AN INTERVIEW WITH ST. PETER: We have used only the approved Confraternity edition of the Scriptures in giving St. Peter’s replies.
Q. Could you tell us simply, St. Peter, how we can be saved from our sins?
A. “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). Set your hope completely upon that grace which is brought to you in the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 St. Peter 1:13). “To him all the prophets bear witness, that through his name all who believe in him may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43).
Q. Do those who have trusted the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins have to anticipate purgatory when they die?
A. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has begotten us again, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope, unto an incorruptible inheritance–undefiled and unfading, reserved for you in heaven. By the power of God you are guarded through faith for salvation, which is ready to be revealed in the last time. Over this you rejoice” (1 St. Peter 1:3-6).
Q. But surely, St. Peter, even the true believer has a residue of sins for which he has to make restitution to God in penance?
A. “Christ…has suffered for you,…who himself bore our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died to sin, must live to justice; and by his stripes you were healed” (1 St. Peter 2:21, 24).
Q. St. Peter, is it possible for grace to be purchased by us in any way?
A. “You know that you were redeemed from the vain manner of life handed down from your fathers, not with perishable things, with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 St. Peter 1:18-19).
“Thy money go to destruction with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money. Thou hast no part or lot in this matter; for thy heart is not right before God. Repent therefore of this wickedness…and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:20-22).
Q. What is your opinion on baptismal regeneration, St. Peter? Are we brought into the family of God through a sacrament of baptism? Is this how we are born again?
A. “For you have been reborn, not from corruptible seed but from incorruptible, through the word of God who lives and abides forever” (1 St. Peter 1:23).
** Q. Should we pray to the Father, or to the Lord’s mother?
A. “Pray to God” (Acts 8:22).
“Invoke as Father him who without respect of persons judges according to each one’s word” (1 St. Peter 1:17).
**Q. Who is it that brings us to God,. St. Peter?
A. “Christ also died once for sins, the Just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” (1 St. Peter 3:18).
** Q. Did you ever consider yourself any higher than other Church leaders, St. Peter?
A. “Now I exhort the presbyters among you–I, your fellow presbyter” (1 St. Peter 5:1).
Q. Is it true Sovereign Pontiff Christ Himself? If so, how will He reward faithful Church leaders, St. Peter?
A. “And when the Prince of the shepherds appears, you [The presbyters] will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 St. Peter 5:4).
Q. Would you subscribe to the teaching that the Church should have a separate priesthood distinct from other Christians?
A. “Be you yourselves as living stones,…a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 St. Peter 2:15).
Q. If we are to regard every true believer as a priest, what is the priestly function of the believer?
A. “You, however, are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people; that you may proclaim the perfections of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (First Peter 2:9).
Q. Do I need some other mediator or intercessor?
A. “Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Q. St. Peter, what should be our proper concept of the Lord Jesus now that He has ascended to God? Should we still think of Him as depicted in the crucifix of as a Babe?
A. “Jesus Christ…is at the right hand of God, swallowing up death that we might be made heirs of eternal life; for he went into heaven, Angels, Powers and Virtues being made subject to him” (1 St. Peter 3:22).
Q. And Peter, what about the church being built on you?
A. “And coming to Him as a living stone (Jesus Christ) chief cornerstone”. (1 Pet. 2:4-7). And as St. Paul said: 1 Cor. 3:11 — Other foundation can no man lay….