In this article, we will find out if Christianity and Catholicism are the same or two different religions. Let’s five in. The year was 1517, which is a little over 500 years ago. An Augustinian monk and theology professor nailed his 95 Theses to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany. This was the action which would set in motion the Protestant Reformation – and change the world! In fact, things have never been the same since.
Catholics rejected the reformation, while the Reformers sought to bring the church back to the true gospel, as taught in the Bible. To this day, massive differences remain between Protestants (hereafter referred to as Christians) and Catholics.
What are those many differences between the Catholics and Christians? That is the question this post will answer.
History of Christianity
Acts 11:26 says, the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Christianity, as we know it today, goes back to Jesus and his death, burial, resurrection and ascension. If we had to assign an event to the birth of the church, we would likely point to Pentecost. At any rate, Christianity goes back to the first Century AD, with its roots going back to the dawn of human history.
History of the Catholic Church
Catholics claim the history of Christianity as exclusively their own history, going right back to Jesus, Peter, the Apostles and so on. The word Catholic means universal. And the Catholic Church sees itself as the one true church. So they see all church history (until the Protestant Reformation) as the history of the Catholic church.
However, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, with the Bishop of Rome as the Pope, goes back only to the 4th century and the Emperor Constantine (dubious Catholic historical claims notwithstanding). And a great many defining doctrines of the Catholic church date far after the 1st century, into the Middle and Modern Ages (e.g’s: Marian doctrines, Purgatory, papal infallibility etc.)
It wasn’t until the Council of Trent (16th Century), also known as the Counter Reformation, did the Catholic Church definitively and officially reject many central elements of the true gospel, as taught in the Scriptures (e.g., that salvation is by faith alone).
Thus, many of the distinctions of the present day Catholic Church (that is, ways that the Catholic Church is distinct from Christian traditions) goes back only to the 4th, 11th and 16th centuries (and even more recent).
Are they the same?
The short answer is no. Christians and Catholics hold much in common. Both affirm the deity and Lordship of Jesus Christ, the triune nature of God, that man is made in the image of God. Both affirm that man is eternal, and that there is a literal heaven and a literal hell.
Both affirm much of the same Scriptures (though there are specific distinctions noted below). Thus, there are a lot of similarities between Catholics and Christians.
However, they have many differences as well.
View on salvation
Christianity
This is the section where you find the biggest difference between Catholic and Christian beliefs. Let’s dive into the issue of salvation. Christians believe that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone (Sola Fide and Sola Christus). Ephesians 2:8-9, as well as the entire book of Galatians, make the case that salvation is apart from works. A person is justified by faith alone (Romans 5:1). Of course, true faith produces good works (James 2:14-26). But works are a fruit of faith, and not the or a meritorious basis of salvation.
Romans 3:28 “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Catholicism
Catholics believe that salvation is multifaceted, and comes through baptism, faith, good works and remaining in a state of grace (i.e., being in good standing with the Catholic church, and participation in the sacraments). Justification is not a forensic declaration made based on faith, but the culmination and progression of the above elements.
Canon 9 – “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; let him be damned.”
View on baptism
Christianity
Christians hold that baptism is a symbolic ceremony meant to demonstrate a person’s faith in Christ and his or her identification with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is not, in and of itself, a saving act. Rather, baptism points to the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Catholicism
Catholics hold that baptism is a means of grace which cleanses a person from original sin, and is a saving act. An infant, apart from faith, is cleansed of sin and brought into friendship with God via baptism, according to Catholic theology and practice.
CCC 2068 – “The Council of Trent teaches that the Ten Commandments are obligatory for Christians and that the justified man is still bound to keep them. All men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments.”
Praying to the Saints
Christianity
Prayer is an act of worship. We are only to worship God. Christians believe that we should pray to God, as instructed by Jesus (see Matthew 6:9-13 for e.g.). Christians don’t see any biblical warrant for praying to the deceased (even to deceased Christians), and many see this practice as dangerously close to necromancy, which is prohibited by the Scriptures.
Revelation 22:8-9 “I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”
Catholicism
Catholics, on the other hand, believe that there is great value to praying to the deceased Christians; that deceased Christians are in a position to intercede with God on behalf of the living.
CCC 2679 – “Mary is the perfect Orans (pray-er), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father, who sends his Son to save all men. Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus’ mother into our homes, for she has become the mother of all the living. We can pray with and to her. The prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope.”
Idol worship
Catholicism
Both Catholics and Christians would agree that idol worship is sinful. And Catholics would disagree with the charge made by many Christians of idolatry concerning Catholic statues, relics and even the Catholic view of the Eucharist. However, bowing down to images is a form of worship.
CCC 721 “Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time.”
Christianity
Christians, on the other hand, view these things as dangerously close to, if not outright, idolatry. Further, they see the adoration of the elements of the Eucharist as idolatry since Christians reject the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation – that the elements become the actual blood and body of Jesus. Thus, adoring the elements is not really worshiping Jesus Christ.
Exodus 20:3-5 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.”
Is purgatory in the Bible? Comparing life after death
Christianity
Christians believe that there is a literal heaven and a literal hell. That when the faithful die, they go immediately into the presence of Christ, and will dwell eternally in the New Heaven and the New Earth. And that those who perish in unbelief go to a place of torment, and will dwell eternally away from the presence of God in the Lake of Fire (See Philippians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 15:20-58, Revelation 19:20, 20:5, 10-15; 21:8, etc.).
John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Catholicism
Catholics believe that those who die in friendship with God either go directly to heaven or to a place called Purgatory for further purification through pain. How long a person endures Purgatory is not certain and depends on many factors, including prayers and indulgences of the living on their behalf.
Those who die while in enmity with God go directly to hell.
The Trentine Creed, of Pius IV, A.D. 1564 “I constantly hold that there is a Purgatory, and that the souls therein detained are helped by the suffrages of the faithful.”
Penance / Confessing sins to a priest
Christianity
Christians believe that there is one mediator between God and man – namely, Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Further, Christians believe that the one-time sacrifice of Jesus Christ is completely sufficient to cover the sins of a Christian (sins past, present and future). There is no further need of absolution from a priest. Christ is enough.
1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Catholicism
Catholics believe in the need to confess sins to a priest, who has the delegated power of absolution. Further, penance might be necessary to cancel some sins. Thus, the forgiveness of sins is not based upon the atonement of Jesus Christ alone, but, in large measure, upon the works of contrition by the sinner.
CCC 980 – “It is through the sacrament of Penance that the baptized can be reconciled with God and with the Church: Penance has rightly been called by the holy Fathers “a laborious kind of baptism.” This sacrament of Penance is necessary for salvation for those who have fallen after Baptism, just as Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn.”
Priests
Christianity
Christians believe that Christ is the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) and that the Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament is a shadow of Christ. It is not an office which continues in the church. Christians reject the Catholic priesthood as unbiblical.
Hebrews 10:19–20 “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.”
Catholicism
Catholics see the priesthood as one of the Holy Orders of the Church therefore uphold the legitimacy of the priesthood as an office in the church.
CCC 1495 “Only priests who have received the faculty of absolving from the authority of the Church can forgive sins in the name of Christ.”
Celibacy of priests
Catholicism
Most Catholics hold that priests should remain unmarried (although, in some Catholic rites, priests are allowed to marry) so that the priest can focus on the work of God.
CCC 1579 “All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate “for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.” Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to “the affairs of the Lord,” they give themselves entirely to God and to men. Celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church’s minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God.”
Christianity
Christians hold that bishops/overseers/pastors, etc., can marry as per 1 Timothy 3:2 (et.al.).
1 Timothy 4:1-3 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.”
The Catholic Church and Christian view of the holy Bible
Catholicism
There are significant differences in the way that that Christians and Catholics see the Bible, both in the actual contents of Scripture and the authority of the Scriptures.
Catholics hold that it is the responsibility of the church to declare authoritatively and infallibly what constitutes Scripture. They have declared 73 books as Scripture, including books which Christians refer to as the Apocrypha.
“The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ,” (CCC par. 85).
Christianity
Christians, on the other hand, hold that the church observes and “discovers” – not authoritatively decides – which books are inspired by God and should therefore be included in the canon of Scripture. Christian Bibles have 66 books.
But the differences between Christians and Catholics when it comes to the Scriptures do not end with what constitutes the Scriptures. Catholics deny, while Christians affirm, the perspicuity, or clarity, of the Scriptures. That is, that Scriptures are clear and understandable.
Catholics deny perspicuity and insist that the Scriptures cannot be rightly understood apart from the Magisterium of the Catholic church – that the Catholic church has the official and infallible interpretation. Christians reject this notion outright.
Further, Catholics do not regard the Scriptures as the sole infallible authority on faith and practice, as Christians do (i.e., Christians affirm Sola Scriptura). Catholic authority is like a three-legged stool: the Scriptures, tradition, and the magisterium of the church. The Scriptures, at least in practice, are the short-leg of this wobbly stool, since Catholics deny the perspicuity of Scriptures and rely more heavily on the other two “legs” as their infallible authority.
Acts 17:11 “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
Holy Eucharist / Catholic Mass / Transubstantiation
Catholicism
At the center of Catholic worship is the Mass or Eucharist. Catholics believe that the elements of the Lord’s Supper (See Luke 22:14-23) become the actual body and blood of Jesus when a priest blesses the elements during a Mass (though Catholics also hold that the bread and wine maintain their outward characteristics of bread and wine).
