“The Gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it: the netherworld (Greek Hades, the abode of the dead) is conceived of as a walled city who’s gates will not close in upon the church of Jesus, ie., it will not be overcome by the power of death.”
This version has been misquoted and misapplied by more Catholics than I care to think. What does it really mean, and how can we better understand its meaning?
Above is a direct quote from the New American Bible study notes. Why then do most Catholics try to make this verse apply to the invincibility of the Roman Catholic Church? As if God could not bring extreme judgment on us if we deserve it.
This verse is more readily applicable to the doctrine of the communion of the saints. Which Catholic teaching supports as the saints in heaven, purgatory, and here on earth. Also the Gospels tell how because Christ was the first to conquer death, it has no power over us as Christians.
Christian Universal Truth 