homeabout uspastor ray bentleyray's articlesthe life and death of pope john paul ii


By Ray Bentley

The recent passing of Pope John Paul II produced an unprecedented outpouring of emotions, prayers and political speculation ƒ_"not to mention the largest known funeral in the history of the world.  His life and death impacted our world greatly, and the weekend after his death, during our Sunday morning service, I offered some of my personal opinions and reactions to the passing of this world leader.

I received a mixed reaction to my comments.  Some were appreciative, but some who disagree with Catholic doctrine took exception to what I said.  I respect those opinions, and think this is an important issue, because it can divide true believers.  So, I want share my own personal thoughts.  I am not officially representing anyone else.

There was something unique about John Paul II that touched the hearts of many people.  Even people who had given up on what they perceive as the ƒ_oinstitutionƒ__ of the church seemed drawn to his sincerity and faith. 

Someone asked me if I thought the Pope was a born again believer.   I know that he believed, along with millions of other Catholics, in the virgin birth of Jesus, that God became flesh in Jesus Christ, that Jesus was crucified for our sins, that He died according to the Scriptures and that He rose from the dead on the third day.  According to Romans 10:9, confessing those beliefs with a sincere heart means you are saved.

I also know that the Pope and other Catholics pray to Mary in a way that I cannot consider biblical, and that there are many other doctrines that I feel are traditions of men.  Having read and studied church history, I know that there is a very dark and troubling side to the Catholic Church during certain eras  ƒ_"the Inquisition, the persecution of Jews.  But I also know that Protestants are just as guilty of wrong and persecution.  In fact, for me personally, I donƒ_Tt call myself a Protestant  -- I simply want to be known as a Christian.  Iƒ_Tm not protesting anything anymore.  I long to be in fellowship with fellow believers with as few labels as possible.

Was Pope John Paul II used by God?  Absolutely!  Even if you totally disagree with what he stood for, remember, God uses a variety characters.  In the Bible we see the Lord using King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to bring judgment upon His people.  There is also the familiar story of God even using a donkey in the life of man named Balaam (Numbers 22:3).

But I donƒ_Tt put the Pope in those categories.  I believe God genuinely used him in three very specific ways:

1)    To take a stand against Communist atheism.  I donƒ_Tt know if we Americans can appreciate what Communist atheism did to Eastern Europe.  Pope John Paul II grew up in Poland.  He saw the bitter hatred of Communism toward anything Christian.  They didnƒ_Tt care if you were Catholic, Eastern Orthodox or of a Protestant sect.  They were determined to crush, destroy and defeat the Church.  This Pope stood up to them without weapons, without an army, and helped break the stranglehold of Communism in his native Poland, which had a domino effect into the rest of the eastern bloc.  On the Protestant side of the Church, Billy Graham did much the same thing.  Both men were instruments used by God, as an answer to the fervent prayers of an army of faithful Christians, who I believe prayed the walls of Communism down.  It was a tremendous spiritual breakthrough in the history of our world.

2)    God used the Pope to apologize on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church for its part in the persecution of Jewish people, going back to the Inquisition and for not fighting harder against the Nazi holocaust.  I believe it was a great act of humility and Christ-like love that led him to make a journey to Israel and apologize before the whole world. 

3)    Finally, I admire this Pope for the strong stand he took  for the preciousness of life and against abortion.  In an age when there is a lot of pressure to ƒ_omodernizeƒ__ our stand on such issues he stood for the Word of God and life. 

About half the people who attend Maranatha Chapel come from Catholic backgrounds.  Many of them have family members who attend the Catholic church, and some were visiting the morning I talked about the Pope.  One family in particular came for a baby dedication. A man approached me afterward and said, ƒ_oI am a life long Catholic.  Thank you for the things you said this morning about the Pope.  My wife and I would like to come again some time and hear your teaching, for it truly touched our hearts.ƒ__  It is my hope and prayer that they will come again and hear the wonderful teaching of the Word of God and find fellowship among fellow believers who do not happen to be Catholic.

I hope you will join me in praying for this new Pope Benedict XVI, that he will grow in his relationship with God and have the same courage as his predecessor to stand for God and His Word.

On another interesting note, Hal Lindsey has written an interesting prophecy related article on the succession of Popes, which you can access here.  It is based on a most unusual extra-biblical prophecy made by an Irish Catholic Bishop in the 12th century.  I think youƒ_Tll find it fascinating.

Thank you for reading and considering my thoughts.  I cherish your prayers for our church and for the Church at large during this exciting and prophetic time in history!

God bless you,
Pastor Ray Bentley

If you would like to respond or comment, please write to:
media@maranathachapel.org