcing others is a
method of foolishness, and “mind control” would also fit in this category of
foolishness. This author presents God’s
unpromising, unashamed truth in this apologetic work, and he will not bow the
knee to unrighteous tolerance and sinful compromise, but boldly proclaim God’s
matchless gospel of truth, grace, peace in respect, in reverence, in
gentleness. This author can oppose the
views of Scientology as Christ opposed the views of His day (e.g., to imitate
His example). Christ rebuked the false
teachers of His day, and Christians ought to rebuke false teachers who oppose
Biblical Revelation but speak the truth in undying, Christian love.
[11] Martin, p. 361.
[12] Martin, p. 367.
[13] L. Ron Hubbard, Volunteer Minister’s Handbook (Los
Angeles: Church of Scientology, 1976), xiv. As noted by Martin, p. 362.
[14] Martin, p. 367. But reincarnation
is mentioned in their writings (Martin, p. 367).
[15] Martin, pp. 252-256.
[16] Martin, p. 362.
[17] L. Ron Hubbard, Phoenix Lectures, (Los Angeles: The Church of
Scientology of California Publications Organization United States, 1969), 9,
27. As also noted by Martin, p.
362.
[20] L. Ron Hubbard, Professional Auditor’s Bulletin 31, quoted
by Anderson, Report, 150. As noted by
Martin, p. 364.
[22] Staff, A World Religion, 15. As
noted by Martin, p. 365.
[24] Martin, p. 365.
[25] L. Ron Hubbard, Certainty Magazine, 5:10, as quoted by Anderson, Report, 150. As noted by
Martin, p. 365.
[26] See Petillo’s book I Thank Thee, O Father about the
matchless prayers of Christ to His Holy Father.
[27] Hubbard forbids his followers to
repent, and refuses to acknowledge the evilness of man. See Hubbard, Author’s Bulletin, 31. As
noted by Martin, p. 367.
[28] Martin, p. 363.
[29] Hubbard, Auditor’s Bulletin, 31. As
noted by Martin, p. 367.
[30] Martin, p. 367.
[31] Martin, p. 367.
[32] Martin, p. 368.
[33] This does not mean that God
forces His people to believe in Him.
There is a proper separation between being
made willing and being forced. For example, Reformed orthodox theologians
say Jesus Christ has two distinct natures:
human and divine. But we do not say that
Jesus Christ has two separate natures. We do not use the word separate but distinct. Do you not see the fine usage of words in theology? Therefore it is not contrary to reason or
Scripture to say God makes His people
willing to believe. The Holy Spirit
changes, enables, quickens the stony heart of man into a heart of flesh.
