What divides Catholics & Protestants?

Truth (Ac 20:24,32, Ac 15:11; Eph 2:5,8).

Your works won't save you ( 
Psa. 49:7, 8; Psa. 127:1, 2; Eccl. 1:14; Isa. 43:26; Isa. 57:12; Isa. 64:6; Ezek. 7:19; Ezek. 33:12–19; Dan. 9:18; Matt. 5:20; Luke 17:7–10; Luke 18:9–14; Acts 13:39; Rom. 3:20–31; Rom. 4:1–8 vs. 9–22.; Rom. 8:3; Rom. 9:16, 31, 32; Rom. 11:6; 1 Cor. 13:1–3; Gal. 2:16, 19, 21; Gal. 3:10–12, 21 vs. 1–29.; Gal. 4:9–11; Gal. 5:2, 4, 6, 18; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:8, 9; Phil. 3:3–9; Col. 2:20–23; 2 Tim. 1:9; Tit. 3:4, 5; Heb. 4:3–10; Heb. 6:1, 2; Heb. 9:1–14; Jas. 2:10, 11).

People come to the Lord
by faith.

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "Yet works of mercy are the works of God in us."

God is not "in" you (2 Cor 11:4). You believe in Jesus but not the Jesus of the Bible. You believe the gospel but not the gospel of grace in scripture.

"Roman Catholicism vs. historical, biblical Christianity: "We have different authorities, we believe different gospels, we worship different Christs, we are led by different spirits and we are on different paths to eternity. Compare this with the unity the apostle Paul described with those who are in one body and one ......Spirit, with one hope; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, on God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (
Eph 4:4-6)...

...According to many Reformers, Satan's crown jewel is the Roman Catholic religion. It is his most seductive and deceptive form of counterfeit Christianity in the world. Granted, there are many other apostate churches, but none compare in the size, power, influence and wealth to the apostate church headquartered in Rome. The problem most Catholics have is they have been indoctrinated from birth with the lie that they belong to the one true Church. By believing this lie, they have no incentive to read God's word and therefore they cannot discern truth from error. I pray you will ask God to reveal His truth to you as you abide in His Word (Proclaiming the Gospel, Vol 18 no. 4)..."
Full text

Your works will not save you. To redeem means "to buy something back". Christ came to free you from sin. Every person has a sin nature (
Ro 3:23). Jesus paid the price that God required in order to satisfy his holy justice (Eze 18:20). The Father accepts Christ's payment not your "good" works (Isa 64:6).

 

The bases for forgiveness of sin is Christ's payment not your works.  God is holy.  He cannot overlook sin.  All sin will be paid for by you or by him.  He can forgive anyone who comes to him in faith and repentance (Eph 1:17).  Christ's blood (his work not ours) is then applied to our lives.  We cannot pay our own sin-debt.  Without his intervention, we have no hope of pardon.

Response to Catholic]:  "...[W]hatever beliefs serpentdove happens to affirm..."

Ad hominem. Who cares what I think? What does God say?

The wrath of God will fall on mankind (
Ro 5:8-10). Those justified by Christ's blood will be saved from punishment.

Catholics teach a false gospel of works. The Bible teaches a gospel of grace. Justification means that we are declared righteous in God's eyes. Jesus placed our inequities on his account and then paid it in full (
Ro 3:23-26).

You are not declared righteous by your works. If you receive Christ, you will be declared righteous by his work.

Jesus came to live the perfect life that neither you nor I can live. When God sees us (those in Christ) he sees Christ's perfection not by anything we have done. We are no longer guilty even though we do not always act blameless. It is a privilege to be declared righteous in God's eyes (
1 Cor 6:20).

[James/Patricius79 comment] "Well put"

We are born in sin, separated and alienated from God. Water baptism does not save. The moment Adam and Eve sinned, the relationship between God and man was broken. God sent his son to save us. Through the blood of his cross (not our works), Christ made reconciliation possible by establishing peace between God and man. When we trust in him (not a plan or program), He is able to present us blameless before the Father (Col 1:19-22). He (not the Roman Catholic apostate church) removed the barriers. We are able to have an intimate relationship with the Lord.

