Does The 23rd Psalm Apply To Catholics?
WHO does the 23rd psalm apply to?
The 23rd Psalm is not for those who say “I am saved, I am being saved and I hope to be saved”, as many Catholics are taught to say. Catholics are taught to say that because their false version of Christianity tells them that they cannot know for sure if they possess eternal salvation. In fact, their religion tells them that it is the “sin of presumption” to think that a person can possess salvation… i.e. that they can know for sure that they have unforfeitable (guaranteed) eternal life in Christ.
Therefore, the messages in Psalm 23 are only for those who know for sure that God has granted them salvation, because only those who are truly born again (supernaturally regenerated) by the Holy Spirit can honestly say:
- The Lord is their Shepherd (verse 1).
- He leads their soul – through the indwelling Holy Spirit (verse 2).
- He restored their soul – when they became “born again” and He leads them in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake – through the Holy Spirit (verse 3).
- God is with them and watching over them (verse 4).
- They are no longer God’s enemies (verse 5).
- They KNOW they will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (verse 6).
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
— RM Kane