In partaking of the Mass, Catholics believe they are partaking of and enjoying Christ’s sacrifice in the present. Thus, Christ’s sacrifice is an on-going a-temporal act, brought into the present every time a Catholic partakes of the elements at Mass.
Further, since the bread and the wine are the actual blood and body of Jesus Christ, Catholics believe that it is right to adore or worship the elements themselves.
CCC 1376 “The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: “Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.”
Christianity
Christians object to this as gross misunderstanding of Jesus’ instructions regarding the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is meant to remind us of Jesus and his sacrifice, and that Christ’s sacrifice was “once for all” (See Hebrews 10:14) and was completed in history at Calvary.
Christians further object that this practice is dangerously close to, if not outright, idolatry.
Hebrews 10:12-14 “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
Was Peter the first pope?
Catholics make the historically dubious claim that the succession of the Papacy can be traced right back to the Apostle Peter. They further contend that Peter is the first Pope. Most of this doctrine is based upon a faulty understanding of passages like Matthew 16:18-19, as well as to post-4th century church history.
However, Christians object that the office of the Papacy is nowhere mentioned in the Scriptures and is, therefore, not a legitimate office of the church. Further, the complex and precise hierarchy of church leadership employed by the Catholic church is also entirely missing from the Bible.
Are Catholics Christians?
Catholics have a wrong understanding of the gospel, mixing works with faith (while even misunderstanding the nature of faith) and emphasize for salvation many things that the Scriptures speak nothing about. It is hard to imagine that a thoughtful Catholic, who sincerely subscribes to the teaching of the Catholic church, can also be trusting in Christ alone for salvation. Of course, there are likely many who would describe themselves as Catholic who do, in fact, trust in the true gospel. But these would be exceptions, not the rule.
Therefore, we have to conclude that Catholics are not true Christians.
Reflection
Q1 – What did you learn from this Catholic vs Christian article?
Q2- What is a Christian?
Q3 – Are Christians and Catholics the same thing?
Q4- What’s the difference between a Catholic and a Christian?
Q5- Does Catholicism contradict the Bible?
Q6- Why can’t your works save you?
Q7- How does Jesus offer true rest?
The fact that you keep quoting the catechism of the Catholic Church where the Council of Trent for Catholic reasons for a certain differences between them and Protestants just shows that you have no idea that for each of the differences there are biblical reasons that Catholics do that. It’s not because of some Council or the Catholic catechism, it’s because it’s actually in the Bible and Protestants remove 7 books from the Bible during the Reformation. When it says that you are justified by faith alone in Romans, the word alone was never in that book. Martin Luther added the word alone to his German translation of the Bible. Also works and works of the law are different. When you say you are not justified by works of the law they are talking about the Jewish works of the law of the old Jewish rights. Works are following Commandments. When Jesus was act asked how to get to heaven he said follow my Commandments.
Hey Laura,
I’m sorry, but your statements are not factual. It is clear that many of the teachings of the RCC goes against Scripture. Also, you made claims with no evidence. Once it stops being salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone it no longer is Christianity. Jesus was revealing to the rich young ruler that he fell short of God’s glory and was in need of a Savior. In no way was Jesus contradicting Scripture that teaches faith alone.
Ephesians 2:9 “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Galatians 3:1-3 “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?
Romans 3:20 “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”
Romans 3:24 “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 4:3 “For what does the Scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:5 “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,”
Romans 11:6 “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.”
Galatians 2:21 “I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
John 19:30 “So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
Colossians 2:14 “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”
A genuine believer does not do works to be saved or to maintain salvation. A genuine believer does works because He has been saved and He has been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit. Laura this is dangerous. I encourage you to look closely at the Scriptures yourself. Are you obeying God’s Commandments perfectly? Galatians 3:10 teaches us that if you are trying to obtain your righteousness from the law and you are not obeying it perfectly, that leads to the curse of the law? Are you obeying it perfectly or are you trusting in Christ’s perfection on your behalf?
Galatians 3:10 “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Good article and well thought out. We must be like the people of Beroea and examine the scriptures daily.
Thanks so much for presenting God’s Word in such a clear and logical manner. My studies of false doctrines has been informative, but it has also caused me to become weary and almost depressed. Your presentation of God’s Word has been very validating to my own beliefs. I seek the Truth, and realize that it can only be found in God’s Word.
Thanks again, because you have presented God’s Word in such a way that it has been the refreshment I really needed after drudging through the false doctrines I have studied.
Thank you for doing God’s work, and may He bless you always.
Lee Sloane
There are dispensations in the Bible and the dispensation we are living in today is “ the age of grace”! We are no longer under the law in any way! The law was fulfilled when Jesus Christ cried out on the Cross” IT IS FINISHED”! There is nothing anyone can do to earn or keep their salvation! It is a personal relationship based totally on faith in Jesus Christ’s death. Burial and Resurrection! 1 Cor. 15
This accurate information. I have studied Catholicism for years. Those books the Roman Catholic Church add to their bible was rejected by the Reformers because they contradict many things in the gospel record, and were not written by the inspired apostles. They add confusion,and lead people away from the truth that is in God’s Word.
God has indeed protected his Word by giving wisdom to God inspired men.
Catholic teachings twisg, distort, take things out of context and add outright lies that are not even in the bible. They got filthy rich by adding things fir people to do and pay for.
Salvation is free and complete in Christ!! Any other means rios Christ of his glory, power to save to the uttermost, and is blasphemous. Thank you for this article. Those who object, reject the One True God and follow fables from Satan himself.
Not trying to be rude, but this writer seems to be like a Jehovah witness, or some other cult like people. I have read the Bible over and over several times. A lot of this rhetoric is twisted around to make it the way they WANT it! Sorry, I simply don’t believe all you’ve written here. Catholics don’t do that to you; in fact they call you their separated brethren (brothers and sisters!) Sincerely, Carole.
Hey Carole,
Thank you for stopping by. Actually I am not a JW. I encourage you to check out my Christianity vs Jehovah Witness comparison article. I am a Christian and I hold to the essentials of the Christian faith. You’ve made false claims of me twisting things around but you are not explaining how. I gave what Scripture teaches and I gave what the RCC teaches. They are different. Please I don’t desire to debate. I encourage you to examine the Scriptures for yourself. Compare them to the CCC. There is a clear difference. Please read the article without your guard up.
God bless,
– Fritz
As one who was raised and educated in purely catholic doctrine and ways, I can personally attest to my question of it. When I started studying Scripture on my own, I documented so many things in scripture that are contrary to RCC teachings, then and more today. I’m old enough to have watched how different RCC teachings are now from then. So from the days of wearing our heads covered, abstaining from meat on Fridays, women with no place on the altar during mass, no civil deacons to the present day….without even looking at Scripture, one should question who had it right. Why the needed change. The RCC leadership of humans, thinking they have powers equal to that of God Himself, is frightening all by itself. But I was a faithful catholic until….a Christian handed me THE WORD OF GOD. I Read it again and again.
See what is part of RCC teaching vs God’s.
Make up your own mind but be aware you are also leading your very soul into eternal life…you choose to spell that with a small “L” or a capital L…you have been given free will, but now you have also had seeds planted that will grow the garden of your eternal life.
PS: unfortunately most RCC do not know the 3 languages in which Scripture was written. It was NOT written in Latin. The first Constantine government put it in Latin for their own devious needs. Study HISTORY about how Rome even became involved in Jesus’ Life. (That is where, much later on, you will see the needed government of Rome, to announce a pope over what Rome could not control legally and the ruler needing his desired sins swept away)
I’m not going to explain it other than to say, politics was just as abundant then as it is now. (and just as corrupt)
The difference now is we separate church and state. (but our moral values are how we form opinions)
Back then it was such a tight integrated network that it truly is hard to comprehend in our minds today.
I started with NIV and have read many (including catholic versions) of Scripture. I believe what He put into writing. I believe He also gave very stern warnings about what He put into writing. You will see that warning as the very last Words written. So catechism, Book of Mormon, book of Muslim (sorry can’t recall that name) but each writing goes directly AGAINST THE WORD OF GOD.
The fact that God knew man’s attempts to use His Word for man’s own gain, not to His glory, but to the individual’s desired outcome shows exactly why we should look only to His word.
We can believe what others tell us is His Word’s meaning, or we can open that precious Book and ask Him to fill us with His teachings.
In the final hour when we gaze upon His Face, OR we never make it that far, is up to each of us, not the words of another human.
Ignorance is not bliss in the matter of eternal Life.
Hey Elizabeth,
Thanks for sharing your testimony. You are correct. This is not a meaningless matter. This is a matter of eternal life. The Bible contradicts the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
– Fritz
I have been studying the many different denominations for sometime now and I agree with you 100%. Read and study the Word for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding.
Elizabeth, Very interesting, but what I think is that we need to get over the differences; for it is high time we did and concentrate on bringing the Christian World together. Its fine with me what you believe or don’t but today the Devil is chipping down this great Tree and making the world a difficult place to live. Look, we don’t care about how the Christians are suffering around the world, we are just indulging in the rules and the text of the Bible to interpret our lives. No, that is a little too little and cannot be condoned by Jesus. We need to be proactive and less sermonizing. Look again, we don’t like the Russian Christians for they are ‘Orthodox Christians’ and we dont like blacks because they are not white christians and so on. This is what I like to happen and let Christianity spread its cool shade over the sizzling hot earth.