"According to whom?---you, or Christ's historic Church?"

Ad hominem. Who cares what I think? What does God say? Your authority will be man (Mt 15:9, Mk 7:8, 9; 7:6, 7, Col. 2:8) or God's word (Ps. 19:8, 119:11, 19:7, 111:7, 8, Ps. 119:142, 151, 160, Is. 40:8, 55:11, Eph. 5:26, Acts 15:15, 2 Pet. 1:21, Heb. 4:12). If people trust your apostate church, it will not end well for them.

Jesus sanctified us by applying his blood to our lives (
Heb 13:12). Sanctification is the process by which the Lord is continually transforming us into the image of Jesus. The Holy Spirit resides within every believer.

Neither attending a
blasphemous mass nor confessing to a priest will declare you as righteous before the Lord.

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (
Mt 6:33).

[Through the blood of his cross (not our works)] "False Dilemma Fallacy"

We are in a true dilemma. God's wrath will be on us or on Christ. The word atonement, as it is used in the OT, means "covering". The sacrificial system was supposed to teach us that God is holy and transgressions must be punished, and atonement for sin took place only through the shedding of blood. This arrangement was a foreshadow of Christ, the ultimate lamb who was needed to cover all of man's sin (Jn 1:29, 1 Pe 1:18-20).

Neither your works not your apostate church (
Re 3:14–22) will save you from the wrath of God (Num. 32:10–13, Ps. 90:9, Zech. 7:12, Ro 9:22, 1:18, 2:5–8, Jn 3:36, Re. 6:16, 17).

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "...[T]hat is the teaching of the...Catholic Church."

No. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that one must participate in the sacraments: "...[S]acraments are not merely a symbol, but are believed to actually confer sanctifying grace upon the recipient..."

See:


Are the seven Catholic sacraments Biblical?

Catholic Traditions

We are saved by grace alone through faith alone (Jn 1:12; 3:16, 18, 36; Ac 16:31; Ro 10:9-10,13; Eph 2:8-9). The Bible teaches a
gospel of grace not a gospel of works (Ac 20:24,32).

When we are saved, we can confidently enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus (
Heb 10:19-22). The reason we can approach God, spiritually speaking, is because we are covered in the blood of Christ. The veil of the temple was torn. This supernatural event signified the Father's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, which opened the way to his presence. There is now no need for a sacrifice when we want to approach God.

"..."[F]aith alone" is not [b]iblical..."

Too bad you don't know your Bible (Eph 2:8).

"Relationship is the difference between grace and law." ~ Charles Stanley

Why have you changed your identification to "Christian" instead of "Roman Catholic"? Do you find deceiving easier this way? Ga 5:9.

See:


Satan Inc (TOL Heretics List )

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "Catholics do not contend that their own works will save them."

Can you do without the sacraments?

Roman Catholicism (like all religion) is work-based. Historical, biblical Christianity is faith-based. God fills empty hands. Did you plan to put on your own breastplate of righteousness?
Jn 15:5, Eph 6:14.

You have no righteousness of your own (
Isa 64:6). Put on Christ's righteousness (Re 3:4-5).

Are you written in the Book of Life? If so, on what basis.

Response to comment [from a Roman Catholic]:  "[A]men! nothing about "faith alone" there."

We are saved by grace alone through faith alone (Jn 1:12; 3:16, 18, 36; Ac 16:31; Ro 10:9-10,13; Eph 2:8-9).

[Why have you changed your identification to "Christian" instead of "Roman Catholic"? Do you find deceiving easier this way? Ga 5:9.] "I am a Christian."

Why did you change your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?

"...[N]one...says we are saved through "faith alone"..."

