“24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” - Matthew 13:24-30 I quote this parable in response to your “test of time” statement. Just because the Catholic Church has been around as long as it has doesn’t mean it’s correct or the true Church. Basically, there are false believers and true believers (tares and wheat). God planted the wheat (true believers). The false believers (tares) were planted by the enemy (Satan). God however instead of ridding the world of the tares now, is allowing them to grow along side the wheat for the wheat’s sake. That’s why false doctrine and false churches exist. But come the harvest, they will be properly disposed of.
Also, to say Baptists originated in 1605 isn’t accurate. This is what happens when one does not understand the spiritual nature of the church. While it is true that around that time is when a certain group of people began to go by “Baptist,” they existed long before then. You see, Christians have gone by many different names over the years and, frankly, the name isn’t entirely important. What is important is what we believe. Churches have always existed that believe the same key doctrines as Baptists since Jesus first established the church. Modern Baptists are just one link in a very old spiritual chain. The Catholic Church teaches doctrines that have and will continue to damn people’s souls to Hell. Look at different churches and what they believe in the light of the word of God and Scripture will reveal who belongs to the Lord. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” - 2 Timothy 2:19