Thanks,
QM
Hey Qamar,
These are not just simple differences. A slight difference can easily change the substance of something. If you add works to Christianity, it no longer is Christianity anymore. Pointing out the differences does not mean that you don’t like someone. In the context of this article it could actually save someone’s life. Also, race and ethnicity have nothing to do with this. Not liking a person because of their race is racism and it goes against Scripture.
– Fritz
If you don’t accept the Word of God (the Bible) as the Word of God – you have a huge problem. You need to dispense with traditions of men, rituals, hiarchies – read, believe, obey and receive God’s Word. (NOT the writings of an organization) So beautifully simple!
I’ve not heard of Christians not accepting others as Christians because of where they live and the color of their skin. There is a danger of accepting all doctrines or all religions and it’s wrong to believe that it doesn’t matter who your God is as long as we worship and call ourselves Christian.
I think that’s the point Elizabeth is trying to make when she says there’s a serious misdirection in the RCC teachings. Again, it has nothing to do with color or culture but rather following God’s Word through the book written by him and not books written by a human.
God bless you and those you love,
Cathy
Amen! Hosea 4:6 says my people perish for lack of knowledge. It’s your soul at stake read the Bible and ask God to show you the truth. I also was raised Catholic but I knew that wasn’t the truth so I was searching God met me and Jesus came into my heart I thank Him every day I became a a Christian🙏❤️ Thank you for sharing your testimony this is all true I did my research too, God is faithful He will meet you when you are sincere about wanting to know Him!
This is accurate information. I have studied Catholicism for years. Those books the Roman Catholic Church added to their bible was rejected by the Reformers because they contradicted many things in the gospel record, and were not written by the inspired apostles. They add confusion, and lead people away from the truth that is in God’s Word.
God has indeed protected his Word by giving wisdom to God inspired men.
Catholic teachings twist, distort, take things out of context and add outright lies that are not even in the bible. They got filthy rich by adding things for people to do and pay for.
Salvation is free and complete in Christ!! Any other means robs Christ of his glory, power to save to the uttermost, and is blasphemous. Thank you for this article. Those who object, reject the One True God and follow fables from Satan himself.
The books that you have been taught to believe were added by Catholic Christains were in fact included in the original Canon. Martin Luther tossed them during the Reformation. The Original Canon of Scripture was assembled by the doctors of the Church. It is the perpetuation of false ideas about Catholicism that keeps animosity alive.
The Catholics put emphasis on praying to Mary and also other people. The Bible says you’re suppose to pray to God in the name of Jesus. God gave Him the name above all other names!
Something interesting to me is when Jesus was on the cross dying in our place! He said, in Matthew 12:48-50 (Amplified version) which is the original Greek and Hebrew meaning.
Matthew 12:48-50
Amplified Bible
48 But Jesus replied to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples [and all His other followers], He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For [a]whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven [by believing in Me, and following Me] is My brother and sister and mother.”
So here we see while he’s dying on the cross, he’s not putting any emphasis on his own mother, but that anyone would do the will of God is his brother and sister and mother.
While I have your attention… do yourself a favor, and start reading the New Testament and every time you see “In Him, In whom, In Jesus” write it down and find out who and what you are and have, in Christ.
And finally if you need and want anything from God, use the four steps:
Say it: positive or negative it’s up to you!
Do it: find scripture that backs up what you want or need, and reach up with an arm of faith, and do not take no for an answer.
Receive it: Faith says you have it now before you see it with your eyes or feel it.
Tell it: tell others what you have even before you see it or have it.
Who did the four steps in the Bible? The lady with the issue of blood did these four steps, and she got what she wanted.
David and Goliath he did these for steps and got what he wanted and said.
The prodigal son did these four steps
Better yet; go to YouTube and listen to Kenneth E Hagin “How to write your own ticket with God”
It’s free yet priceless. You can hear the truth in his voice. He was a General for God.
Jesus actually told him to write down these four steps and said that if anyone anywhere would take these four steps or four principles and put them into operation, they would always have whatever they needed or wanted from me or the father.
If this helps one precious person than I say, “Hallelujah!”
Thank you for Clearly explaining the difference between Christian and Catholic. It’s the word of God that brings life to all of us through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Bible says there’s one way to the father it’s through the Son Jesus Christ, no other way can you come to the throne of grace not by religion not by works
Hebrews 10:12-14 “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” God the father the Holy Spirit amen
The difference between Catholics & Christians? Do you think that Catholicism is not Christian? Sadly contemporary Christianity believes in Sola scriptura, the Bible alone. The word trinity doesn’t appear in scripture. Nor does the word rapture. If you want to know what the Church teaches, read the Cathecism. Whose teachings are you following? It’s impossible to understand Catholicism by studying or looking at it through the lens of Protestantism. 33,000+ denominations all claiming to know the truth. C’mon now …
Hey Donna,
I would encourage you to read the article without your guard up. You didn’t mention anything about what was written and how the RCC contradicts several parts of the Bible. Dive into these passages for yourself and I would encourage you to humbly go before the Lord with these concerns. Thank you for commenting.
Fritz
Sadly I grew up as a JW and this writer didn’t even come close to sounding like that. For the past 15 years I have been a Born Again Christian and this writer sounds a lot like he/she knows their bible. I have many devout Catholic friends that have NO idea what is in their bible or if this information is even correct because most Catholics do not know their bible. I suggest for those who don’t spend time in God’s word, to make time before its too late. It’s the best book you will ever read and it will point you in the direction to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I agree. I grew up Catholic and now I attend a non-denominational church. I learned nothing about Jesus in the Catholic religion. It was all about doing good works which has actually messed me up in that I have high expectations from others that when they fall short I had a hard time relating. Now I see it is about the transformation of your heart and we can not be perfect people, Jesus was the only one who was without sin. It is through faith and grace alone through Jesus that brings us salvation from our sin and life every lasting.
This site propagates hateful, divisive, ignorant herecies
Hey John,
I’m sorry that you feel that way. In what way are we hateful? Also, what are we promoting that is heresy?
Looking forward to hearing your response. Thank you for commenting.
– Fritz
Remember the scriptures where Jesus corrects the disciples for getting upset at others who were casting out demons in Jesus name ( Mark 9:38-41) when you try to label other CHRISTIAN Denominations as non Christian. Having researched the Biblical basis for Catholic differences, I find they have pretty solid scriptures to back most of their practices and we Protestant have twisted notions of what is the official Catholic church teaches. It cultural practices that over emphasize Mary and the saints not official doctrine. Read Paul’s epistles about arguing over divisive doctrine. Christians can differ in how they worship, but all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior are Christian.
Hey Kathleen,
I say this with love and respect. You are wrong. This is not a matter of being a Christian denomination. Any denomination that denies salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone is not Christian.
The Catholic Church does not teach faith alone and it is evident.
“Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation,” (CCC 846).
Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that ‘we too might walk in newness of life,'” (CCC 977).
“The specific precepts of the natural law, because their observance, demanded by the Creator, is necessary for salvation,” (CCC, par. 2036).
Galatians 2:16 “Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Salvation by faith in Christ can’t be compromised. This is the core of Christianity. This is essential for salvation. Read what Paul said about preaching another gospel.
Galatians 1:8-9 “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
Did you read the article and see the differences? I have no problem explaining any topic on Catholicism and verses. This is important and must not be taken lightly.
God bless,
– Fritz
We are saved by grace through faith, NOT THAT OF WORKS!! Jesus Christ died for a reason, to fulfill scripture and if we BELIEVE in his finished work on the cross we are saved! If one reads the word of God we should realize that we are in need of Jesus Christ and his grace.
When you say that the Catholic Church studies of scriptures mostly aligns with the Bible there starts the problem! If we are Christians we have to believe that God’s word is absolutely perfect no matter how many times it’s been translated from one language to the other. We have to believe that these men were inspired by God to do so therefore he inspired them with perfect interpretation! My dad’s sister is a nun, and unless you understand by grace through faith not by works lest any man should boast is true, then having to work for salvation is a contradiction! We are saved by grace. What is Grace? Undeserved favor! The Bible is quite clear and direct in that all we have to do is ask and believe, Call upon the name of the Lord and you shall be saved! Thank God he has made it so easy, but unfortunately we want to try to debate things that are perfect and that is God’s grace for salvation!
Kathleen, the Bible says no man shall do to or take away from God’s word. This is exactly what the RCC has done, nothing good can come from that.
I like how you tried to stay pretty fair minded between the two, trying to give factual information on both religions through each religious document. (I say trying because even with all the research based information I still could see your personal preferences as I read – although it was much more hidden than most articles on similar subject area.) It would be interesting research to find out why the RCC states what it does. Instead of using the Bible to represent Christians and the RCC to represent Catholics, find out which biblical passages the Catholics refer to in order to justify their teachings, then to have a similar article but using bible passages compared to bible passages specifically to show which teachings of the Bible are being used to hold up both religions.
Thank you for your post and your research.