Christians believe we are saved by grace alone through faith alone (Jn 1:12; 3:16, 18, 36; Ac 16:31; Ro 10:9-10,13; Eph 2:8-9).  How do you believe a person is saved?

[Why did you change your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?] Catholics are Christians, being members of the only historic Trinitarian Church..."

Catholics and Protestants believe differently (Jude 11).

See:

Roman Catholicism

Why did you change your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  [Do without sacraments?] "What does that even mean?"

If a person did not become a Roman Catholic and never participated in the sacraments, what happens to his/her eternal soul when he/she dies?  

[...Historical, biblical Christianity is faith-based.] "...[A]nother False Dilemma Fallacy..."

Man is in a true dilemma.  He does not need your plan or program.  He needs a savior (Ac 4:10, 12, Col. 1:12-18, 2:10, Jn 10:18, 1 Tim. 4:10).

[Did you plan to put on your own breastplate of righteousness?  Jn 15:5, Eph 6:14]  "...[T]hat's not what the Church teaches."

Can a man be made righteous by your church or by his works?  Isa 64:6.

[You have no righteousness of your own (Isa 64:6).] "Straw Man Fallacy"

A person can be declared righteous apart from the blood of Christ? Should the just live by attending the Roman Catholic church and participating in their sacraments or by faith? Ro 1:17.

Is a gift still a gift if you've worked for it?
Eph 2:8.

Do you think it's wise to be a glory-stealer? Ps 19:1; 111:3, Isa 42:8.

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "...[W]e can be made holy by the works of God in us."

I asked if we can be declared righteous apart from the blood of Christ.  I also asked (four times) why you changed your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?  Prov. 11:18.

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  [If a person did not become a Roman Catholic and never participated in the sacraments, what happens to his/her eternal soul when he/she dies?]  "That's entirely up to God..."

Does a person need the Roman Catholic Church?  Must they participate in the sacraments to be saved?  

[Can a man be made righteous by your church or by his works?]  "You really have absolutely no clue what the Catholic Church actually believes and teaches..."

Ad hominem.

"A man is made righteous by God the Holy Spirit.  And the Spirit accomplishes this task by various means."

Explain the basis by which a person is justified.  Is justification a one-time event?

"Do you deny that God has chosen to guide and teach the faithful..."

Who are the "faithful" according to you?  Are the faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church or those who have trusted the Lord?  Are people declared "faithful" by men or by God?  Should men draw near to your church or to God? Isa 50:8; Ro 8:33

[A person can be declared righteous apart from the blood of Christ?] "Straw Man Fallacy."

That was a question.

[Should the just live by attending the Roman Catholic church and participating in their sacraments or by faith? Ro 1:17.]  "False Dilemma Fallacy."

That was a question.

[Is a gift still a gift if you've worked for it?] "Straw Man Fallacy."

That was a question.

[Do you think it's wise to be a glory-stealer?] "Straw Man Fallacy."

That was a question.  

You have no righteousness of your own ( Isa 61:10; Jer 23:6; Ro 3:22; 5:18; 1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21).  Your "good" works won't save you (Isa 64:6).  Get yourself a savior (Mt 6:33).

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  [You have no righteousness of your own ( Isa 61:10; Jer 23:6; Ro 3:22; 5:18; 1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21).  Your "good" works won't save you (Isa 64:6).  Get yourself a savior (Mt 6:33).]  "Amen. that is the doctrine of the Catholic Church...[W]e are saved purely by grace..."

Then what?  Go get drunk? Jer 23:26.

[Can a person be declared righteous apart from the blood of Christ.]  "...[A]bsolutely not..."

How is a person declared righteous before God? 

[Why you changed your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?]  "Roman Catholics are Christians..."

I asked why you changed your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"? 2 Tim. 3:13.

"Catholics are Christians"

Why did you change your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?

[Why did you change your identification from "Roman Catholic" to "Christian"?] "[A]lready answered several times."

