The final doctrine we will review is also the last ritual many
Catholics perform - viaticum, also known as the Last Rites:
"As the sacrament of Christ's Passover the Eucharist
should always be the last sacrament of the earthly
journey, the 'viaticum' for 'passing over' to eternal life."
Pg. 379, #1517
This ritual includes anointing the dying person:
"If the sacrament of anointing of the sick is given to all
who suffer from serious illness and infirmity, even more
rightly is it given to those at the point of departing this
life... The Anointing of the Sick completes our
conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just
as Baptism began it." Pg. 381, #1523
The belief that this anointing "completes our conformity to the
death and Resurrection of Christ" is another tradition of men the
Scriptures say nothing about.
More bondage
Since this ritual can only be performed by a priest or other
Catholic leader, it keeps members in bondage to the Catholic
religion right up until the moment of their death:
"Only priests (bishops and presbyters) are ministers of
the Anointing of the Sick." Pg. 379, #1516
The Catechism also teaches that the Last Rites are the "seed of
eternal life":
"In addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church
offers those who are about to leave this life the
Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and
blood of Christ, received at this moment of 'passing
over' to the Father, has particular significance and
importance. It is the seed of eternal life and the power
of resurrection..." Pg. 381, #1524
But the Bible disagrees, declaring that this ritual is neither the "seed
of eternal life" nor the "power of resurrection." These are
man-made doctrines that God neither initiated nor endorsed.
This act is nothing more than one final earthly good work, which
the Bible proclaims to be useless:
"...that I may win Christ. And be found in him, not
having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith:" Philippians
3:8-9
Here are a few more man-made rules associated with this ritual:
"If a sick person who received this anointing recovers
his health, he can in the case of another grave illness
receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness
the person's condition becomes more serious, the
sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the
Anointing just prior to a serious operation. The same
holds true for the elderly whose frailty becomes more
pronounced." Pg. 379, 1515
Rules on top of more rules. Please remember, God never ordained
any of them. Men created them all.
Conclusion
As you make your own decision on this doctrine, here are a few
points to consider:
This ritual is never taught in the Bible.
Not one Bible character ever received the Last Rites,
including Paul, who said:
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my
departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith:" 2 Timothy
4:6-7
Not one Bible character ever administered the Last Rites.
This doctrine overflows with commandments of men. Will you
place your faith and trust in these man-made rules and regulations,
or in Jesus Christ?
Remember, Jesus warned:
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9