Hey Tara,
I know what the Catholic Church teaches and I know the passages they use. This is not a grey area that believers can overlook. This is damnable. I believe many in the Catholic Church are sincere in why they do certain things, but they misinterpret Scripture. You can be sincere and wrong. If you teach salvation by faith, works, baptism, etc. That is damnable. That takes away from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:2-4 “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Satan can use Scripture to justify what he teaches, but that doesn’t mean he is right. Give me a topic and I won’t mind explaining it biblically in further detail.
God bless,
– Fritz
Fritz, you and your answers are absolutely laughable. You sir, are full of opinions and have no real answers. That is why your answer is weak. Answer the question, what bible verses do the Catholic church use to back up their beliefs? If you know them as you say you do, then knock them off! come on, I’ll wait! You are a self absorbed, ignorant, person that has absolutely no substance and are no Christian. You are a liar through your own ignorance and brainwashing.
Hey Melinda,
Notice that you didn’t have anything productive to say. You attacked me without bringing up a single point from the article.
Please examine the article and yourself and show me how the information is incorrect without resorting to bashing me.
God bless,
– Fritz
You need to be much more specific to attack a person’s research. Unless, you enter into details, your opinion is futile and full of hate and rage. Do a little soul searching before you attack so vehemently.
I went into this article with an open mind and reflected upon your words. All you have done here is judge others, primarily Catholics, on abiding by a different belief system than your own. Don’t judge people. Live by the Golden Rule and love and accept everyone. Maybe consider writing your next post on how we can ALL come together–regardless of how a person worships God or interprets the Bible–instead of driving us apart when it isn’t necessary. The Bible is beautiful, YOUR interpretation is yours and mine is MINE, that’s the beauty of scripture! We are all God’s children. What Would Jesus Do? Love everyone without judgement!
God bless!
Hey Nannette,
Thank you for commenting. You do understand that you are judging me for judging others correct? Also, you are not understanding that this is not something that we can come together with. Many people go to hell every day for having the wrong gospel. You can’t come together with something that is not Christian. If I believe the teachings of the Catholic Church is sending people to hell, how is it loving if I say nothing about it? It’s not loving. Sometimes love tells people the truth. We must make sure that we have the right interpretation and though we are all God’s creation, we are not all God’s children. Jesus judged rightly. Jesus had strong words for people. Jesus would not stand for a false gospel. I have an article on Unity that explains more about Christian unity.
God bless,
– Fritz
Heeyyy Fritz
I just want to say, I have read all the article, and many responses from people and your response to them!
You are a true Christian, and God is proud of you!
There is a difference between judging others/other beliefs, and speaking the truth in LOVE! Like you said!
All of your responses are based on love truth and scriptural basis, where others who don’t understand (have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them) just come to oppose without biblical backing up!
Any who, Love you brother!
Stay lite for JESUS!
#speaktruthinlove
Exactly, thank you. Give people their roses while they are still with us. Keep up the good work brother Fritz.
I have to say I think fritz is right and says it how it is!!
You are fighting the good fight. God Bless you.
True, Fritz! If we were all to come together, then we would come together with the world. But to be one with the world is to be the enemy of Christ.
Keep up the good work brother… This article is very well written… May God bless you… I am a Christian…
Hi,
It is not about people’s interpretation it is about the Holy Spirit teaching believers.
We can all come together by believing God’s Word and listening to the Comforter. If you do not have the Holy Spirit you will never truly understand God’s Word. Did Jesus not inform us ‘But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you ALL things, and bring ALL things to your remembrance, all things I have said to you.(John 14:26). It does not say everyone have their own interpretation and it does not say listen to what the RCC teaches you, if it contradicts God’s Word, then it is false teaching. We cannot all come together if we believe man’s word over God’s. Please rid yourself of any teaching and pray the Lord’s Spirit will teach you instead. I know about Catholicism I lived with nuns for two and a half years and I know who they pray to and who teaches them, you will find the answer in 1 Timothy 4:1.
Oh wow. I looked it up. Even more so I am happy I have denounced my Catholic religion and trying to be closer to God as he wanted. Just wow. I am shocked.
1Ti 4:1 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Jesus would tell you the truth because He loves you. That is true love.?
If satan was a Christian he would be a Catholic, it’s an out the side of your mouth worship one man boast your deeds perfect religion for evil.
He isn’t writing judgement. His article is about the differences of what Christians and Catholic believe.
If we were ALL Gods children and there was no judgement to come, then there would have been no need for the Cross.
Thank you so much. This is the most concise and understandable article I have seen on this subject. My husband and I often go out and evangelize to those who will listen and this article will be a great help to us. Is there a way to print the full article? I know it took a lot of time to prepare it and I love the fact that you back your words with Scripture. Thank you again.
Nancy
Hey Nancy,
There is a floating print button on the left side of the screen. I’m glad that this article has been a blessing to you. It’s always great to be prepared when witnessing. I will continue to pray that God moves through you and your husband.
Thank you for stopping by.
God bless,
– Fritz
How dare you say such a thing! Catholics are Satanic now? Doctrines of devils? I should be used to this ignorance but I’ve never read so much know-it-all-Ness in one thread. Does anyone think a Catholic can be a born again Christian? Who exactly is your teacher? Your pastor? The ‘worship” team (the band)? They guy who left his church to “plant” his own? SMDH
Fritz,
I was born and raised Catholic, then in my early 20’s became a born again Christian and was in evangelical protestant churches for 30 years. 5 years ago, after several years of study of what Catholics actually teach, not what Protestants say they teach, I came back to the Catholic Church and I’m thrilled I did.
There are perfect biblical reasons for all they teach. It all makes sense now. The Old Testament fortells the New and the New Testament fulfills the Old. No out of context proof texts. For instance, I can quote verses, as you did. Like James 2:24, “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone”. The only place in the bible where the words “faith” and “alone” are together and it says NOT by faith alone.
But, as a Catholic, I have as much confidence in salvation as I did as a Protestant. I know I am in His love a long as I am seeking Him. I’ve lost nothing I had as a Protestant, but gained much more. His body and blood in the Eucharist, to strengthen us in our walk for one.
I believe if anyone with an open mind really studied Catholicism as it really is, and not as it is misrepresented they would turn Catholic, as many, many, have, including prominent Protestant pastors and teachers.
You would be really challenged if you watched this video. It might be the best teaching I ever heard.
Peter
Hey Peter,
Let’s take a closer look into James 2:
James 2:14-24
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
Notice that in the beginning it says “can that faith” save him. What faith is it referring to? It is referring to a dead faith. Faith must be genuine. James is not teaching that we need faith along with works. He is teaching the evidence of that faith will be seen through his works. Genuine faith results in works.
The RCC teaches CCC 2068, “The Council of Trent teaches that the Ten Commandments are obligatory for Christians and that the justified man is still bound to keep them;28 the Second Vatican Council confirms: “The bishops, successors of the apostles, receive from the Lord . . . the mission of teaching all peoples, and of preaching the Gospel to every creature, so that all men may attain salvation through faith, Baptism and the observance of the Commandments.”
CCC 2027, “Moved by the Holy Spirit, we can merit for ourselves and for others all the graces needed to attain eternal life, as well as necessary temporal goods.”
Galatians 3:10 says that all who rely on the works of the law will be cursed because they are not obeying everything perfectly. I obey because I am saved and I have been made new, not because obeying saves me. That is a huge difference.
Ephesians 2:9 “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Romans 4:5 “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,”
Galatians 2:21 “I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Agree! The criminal on the cross had no time to do works yet. Jesus said he would be with Him in paradise that very day. So, he was saved by faith alone. From Luke 23: 32-43
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Yes! Thanks for breaking down information. People perish because of the lack of knowledge.
Jesus is Savior & Lord. Through faith in Christ Jesus we are saved if we believe John 3:16!
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many!”
Perhaps read all the scripture which pertains to not taking blood and you will see how incorrect the Eucharist is.
Very well written article. I struggle with seeing how these things that you have mentioned in Catholicism can be pulled from Scriptures. There are so many Scriptures like the ones mentioned in your comments that firmly state the Gospels reoccurring position on these matters. I was reminded of the verses in Hebrews 6:1-6 from a comment and a point above. If baptism removed original sin, then you should sin no more. It would also remove the sin of your children because what we are inherently passing along is original sin. Why then the continuation of sin and the need for penance? While I believe you must repent your sins to Christ alone, they are forgiven (past, present, and future). Continually trying to come to salvation, Hebrews says is like recrucifying Christ.
1Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so.
4It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public shame.
Hey Jaime,
Well said! Thank you for dropping a comment. You hit the nail on the head. If we take a closer look into God’s Word Vs the Catechism there are clear errors regarding baptism, sin, and salvation. Penance diminishes the value of Christ’s blood and it is nowhere to be found in Scripture.
Just as Scripture says, our works are like filthy rags.
Isaiah 64:6 “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”
God bless,
– Fritz
This is a well researched and unbiased article because the truth is stated from both a Christian standing and RC standing .
When comparing the two , it is imperative to refer to what the Bible does say . As we are all responsible for ourselves in what we believe , the God-given gifts of wisdom and discernment are very necessary for correctly interpretting Scripture . And at the centre of it all is the Subject Himself . The bible starts with reference to Him and finishes with Him . Above all is that the Book is a SPIRITUAL Book which sets it apart from all other books. We can be assured that there is truth in it’s pages and if we think there are contradictions , then we must be wrong when we have faith in the Bibles Author . The 4th verse from the end says
” I warn everyone who hears these words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds to them , God will add to him the plagues described in this book . And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy , God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the Holy city which are described in this book .” NIV . That warning should give all Christians concern for those who are being mislead by any publications which have done just that . Understanding the Gospel is our own responsibility but it also a Christian’s resonsibility to make errors known for lives depend on the truth .