Are you a still a Roman Catholic? Have you changed in your beliefs since you last identified yourself as a Roman Catholic? Do you now reject the false teachings of the RCC? Are these traditions biblical?

[Justification]  "God pours his love (righteousness) into our hearts thought the Holy Spirit..."

Why would God do this?

 

God's word is the final word (Ga 1:6-8).

[Three Fatal Errors Common Among False Teachers by Mike Gendron Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "Since we are now living in the age of religious tolerance and ecumenical unity, there are some people who will immediately call this article unloving and divisive. Others will ask, "What right do you have to judge another religion?" The answer is given in Scripture. All God-fearing people are called to make right judgments, judgments that have already been established by the objective principles of God's Word (John 7:24). There may be nothing more important than warning people who are being deceived about their eternal destiny. If we do not lovingly confront them with God's Gospel, they may never know how to escape the eternal fire of God's punishment. Clearly, the most unloving thing we can do is to ignore them and let them continue down the road to destruction. For this reason, I am always willing to offend people with the offense and exclusivity of the Gospel in the hopes that God may grant some of them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 2: 25)....The Lord Jesus said: 'Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24) '." Full text: Three Fatal Errors Common Among False Teachers

"...[U]se Catholic Answers Library online..."

Trust God's word (2 Ti 2:15).

[False Teachers Usurp the Authority of God Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "The supreme authority of the Bible is established both by its divine origin and inspiration (
2 Pet. 1:21). It is the infallible Word of God, and it will accomplish God's purpose (Isaiah 55:11). It is the very foundation upon which all Christian truths rest. For followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible is the final court of appeal in all matters pertaining to faith and godliness. "All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). The divine authority of Scripture corrects and rebukes all false teaching because there is no higher authority or infallible source in which to appeal. It is the Word of God, and God cannot lie, cannot break His promise and cannot deceive.

People fall into serious error and sin when they exalt their own authority over God’s authority or when they suppress the truth of God’s Word to promote their own self-serving agendas. The Roman Catholic religion has done this by establishing its traditions and teachings to be equal in authority with Scripture (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] par. 82). In doing so, it has usurped the supreme authority of our sovereign God who alone has the right to rule and determine the eternal destinies of men. This fatal error has opened the flood gates to numerous other deadly heresies including: the preaching of another gospel, the worship of a counterfeit Jesus, the buying and selling of God's grace through indulgences, the creation of a fictitious place called purgatory, the establishment of other mediators and praying to and for the dead. These errors are fatal because anyone who is embracing them when they take their last breath will experience eternal death.

Catholics who are being deceived by these fatal errors must be told that the world has known only one infallible teacher. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, who was the personification of truth and every word He spoke was truth (
John 14:6, 17:17). Those who are seeking the truth need to look only to Christ and His Word. The Catholic religion has become corrupt the same way Judaism became corrupt-- by following the traditions of men instead of the Word of God (Mark 7:13). The Pharisees taught much truth, but by mixing it with error, they "made the word of God of no effect." We must never forget that the Bible is what God says and religion is what man says God says..." Full text: False Teachers Usurp the Authority of God

 

Trust the Jesus of scripture (2 Pet. 2:1).

[False Teachers Distort the Person of Christ Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "Jesus Christ is God's perfect man and man's perfect God. He is the perfect High Priest who offered Himself - the perfect sacrifice--once for the sins of His people. This one sin offering has perfected for all time those who are sanctified (
Heb. 10:14). For this reason there are no more offerings for sin (Heb. 10:18). The believer's eternal sin debt was paid in full and their redemption was secured when God raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Rom. 4:25). Would there be false teachers who would deny this and steal away the honor and glory of our Savior?

Yes, Paul even warned us that some would come preaching another Jesus. They will offer a counterfeit Jesus "whom we [the apostles] have not preached" (
2 Cor. 11:4). Many of these false teachers are Roman Catholics who preach a "Jesus" who does not save sinners completely and forever. They say Catholics must do their part by expiating and making satisfaction for their own sins through penance (CCC, 1459). In this way they attain their own salvation through good works (CCC, 1477). The Catholic Jesus offers conditional life, not eternal life (CCC, 1035). This counterfeit Christ is said to return physically to Catholic altars over 200,000 times each day to be a sin offering for the living and the dead (CCC, 1367).

