Across the Tiber with No Way Back: A Protest to Rome with Christ at the Center

If I must cross the Tiber, I will not return. I’ll take apart my boat, build a podium, and preach. Because Rome is not just off course—it is lost.

There are many things we could commend about Roman Catholicism: a desire for beauty, reverence, and historic rootedness. But when these values are married to false doctrines, man-made authority, and a gospel that cannot save, they become not a strength, but a stronghold.

This isn’t about being provocative. It’s about truth, clarity, and love for the lost—even those within Rome’s gilded halls.

1. The Divergence from the Early Church

Rome claims to be the true, visible Church, standing in an unbroken line from Peter. But their system bears little resemblance to the church fathers they quote.

• The early church recognized the supremacy of Scripture, not the supremacy of a pope.

• They celebrated Christ alone as Head, not a Roman bishop enthroned above councils.

• Their understanding of grace was monergistic, not sacramental in the way Rome has developed.

The Council of Trent (1545–1563) didn’t defend the gospel—it codified its corruption. It anathematized justification by faith alone, declared the Apocrypha canonical, and elevated tradition to the level of Scripture.

The early church preached Christ crucified. Rome eventually built a bureaucracy around Him.

2. The Heresy of the Vault of Grace and Confession

Rome teaches that grace is stored in a heavenly treasury—the “Vault of Grace”—composed of the merits of Christ, Mary, and the saints. The Church then dispenses this grace through sacraments, penance, and indulgences.

This is not the gospel. This is grace with a price tag.

“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man—the man Christ Jesus.” —1 Tim. 2:5

No vault. No line. No priestly intercessor but Christ.

As for confession, we’re told we must go to a priest—rather than to Jesus. But the veil is torn. The priesthood of believers is restored. We do not need to whisper our sins to a man, hoping for a ritual to cover us. We go to the Lamb slain, and He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).

3. The Heresy of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary

Mary is blessed among women, but Rome has exalted her above women and men alike—even to the point of near-divinity.

• The Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary was born without original sin.

• The Assumption of Mary teaches that she was taken bodily into heaven without death.

Both doctrines are absent from Scripture, developed through centuries of speculation, and ultimately dogmatized by papal fiat, not biblical exegesis.

Mary’s own lips disqualify such veneration:

“My spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” —Luke 1:47 A sinless woman does not need a Savior.

To exalt Mary in this way is to rob Christ of His uniqueness. She is honored, yes—but never worshiped, never prayed to, and never elevated above her rightful place as a servant of the Lord.

4. The Heresy of Purgatory

Purgatory is the idea that, after death, the faithful must endure further purification—temporal punishment for sins already forgiven.

This is a denial of the cross.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1 “By a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” —Hebrews 10:14

Purgatory assumes the cross was insufficient. It assumes Christ paid some—but not all. It teaches fear, not assurance; striving, not resting; and debt, not grace.

And what of indulgences, sold to shave time off this suffering? Let history record it: this was not a work of grace—but a robbery of souls.

5. The Heresy of Tradition Over Scripture and Papal Infallibility

Rome says Scripture is authoritative—but only as interpreted by the Church. In practice, tradition sits enthroned, and Scripture is shackled to the magisterium.

Papal infallibility (declared in 1870) claims that when the pope speaks ex cathedra, he cannot err in matters of faith and morals.

But God has already spoken—inerrantly, infallibly, and completely—in His Word.

“All Scripture is God-breathed… that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” —2 Tim. 3:16–17

Not lacking. Not partial. Not waiting for Rome’s stamp.

We do not need new revelation. We need humble submission to the once-for-all faith delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Final Word: The Only Rock Is Christ

Rome claims Peter is the rock. But Peter himself said:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” —1 Peter 2:6

That Rock is Christ.

So I will cross the Tiber. I will burn the boat. I will build a pulpit and I will preach—not out of anger, but love. Not to argue, but to declare: Rome has no gospel. Not anymore. Not since it traded Christ for system, Word for tradition, and grace for works.

But Christ still saves. The true Shepherd still calls. The veil is torn. The tomb is empty. The Word is open.

Rome, repent. Come home—not to Geneva, not to Wittenberg, but to Christ alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.