I’m afraid the RC have erred in those warnings and use their own interpretation . Jesus admonished the Pharisees and the Saduccees for insisting that what they taught was correct and called them hypocrites . Many are hypocrites for not listening to the basic fundamental of the Bible’s doctrine and put worldly values on it because of lies and deceit which helps to form different denominations.
I was reminded of the verses in Hebrews 6:1-6 from a comment and a point above. If baptism removed original sin, then you should sin no more. It would also remove the sin of your children because what we are inherently passing along is original sin.
These are your words, but our children do not inherent one’s salvation. Each person carries sin which came originally from Adam and Eve. So each person must declare their faith, their belief to Christ to receive salvation and be saved. No one else can do this for you, only Christ can.
Fritz,
I have left the Catholic Church a few years ago to join another denomination. Although I do not share all their understandings of Scriptures, I can assure you they are Christians. Writing this blog is detrimental to the Church and you are grieving the Holy Spirit.
You are putting yourself in the position of judge and jury and your hiding behind YOUR understanding of Scriptures. There are hundreds of denominations, and yes, that includes Catholicism. So why would you pit all the protestant denomination against Catholicism, when protestant don’t agree on most questions of faith. I feel like you lack maturity in your faith and that the enemy is using you to divide the Church. Read 1 Cor 1:10; Mat 12:25; James 4-11:12, Luke 11:17. You also lack honesty because you have made your argument by using only the RCC and have not used ANY Scriptures that backs up their understanding of Faith. I can assure you there are many.
You don’t have to convince me that some of their beliefs maybe thin on Scriptures, but I am appalled that would label them not Christians. You are placing yourself in a dangerous spot, which is called judge and jury. Although Catholics have different beliefs than most protestants, I can assure you that many denominations share a lot of the same beliefs. I don’t understand why you would write this blog. Maybe you have interior motives and feel like your understanding of Scripture is superior but please remember to be humble in your understanding. There is only one God, one Church, and we should love each other and avoid denomination battles. I love the website by the way, but your blog is wrong.
Hey Pascal,
If any religion denies salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. It is not Christian. Romans 3:28 “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
It does not matter why they do the things that they do. If you deny the essentials of the Christian faith you are not Christian and there is no compromise. You can be sincere and be totally wrong if it goes against God’s Word. There are those in the Catholic Church who are genuine believers because they don’t hold to RCC doctrine. However, if you hold to the teachings of the RCC it’s impossible to be Christian because you are saying that Jesus is not enough. I need works, baptism, penance, church, etc. Rather than saying I’m being used by Satan, ask me about any topic and I will help to better explain it using God’s Word.
God bless,
– Fritz
CHERY…… I appreciate your honesty, I agree that many denominations share some of the same beliefs and that’s fine, but when it comes to the doctrine of salvation, you simply cannot get this wrong. If works contributed to our salvation then Christ died for nothing. Paul said “There is nothing good in me, that is in my flesh….” in Rom 7. There is absolutely nothing we can do to help ourselves as Fritz has so eloquently stated, and has quoted many scriptures. Here is the problem that we all tend to get lost in at times, Our doctrine should be determined by our Exegesis of the scripture, not our Exegesis being determined by our doctrine. We all have biases but we must put all these aside and interpret scripture in its context . Jesus said , I am the Way , the truth and the life, no man comes to the father but by me. (John 14:6) . The bible says, broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to life. The doctrine of Salvation is something we have to get right, not just most of it. It doesn’t matter what I think or anyone else for that matter , the question is , What is the truth? 2+2=4 and nothing that i say or even make it different , doesn’t make it the truth. I can have 99% orange juice and 1% strychnine and I will still die if I drink it. We cannot change God’s plan for salvation period!
Fritz has shared the truth, in love , even after he has been unjustly attacked. If I had the cure for cancer and didn’t share it with anyone , it would not be very loving now would it? The Word of God says ……. the TRUTH shall set you free and your shall be free indeed.
Blessings……
Thank you for opening our eyes to the truth about Catholics, I was a Catholic and I became born again, though I must say that most Catholics don’t understand these facts about their religion and because many are not so encouraged to read for themselves the Bible, this is the reason they continue in their wrong doctrines.
Besides that most of my relatives are still Catholics but I’ve observed that they’re not strong enough not be taken into witchcraft. They subscribe to Catholics and practicing witchcraft, like consulting the spirits of the dead, which a true Christian won’t do!
We need to continue loving, praying and preaching the true gospel to our dear brothers and sisters, thank you for sharing this truth.
I was raised in a Pentecostal church, and converted to Catholicism.
You say Catholics aren’t Christians, but you are wrong. You’re not not even using real scriptures. You’re not using a real King James Version. I looked up the scriptures. The Bible uses deeds not works.
Here’s a good one for you. Matt. 7:20
Says : Wherefore by their fruits yet shall know them.
Matt:7:17-18
Even so every good tree bringeth good friut, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt resenting forth good fruit.
You say they’re not Christians, but that is judging.
James: 11-12
Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12) There is lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
So, there high and mighty.
You are wrong.
Hey Freda,
First, you do understand that you are judging me? If judging was a sin, then you would be in sin as well.
You must understand that I love everyone and I am not trying to be hard. However, to be a Christian you must put your hope in Christ alone. Catholicism teaches the opposite. Faith, works, baptism, penance, etc. If you need faith, your good deeds, baptism, and penance, then you are saying that the blood of Christ is not enough. How can someone be a Christian if they are saying the blood of Jesus is not enough to atone for sin?
Matthew 7 is teaching us to see the difference of a genuine believer and a false convert. A genuine believer will bear good fruit as evidence of his profession of faith in Christ. It is not saying we need faith and works. If you have truly been converted by the Lord, then we will see the evidence of that by the way you live your life. A genuine believer will not live a lifestyle of sin.
– Fritz
You said “The Lord’s Supper is meant to remind us of Jesus and His sacrifice, and that Christ’s sacrifice was “once for all”
I agree that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all, but look what He says on Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
I take that as a commandment.
Also, I will leave a verse from the Bible which I find very interesting:
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
James 1:27
Hi Gabriel,
We observe the Lord’s supper because we love Christ. We do it to reflect and remember the great price that was paid for us.
Also, we do it to celebrate what we receive as a result of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
We don’t do it to maintain our salvation. We are already saved by the blood of Christ alone.
Hebrews 9:25-28 “Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
– Fritz
Great article and defense of the gospel my brother. I encourage you to continue to uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ. I so appreciate the fact that you are “Contending for the faith, that was once delivered unto the saints”. (Jude 1:3) The Adversary is still using the same tactic he used against Eve in the garden. ” Has God said?” Causing her to question Gods Word, his character and his motives. (Genesis 3:1-5) Sadly mankind is still falling into this snare. “Has God said?”Thank you for unashamedly standing for the truth of Gods Word. ” For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; both to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it (The gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, exactly as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16,17) I want to leave this scripture with you my brother in the way of encouragement. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. ” I charge you therefore in the sight of God, and The Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. Preach the Word; be instant in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke and exhort with all patience and doctrine. For the time shall come when they shall not tolerate sound doctrine; but after their own desires shall they gather to themselves teachers tickling their hearing; and they shall indeed turn away from hearing the truth, and shall be turned to fables. But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of a evangelist, fully bear your ministry.” The Grace of our One and Only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you beloved brother. In His Name. Ira Taylor.
Hey Ira,
Thank you so much for checking out the article and taking the time to give me words of encouragement.
– Fritz
Why call Jesus Christ a liar. In John 3:5, Jesus answered (our Savior) In order to enter the kingdom of God ( which is Heaven) you must be born of the water (Baptism) and the Spirit ( Holy Spirit). This means you must be Baptist to be saved.
Hey Rickey,
I really appreciate that you took the time to comment. I am in no way calling Jesus a liar. I want you to take a close look at John 3:5. Notice that you are inserting words into the text. He says, “you must be born of water.” Not once did Jesus say that it was baptism that saves. Jesus would not contradict Himself. What did Jesus say on the cross? He said, “it is finished.” He satisfied the requirements of God.
We have to find out what it means to be born of water and the Spirit. What do we know about baptism? We know that it is a work of man. Man has to be there. Romans 4:3-5; Romans 3:28; and Ephesians 2:8-9 teach that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by works of man. John 3:5 is not referring to water baptism, which is a work of man. It is referring to the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit as we see in Ezekiel 36.
Ezekiel 36:25-27 “25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Those who put their faith in Christ alone will be regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a work of God where God saves a man and He makes him a new creation. As we see in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
– Fritz
Hi Rickey,
I usually don’t respond to things like this because you just can’t talk to people like the author of this website/blog…there is no way to have a conversation because they feel so strongly about their beliefs. it scares me how there are people in the world believing in things that are not scriptural. Many times, people quote scripture without context or additional research. It sure seems that way when I read the blog on this site on baptism.