Catholics must be warned of the consequences for not knowing and believing the true Jesus. This was made clear by Jesus when He said: "unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins" (
John 8:24). Whenever religion rejects God's authority, it creates "another Jesus" which always leads to "another gospel." Why? Because whenever the sufficiency of Christ is denied, another gospel must be concocted to instruct people what they must do to be saved..." Full text: False Teachers Distort the Person of Christ

Response to comment [from a Christian]: "In the RCC, there are six degrees of separation[:] [B]eliever--> Priest --> Bishop --> Arch Bishop --> Cardinal --> Pope --> Mary --> Jesus..."

Everyone gets their cut (Lk 16:14) .

See:

No Mediator

[False Teachers Pervert the Gospel of Christ Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "The Gospel is the joyous proclamation of God's redeeming work through Jesus Christ which saves His people from the punishment, power and ultimately, the presence of sin. It is the one and only message of redemption and the same message for every generation (
Eph. 4:4-6, Rev. 14:6). Since the Gospel is about one Savior, it is exclusive and thus declares that all other faiths and religions are false (John 14:6; Mat. 7:13-14). This glorious Gospel declares that salvation is entirely of grace and those who add anything to it stand condemned (Gal. 1:6-9). It comes as no surprise that the most popular perversion of the Gospel is the fatal lie that good works or inherent righteousness are necessary to appease a holy God. Every religion in the world perpetrates this lie of the devil. However, Satan's oldest and most deadly lie is "You surely shall not die" (Gen. 3:4). This lie is still spread in Catholicism (CCC, 1863).

Why would any religious leader want to distort the glorious Gospel of grace? The primary reason is to control people by holding them captive in legalistic bondage. It is for this reason the Lord Jesus gave the mark of a true disciple. He said, "If you abide in My word...and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (
John 8:31-32). People in religious bondage can only be set free when they come to a knowledge of the truth found in Scripture.
Roman Catholicism is not alone in perverting the Gospel of God. There are many cults and Protestant sects which do the same. Catholicism, however, not only deceives its people with a false gospel, but foolishly condemns those who believe the true Gospel. Over 100 condemnations from the Council of Trent are pronounced on Christians who believe the Lord Jesus is sufficient to save sinners completely and forever. The Catholic "gospel" emphasizes what man must DO to be saved instead of what Christ has DONE. This would include the necessity of doing good works (CCC, 2016), receiving sacraments (1129), attending meritorious masses (1405), keeping the law (2068), buying indulgences (1498) and purgatory (1030)..." Full text:
False Teachers Pervert the Gospel of Christ

Rule-keeping leads to disobedience. Rules become stricter than God's commandments. God's law targets the heart. Anything that pulls your attention from the issues of the heart will lead to disobedience (Ferguson).

"You nullify the Word of God by your traditions that you have handed down (
Mk 7:13)."

See:

Worthless Worship Pt 17b by Darrell Ferguson

[False Teachers Must Be Confronted Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "We must never let doctrinal error go unabated because it dishonors God and deceives the unsuspecting. It defiles the conscience, corrupts the heart and destroys the soul. According to Scripture, that which flows from the lips of false teachers includes: "strange doctrines," "commandments of men," "doctrines of devils," "damnable heresies," "traditions of men," "lies," "falsehood," "vain deceit" and "deceptive philosophy." Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord at all times and in all cases (
Prov. 12:22). Knowing the fruit of false teachers, we must earnestly contend against them. Peter and Paul said false teachers cause believers to fall from their steadfastness and pure devotion to Christ (2 Pet. 3:17; 2 Cor. 11:3). They disagree with the words of Jesus and bring constant friction within the church (1 Tim. 6:4-5). They give rise to speculation and fruitless discussion which hinder the purposes of God (1 Tim. 1:4-6).