I agree with you that baptism is necessary to be saved. The author of this website/blog states he is a Christian but I suspect he is an evangelical Christian since they do not believe in baptism. He also states that anyone who believes that baptism is necessary for salvation is not a Christian (the Bible does not say anything on this) and that is dangerous because it is not scriptural. I’m sure he will respond and tell me that I’m not scriptural and not a Christian but I have studied the bible and am confident not only in my faith but also in the fact that I am saved. Take care, Rickey.
Hi Linda,
I’m always open for a conversation. Also, in the same way that you feel that I hold too strongly to my beliefs, do you feel that you may hold too strongly to your beliefs to actually have a conversation? I’ll be happy to thoroughly explain any Scripture. Baptism is a public declaration of your faith. It doesn’t save. Baptismal regeneration is unbiblical. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. In 1 Corinthians 15 we learn what saves us. It’s the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Baptism was not included in 1 Corinthians 15. If it saved us, then it would have been. It’s not a part of the gospel. To add upon the work of Christ is damnable. To make the claim that Jesus is not enough and you need to add upon His blood with something else, then that is unbiblical.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” By Faith. My goal is not to say that you are not a Christian. My goal is to reveal to you the beauty of Christ. That He alone is enough to save you. That salvation is a work of God. Please know that I desire you to see His Word and it breaks my heart that you don’t. Please look over the article again. If you have any concerns, please let me know.
– Fritz
Jesus came to earth to die for everyone. We need to make our decision to commit our whole life to Him while we are alive on earth. I see the greatest deceit of the Catholic Church is that we can pay and or pray for others to get us out of purgatory after we die. What was the point of Jesus coming to earth and His death if this is the case. We must confess Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and seek His forgiveness prior to our death.
Hi. Going out on a limb here… but when a woman goes into labor, her “water” (aka amniotic fluid) breaks. So, pretty sure he’s just referring to human birth, as I believe, the next comment was, how can I climb back in my mother’s womb to be reborn again? If, it’s the same passage I’m thinking of.
PS. I liked the comparison article.
I grew up as a Catholic, inquired into Eastern Orthodoxy, and then became a Bible believing Christian.
A good website that exposes Catholicism with truth and love and not making straw men, is justforcatholics.org by Joseph Mizzi. He is a Maltese who was born and baptized into the Catholic Church but later he realized that the RCC has erred greatly by reading the Bible. Mizzi does not make up anti Catholic conspiracy theories like people like Jack Chick do. Mizzi just gets to the real issues with the RCC.
I thank you my brother for this article! I read with an open mind, and I saw no judgement on your part whatsoever. I saw a true believer standing for Truth and backing it up with Scriptures. I pray you’ll continue to take the time out to write more articles like these and edify our souls, as we are desperately in need of God’s Holy Word.
Dear All,
I went through almost all the messages and all are very interesting…i am Maltese and have been raised as a Catholic. I spent 10 years involved in the admimistration of a Cathecism centre as in Malta, kids are to attend catechism which prepares them for the Holy Communion at the age of 6 and then for the Confirmation at the age of 11. I used to read during Mass and every year, I used to manage the adoration of the Divine Sunday…i am a mother of 4 aged between 17 and 9…
Two and a half years ago, i attended a short course(praying thru the Bible) held in a christian community and as soon as the first lesson was over…there and then I wanted to be born again and wanted to have nothing to do with religion….
I do not want to offend anyone or judge anyone for that matters….i know it is not easy to see any further than what you are accustomed to for such a long time…
There is a huge difference between christianity and any religious denomination…
God sent Jesus and offered Him as a living sacrifice for our salvation…He did not send Jesus for the foundation of any religious denomination…
When it comes to catholic doctrine it is, completely the opposite of what the Word of God states…
First and foremost, it is vital for us to be ‘born again’, as stated in John 3 …only by this one can receive the Holy Spirit and will then be able to receive revelation. Other than that, when you read the Bible you will only be able to interpret it.
The Word of God is consistent and so it does not change, period.
It is alive and active and so it relates to any area of our lives, always. Because It is consistent, I can rest and be still upon the Lord and His Word…
In RCC, changes can be detected as from the ten commandments….you should come to Malta and visit the churches.. it is loaded with statues and with all that God abhors!
In Summer, every week, a saint or the Madonna is celebrated!!
It is stated in the Bible, how dangerous it is for anyone to add, remove or change anything from the Word of God!
Also, the false doctrine about Mary and Joseph and their virginity! How can God, the creator of man and woman, love and the intimate relationship between the two in marriage, demand from such a couple who were led completely by God’s will…be expected to live together as a brother and sister! This is such a big fat lie which consequence is indescribable….so many marriages with no excitement intimately; priest and nuns asked for celibacy to reflect Joseph & Mary….
I always thought that the catholic religion was the one but I thank God daily for extracting me out of the system and i now pray and declare for the salvation of my loved ones.
I am sorry to say but must and say through revelation….GOD HAS GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY RELIGIOUS DENOMINATION..
Jesus tells us that Satan is a thief who comes to destroy, steal and kill.
In Ephesians, Paul tells us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the dominions of the dark world.. .Paul is referring to the religions and the RCC is the prime one…(in this denomination you barely hear about the devil and his works but how much God loves everyone!!)
I encourage you all to read Ephesians.. very encouraging..
Remember! Jesus defeated Satan upon His resurrection and Jesus gave us authority over him and his army. Jesus’ name is above all names! Do not let Satan make you believe that you are unworthy! No matter where you are in life…Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life
God bless you all,
Caroline
Caroline.,
There is an issue with culture intertwining with catholic faith. This is not always a good thing and I think your examples show this. Sometimes what people see in different cultures is not true Catholic teaching.
Let us be realistic. A Catholic is a Catholic. Catholics are NOT Christians.
Would you please post a link for Canon 9. In our evangelizing people have questioned this and I cannot find a source to print other than this article. Thank you again Fritz for the work you are doing in God’s service.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
To find it all that you have to do is search Canons on justification. Check out this link – theopedia.com/council-of-trent.
– Fritz
Are all of these canons set in 1563 still in effect today?
Hey Nancy,
The answer is yes. The RCC has never denied these Canons.
Hello Fritz.
Interesting read for sure. Your research on Catholics was very disappointing. It is as if you suggest we worship the people within the church instead of the one who created it, Jesus Christ. We are in fact the first Christians. Jesus Christ founded our church and made Peter the first pope.
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19
What is the Protestant take on this quote? Jesus said it, it is in the Gospel of Matthew, which is in the Protestant bible as well as the Catholic one.
If being Protestant is the only way to go, then why are there so many Protestant denominations that can’t seem to agree?
What are we as Christians doing if we proclaim all over the world, “I am a Christian and I love the Lord with all my heart and soul and so should you!” but do not perform works such as acts of charity to help those in need. The person you may be helping might be an atheist or an idol worshiper and your good works can encourage him or her to change his or her ways and become a Christian. Take Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta for example. She went to India to help the poor and converted many to Catholicism, in fact the priest at my parish is from India! If we just tell people we love Jesus and do not do anything then people will think, “What a great bunch of people and what a God they have, they can’t even help anyone. They just sit there and pray to a God who does not want them to go out and be charitable.” That is not the image we want and it is certainly not what Catholics have.
Contrary to what some believe, Catholics do not worship saints and revere them as if they are mini-gods. We respect them for the love of God that just poured out of them, the pure admiration they had for Him. We are amazed by the wonderful things they did for the people they encountered. We ask them to pray for us and ask God to help us. We do not pray specifically to them. Just like how you ask a friend to pray for you when you are going through a hard time. You do not pray to your friends. The saints are our friends not our gods.
The real question here is what is the difference between Catholics and Protestants, not Catholics and Christians. Catholics are Christians period.
“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Have a blessed day.
Hi Joan,
I’m sorry that you were disappointed about the information that was put forth. I quoted the catechism and explained a plethora of topics. I’m not trying to be harsh. I want you to experience the liberation that Christ can give you. I want you to experience His beauty and grace. I plead with you to pray about this. Is it enough to have salvation by faith in Jesus alone or do I need faith and my works to save me? This is serious. I want you to truly experience the beauty of Jesus. Works are evidence of genuine faith, not a means to our salvation. Salvation belongs to the Lord. We do not cooperate with Him. We obey because we have been saved by grace. There is nowhere in Scripture that tells us that Peter was the first Pope nor did Peter claim to have power over the church. Peter looked to Christ. Please consider the truths that I put forth.
– Fritz
You want nothing but hell, because that’s where you’re going for spreading lies about God’s church.
Hey,
Everything I said is what is taught in the Catholic Church. If there is a specific topic that you want to discuss, allow me to know so we can work through it together. My goal is for men and women to be saved and experience liberation in Christ.
– Fritz
First off, purgatory IS NOT A PLACE OF PURIFICATION THROUGH PAIN!!!! “Purgatory is the state of those who die in God’s friendship, assured of their eternal salvation, but who still have need of purification to enter into the happiness of heaven.” Wiki.
Stop lying
Hey Melinda,
I’m not spreading any lies. This is what the Catholic Church teaches about purgatory.
CCC 1030 “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.”
CCC 1031 – “The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire: As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire.”
Unfortunately, this is contrary to God’s Word. There are a number of issues with the idea of purgatory. First, it’s not found in Scripture. Second, Purgatory denies the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. Romans 8:1 reminds us that for those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation. However, purgatory teaches us that there is a period of condemnation for the purification of sins. What I’m teaching is not a lie. It’s what the Bible says compared to what the Catechism says. Purgatory teaches that the world needs something else besides the blood of Christ. His blood is just not good enough and we need to add unto His perfect work to finish the process of purification. Scripture gives believers comfort. We don’t have to experience purgatory. 1 John 1:7 says, “the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.”
– Fritz
Hi Melinda! I recommend that you read the Word of God, the time is close Jesus Christ is coming, if you don’t repent of your sins you will perish. John 3:16 said
For God so loved the word that He gave His only begotten Son , that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 14:6 Jesus said to him. I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except to Me. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD. Romans 6:23 for the wages of sin is death but the gift of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God bless you all.
Why would you need to add anything to the payment of sin if Jesus paid it already? It’s kinda pompous of you to think you capfuls do anything to add to the sacrifice of Gods only son being tortured and hung on a tree awhile being God incarnate.. for our dirty filthy human with a rebellious sinful nature.
Fritz,
With all due respect Catholics are most certainly Christian. I don’t agree with their beliefs, but have several Catholic friends and family that are devout Christians. A Christian is one who believes that Christ is the Son of God and is God and died for our sons. The other differences in our beliefs is why we have denominations within the Christian faith. Because a Christians beliefs do not match yours does not make them a non Christian.
May God Bless you
Hey Margo,
Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. Anything else in not christianity. We are justified by faith. RCC teaches us that salvation is by faith, works, baptism, penance, etc. It’s not a denominational issue. Catholicism is a different religion.
– Fritz
This article is rude and insulting to The Catholic Church. The Catholic Church doesn’t go against the Bible. Instead, Protestants take the bible literally. You can’t just interpret scripture however you want. That’s God’s job. This blog bashes Catholocism and spreads lies about it. Catholics definitely are Christians and I have to ask you to stop saying they aren’t. I am a Catholic and firmly believe everything it teaches is 100% true. You do not have to be Catholic, but please, please, please stop saying bad things about it that aren’t true!!! Why are you being so hurtful and disrespectful towards Catholics? This is disrespectful and rude. Also, Catholocism does NOT contradict the bible!!! Protestants have misinterprited the bible. I love the bible and my religion does not go against it!!! Please, please, please stop spreading lies about the Catholic Church!!!!!
Hey Marie,
When we look at the Catechism and the Bible, it’s hard not to notice major differences between the two. I’ve quoted various paragraphs of the CCC and Scripture. The Bible says what it says, I don’t have to twist it. I’m not bashing anyone. Notice that you didn’t acknowledge any point in the article. Did you read it with an open mind? Be honest!
– Fritz
This is disrespectful towards Catholics. Please do not spread lies about Catholocism. Whether you are Catholic or not, it is important to be kind, which you are not doing.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32
You said a whole bunch of nasty, untrue, lies in this article. You said Catholics are not Christians. Not only are Catholics Christians, but we were the first Christians!!!
And, even though you claim Peter wasn’t the first Pope, you can’t deny history. Peter was the first Pope. It says so in the bible.
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and upon this rock, I shall build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18
Do you think Catholocism is a complete, separate, religion from Christianity? Think about the Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Catholocism counts as Christianity. Catholics are Christians.
You have many other false assumptions as well. Catholics do not worship Mary/ This lie has been spread around too much. As a Catholic, I am proud to say I honor and pray to Mary (because she is very holy and is a good role model for Christians) but I do not worship her. Prayer and Worship aren’t the same thing.
In a different article, you said Catholocism sends many people to hell. On the contrary, it brings people to heaven.
This website is very rude and has a terrible hateful attitude towards Catholics. You don’t have to become Catholic. I only ask that you respect my religion and stop spreading lies about it. I am proud to be Catholic. I love Jesus with all my heart and truly want to be with him in heaven someday. Catholocism won’t stop me from attaining that goal. It’ll help me.
Also, keep in mind, that Jesus himself founded The Catholic Church. All the protestant denominations were founded by smart-alecky people who thought they knew better than God and there are so many protestant denominations. Think about Methodist, Lutheran, Calvinism, Episcopilitan, Prysteberian, etc… If you think Catholicism is false, which one of those do you think is true? Catholicism isn’t a denomination and it isn’t a separate religion. God wants the Church to be one and Christianity split up into so many different denominations, which displeased God.
Take Martin Luther for example. He thought the Catholic Church had some errors, so he decided to “improve” it. Since God himself founded The Catholic Church, you can’t just change it. You can’t just invent a religion. That’s God’s job.
I have commented before, but, somehow, my comments were deleted. I contacted the admins of the site and asked them to respect my religion and they ignored me.
Catholics and Protestants share many beliefs. Can’t we please just worship God together in peace? As I said earlier, we have to be kind and compassionate to one another, as it says in the book of Ephesians. Saying that Catholocism will send people to hell isn’t very kind and it isn’t true either. You have also said things in other articles like that the Salve Regina prayer is blasphemous, Catholics worship Mary more than Jesus, they misunderstand scripture, etc… None of that is true. Please respect my religion. You do not have to believe in it but you do have to be respectful of it and kind to Catholics. Please do not bash my religion. Thank you for taking the time to read my reply. God bless!!! 🙂
Hey Margaret,
In no way was I rude in this article. Being honest on what the RCC teaches is not rude at all. Matthew 16:18 does not teach that Peter was the first pope. I love Catholics that is why I must tell the truth while showing the differences between Scripture and the RCC.
– Fritz
Fritz, I’m three years late to respond to you, but you were right and I was wrong. I was a blind defender of the Roman Catholic Church for eighteen years. In all that time, I had barely ever read the Scriptures beyond a select few verses. It was only recently that I started reading the Scriptures in-depth and was quite shocked to discover the differences between what I was reading in Scripture and what I had been taught in my Catholic religious education. As for which authority I was going to believe, Scripture or the Church, I had no doubt as to what was true. I just couldn’t argue with Scripture, I had to go along with it, and since that meant leaving the Roman Catholic Church, then I had to do that. Thank you for spreading the truth, Fritz, and may the Lord bless you 🙂
Hey Margaret!
It thrilled my heart to read your words. Praise the Lord for what He is doing in your life. May God continue to get glory from your testimony.
Fritz
Joan, I appreciate your comments. Jesus was speaking to Peter and all the disciples in reference to the Holy Spirit they will receive. Jesus said “on this rock I will build my church.” He was referring to what Peter just said … “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” THAT is what Jesus’ church is built on. And Jesus said He WILL give him the keys to the Kingdom. Which He does after the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fills them. And also His chosen 12 and thousands of others! Sending them out in twos to deliver
His message of salvation! Also, please notice in that same chapter of Matthew Verse 23. Jesus says to Peter, “get thee behind me satan. You are a stumbling to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” Were Jesus’ intentions of setting Peter up as a Pope in one verse then referring to him as satan in another? I think not. Jesus was telling Peter that only though His Father in Heaven would we know and understand who Jesus is and that IS the key to the Kingdom of heaven!
Hi Fritz,
I thank you for the effort that you have put in in writing this article. I was brought up a Catholic but never really practiced the faith. Probably only went to Mass and confession just to tick a box. I met a born again Christian and later on in life I picked up my cross and followed Jesus. I attended both Baptist and Catholic mass. You might say I had a foot in both camps lol. The reason I am unable to step into one camp or the other is I have so many questions that I struggle to answer.
I watched a program called The Journey Home. This is about people who were mostly Protestant but became Catholic. The most famous being Scott Hahn. How can these Protestant pastors and preachers who have been steeped in the Bible from a young age and most have admitted to being anti Catholic, suddenly change over to the other side. The one thing I did notice about nearly all of these people was that they had studied the early Church father’s. I just can’t understand how someone reads the Bible one way and interprets it that way (preaching Protestant doctrine) then changes and preaches Catholic doctrine? I think many Protestants like yourself and I’m not having a pop at you, spend so much energy pointing out the Catholic church’s failings.
You have a right to your opinion and I genuinely respect your views. However, when I attend Baptist churches or other Protestant events, anti Catholicism is always just waiting to raise its ugly head. I often wonder why Protestants don’t question the other 30,000 different denominations. Pretty sure if we get another 500 years on this planet, then it will be up to 60,000. As a born again Catholic Christian, my beliefs are this. It is through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved. You cannot work or earn your way into Heaven. It seems that the debate is always faith alone or faith and works. This is my take on it. I’m sorry if I offend anyone but here it is. Bible talks about a bride and groom. A marriage, a relationship. Everyone knows that you have to work at a marriage if you want to see it through.
Making a declaration of faith at the start is not enough. Some people will say that if your marriage fails then when you made your vows, you probably didn’t love your wife or have enough faith in the first place. If we are saying that good works will naturally follow your wedding vows, without you having choices (free will) then I have to say I struggle with that. I appreciate Fritz, that you might show me verses that can back up your views and I’m sure you can. But to save you time my brother, I could go on to a Scott Hahn’s website and read his view, which is now Catholic but was once like yours.