Many who profess Christ are no longer embracing sound doctrine because they want their ears tickled and are seeking teachers who will do just that (
2 Tim. 4:2). Using the Word of God, we must be ready to reprove, rebuke and exhort with great patience and instruction. Those who have been entrusted with the truth must take a stand against those who try to lead men astray. Even when Peter was not straightforward about the truth of the Gospel, Paul withstood him to his face, and rebuked him sharply (Gal. 2:11-14). Jude exhorted us to "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). Those who refuse to defend God's truth are demonstrating their lack of passion for the truth. We must love the truth and hate every false way (Ps. 119:104). Let us never be intimidated by false teachers because "the fear of man brings a snare" (Prov. 29:25)..." Full text: False Teachers Must Be Confronted

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: [You nullify the Word of God by your traditions that you have handed down (Mk 7:13).] "...[F]or example, sola scriptura, sola fide, adult-only baptism, the Eucharist as a mere memorial, a 66-book canon of Scripture, etc., etc., etc..."

See:

What is sola scriptura? Do the Scriptures even teach sola scriptura? What is the standard for Christian faith and practice?

Why is sola fide important? Do we contribute our works along with our faith for salvation?

What is the proper mode of baptism? Should baptism be by immersion, or are sprinkling and pouring also allowed?

Do eucharistic miracles really happen? Is the Roman Catholic understanding of the Mass in agreement with what the Bible says about the Lord's Supper?

How do we decide which books belong in the Bible since the Bible does not say which books belong in the Bible?

You have a contaminated heart. Too bad you reject the one thing that can clean it up--grace (
Ga 1:6-8).

"Too bad." ~ Seth Brundle, The Fly

See:

No Sacrifice

Works vs. Faith

[The Battle for Truth by Mike Gendron Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "Let us be mindful of the words of A.W. Tozer, who wrote: "So skilled is error at imitating truth that the two are constantly being mistaken for each other. It is therefore critically important that the Christian take full advantage of every provision God has made to save him from delusion - prayer, faith, constant meditation of the Scriptures, obedience, humility and the illumination of the Holy Spirit" (That Incredible Christian).

We need to ask God for courage and boldness as we rely on the power of His Word. May we all become more like the apostles who were strong, bold, fearless, dogmatic, unaccommodating of error, courageous, intolerant of sin, inflexible concerning the Gospel, controversial, willing to die for the truth and fully devoted to Christ. We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming (
Eph. 4:14). During these times of great deception, the Body of Christ must respond with a theological, biblical worldview that defends the glory and honor of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must protect the purity of His Gospel for the sake of His elect." Full text: The Battle for Truth

"Wafers are a type of "bread.""

Too bad your placebo can't cure your wicked heart (Jer 17:9, Mt 15:11).

"Too bad." ~ ~ Seth Brundle, The Fly

See:

No Sacrifice

Works vs. Faith

[Handling False Teachers Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]
"• Identify them by name and warn
others of their error (
2 Tim. 2:17-18).
• Mark and avoid them (
Rom. 16:17,18).
• Be on your guard to avoid being carried
away by their error (
2 Pet. 3:17).
• Come out from among them
(
2 Cor. 6:14-18).
• Shun their babblings (
2 Tim. 2:16,17).
• Turn away from them (
2 Tim. 3:5).
• Reject them (
Tit. 3:10).
• Do not receive them nor bid them God
speed (
2 John 10-11).
• Expose their evil deeds (
Eph. 5:11)
• Pray for them that God may grant them
repentance leading to a knowledge of
the truth (
2 Tim. 2:25).
• Test the veracity of every man's
teaching using Scripture as your
supreme authority (
Acts 17:11).
• Test the spirits because many false
prophets have gone out into the world
(
1 John 4:1)..." Full text: Handling False Teachers

What divides Catholics & Protestants?