I have to admit, that my early years in the Catholic church were dead but when I gave my life to the Lord, Church came alive again or was it just me who came alive lol. As I said, I apologize if I have offended anyone because that was not my intention. I believe that love, forgiveness and service are at the heart of Christianity. When I think of pope John Paul the 2nd, who forgave the guy who shot him. Also the priest in Auschwitz, who swapped places with the prisoner and died in his place. Mother Teresa’s life of service to the poor. Hard to think that these people won’t be in heaven because of false doctrine. I’m sure each believed in Mary, the Saints and purgatory. Only God knows our hearts and that’s what will be the real factor, in the end. Take care and God bless you all.
Hey Jim,
Thank you for stopping by. I hear your concern. I will say this. Many people will be saved despite their ignorance. However, it’s a false understanding of the gospel which is why many will not make it into Heaven. Canon 9, CCC 2068, CCC 2010, CCC 1257, and a plethora of other passages in RCC doctrine that teach a works based salvation in . This is a damnable issue. This is why articles such as this have to be made. This is why Christians fight for the truth. Galatians 3:10 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse.” Those who are trusting in faith and works are under the curse of the law because they are not being obedient to all of it. We obey because we are saved not because obeying saves. This is opposite from the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church. This is what Christianity is. Grace through faith apart from works It’s not a point to compromise in.
– Fritz
It’s quite sad that these people actually believe Mary stayed a virgin as a married Jewish girl, which is ludicrous. Joseph “knew” (the Bible’s own euphemism for sexual intercourse)his wife after Christ was born. He was “the firstborn” which has spiritual significance. They weren’t brothers and sisters from a previous dead spouse of Joseph’s, or the ” firstborn” has no significance. Also they believe that Mary never sinned. She was not perfect and made mistakes, like losing sight of Christ three days. Her and Joseph had to go to find him.
The other lie that she had to be sinless to carry Christ is plain ignorance. Roman’s indeed says “all have sinned;” there is NO exceptions.
The Holy Spirit comes to all of us sinners and our sin doesn’t affect his holiness. Christ said he would come to us and dwell with us. Catholicism denies much of the Bible to usurp God himself. It’s paganism is what it is and blasphemy.
My husband was raised in a Lutheran home, you may know that lutherans are the divided Catholic Church. In his high school years he attended a Baptist Church with a buddy of his from school. He was in shock, he heard things that he had never heard any of the Lutheran Churches he went to. It was the message of salvation! He continue to visit with his friend and got saved! He tried to explain to his parents that the christening at his birth did not make him saved, but the individual decision to accept Christ as his savior was what saved him. Of course they are stubborn devout Lutheran’s and would not listen. Same with the Catholic Church so many people that believe that they were sealed with that christening as an infant will end up in hell! It is a personal relationship with our Lord and savior that will save you not water sprinkled or works.
I want to thank the writer of this article for trying to enlighten and educate those that are being lead astray! May God bless your efforts
You are correct. Jesus NEVER told anyone that Mary was sinless, or pray to Mary, nor anything about salvation connected to Mary. She was a sinner. She has no divine role. She rejoiced in her savior she told Elizabeth, which means she was a sinner in need of salvation.
Catholics claim she is the mother of all living, which a lie. In Genesis, God allowed Adam to name every created creature. He named Eve, Eve…”because was the mother of all living.” Catholics rewrite scripture, twist it, insert their dogma and claim it truth. The Catholic church is Satan’s counterfeit church. He has counterfeit everything and hates Christ.
Poor Catholics have no clue.
They reject the True God of the bible for a counterfeit, and a counterfeit gospel. Christ’s death on the cross was sufficient. They blaspheme him at e every turn. They don’t read enough of their bible, without the Catholic insertions, to recognize error. They are brainwashed by the Harlot Whore of a church.
Hi there,
I am Catholic, and I know you’ve gotten several comments explaining our views already. However, I find it disrespectful to, instead of having a conversation and hearing out the other side, say that we are damned because of our beliefs. No one on earth has the power to say who is going to heaven and who is going to hell – only God knows. You have said multiple times that we are saved by faith alone. However, you yourself quoted an entire portion of Scripture saying that we need works also. This is contradictory to many of your replies – in fact, it is contrary to the fact that you replied at all. You believe so strongly in the fact that it is your duty as a Christian to share the truth and save people from damnation through their beliefs – is that not your works? By your logic, you should feel no need to stand up for your beliefs, as you are saved anyway. And if you say that you are just trying to help others see the truth, trying to help them to heaven, then why do you talk so condescendingly to these people who have replied? If you truly cared about their salvation, you would take the time to see their point of view and get them to understand yours, you wouldn’t start off your response with “You are wrong, and you are going to hell if you don’t change your beliefs, sorry.” How do know? I know you know we aren’t supposed to judge, the verses have been posted several times here already. So why do you keep judging these people in the comments? (And, to be clear, I mean judging as in similar to particular judgment, the judgment of a person at the end of their life).
Hey Sophia,
Thank you for commenting. I have not been rude in the comment section. I’ve even explained Scriptures thoroughly. There are many Catholics who will spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven. However, it is impossible to believe the entirety of what the RCC teaches and enter into Heaven. It contradicts Scripture and Christianity. Please check out my article on the Catholic Church. I’m not saying it rudely. I’m saying this in love because I want all to experience the liberation that Christ offers. Yes, we are saved by faith alone in Christ. I can’t add to His perfect work on the cross. However, a genuine believer will be a new creation by the power of the Holy Spirit. Evidence of that will be seen in his life. He is not obeying to maintain salvation or to be saved. He is obeying because He is saved. I’m not talking about justification. I’m talking about evidence of faith in Christ. Please put down your guard and check out the article again. Prayerfully consider these things.
– Fritz
Hey Fritz, keep up the good work! Contending for the faith of the real and true Church. Jesus Christ is way the truth and the life, no man can to go to the Father without first going through His Son Jesus Christ… John 14:6?❣️
God bless you brother, look forward to meeting you in heaven.
I’m so glad I found this article! I’m sitting here wondering what the differences between the Protestants and Catholics are, and this article was helpful. I’ve been feeling lost, and now I feel pointed in the right direction. Thank you!
Dear brother Fritz I have read through your article and the response of many Catholics that have felt you were rude and disrespectful. What I observed in your response was genuine love not church doctrine. I grew up Catholic and understand the loyalty one has for their church but we have to choose whether I will follow traditions and doctrines that go against the teachings of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Your responses were not opinion but biblical and you could have shared the same information with any denomination that believes that salvation comes through any other way other than through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Your way of responding was filled with the Love of God. I pray for an awakening of all people to believe the truth. God bless you dear brother.
Hello Fritz,
Hello Friends,
I’m so glad I came across this article. All that has been said is True. You have not mentioned your own words but the Word.
You are a true minister for maintaining the message that salvation is in Christ alone. Completely devoid of works. Ephesians 2:8 tells us so. Friends, christianity is not devoid of good works. In fact the Lord whom we follow created us unto good works. But the basis or the foundation of Christianity is that Salvation is by believing Christ alone. You don’t attain your own Salvation. It is a free gift. No one is judging and no one is rude. This is the Truth. And I’ve quoted a scripture to it. Also someone mentioned Peter as the first pope .. well I don’t know any scripture for that but Christ is the head of the Church. It’s not Peter. The Foundation Christ was talking about is the declaration Peter made by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church that has its foundations built on the Messiah. He said upon this rock not upon you Peter. Also on having many denominations. Well, we say we are the body of Christ. If the whole body is a neck is it still a body? There must be different parts all working together for the same good. With Christ being the head. God commissioned His disciples to preach the Gospel to every creature. And this is the Gospel that “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus. And believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead. You shall be saved. For with the heart a man believeth. And with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10.
You only need to confess Jesus that is verse 9. About the prayers, well when Christ died the curtain was torn into two. We have direct access to God. God is sitting at the throne of mercy. Ready to forgive us our sins. To me that’s a very big privilege and if I want a friend, a higher person who is in heaven to intercede for me then Christ is there. And He is the highest. And He is willing to establish with me a personal relationship. He came to die so that we may have access to the Father through Him. By these words friends be admonished . God bless you for reading!. Keep up Fritz. I’m so encouraged.
Catholic ways VS Gods way
Pope and the priest: take the title away from God by telling people to call them holy father or father – Only God can be called Holy Father! The pope and the priest are guilty of blasphemy!
Matthew 23:9: And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
John 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
John 10:33 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
The pope is committing blasphemy for claiming to be God.
Works do not earn you salvation – Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Just being a good person will not save you – Luke 18:19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good–except God alone.
The pope says there are many ways to get to heaven and even the unbelievers make it. This is not biblical. Jesus says there is only one way! John 14:6 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Confession Box (priest cannot forgive sins) – 1 Timothy 2:5: For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Only Jesus can forgive sins Mark 2:6-7 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Therefor the priests are committing blasphemy by telling you that they forgive your sins. They are no closer to God then you are. They too are in need of Jesus!
Purgatory – (This is made up Catholic doctrine. This word is not in the bible. This is not a place and this will not happen when someone dies) this however will happen;
Hebrews 9:27: Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment
There are only 2 places that happen right after die. When you are a born again Christian you will be in paradise with Jesus resting.
If you die without Jesus you will lift your eyes up in hell.
Luke 16:19-31
The Rich Man and Lazarus
19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
Do not worship Mary by saying hail Mary. No, you cannot have any other gods before God. You need to hail Jesus! – Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before me. Mary is dead, presumably she gave her life to Jesus and is with the Lord in paradise – Christians do not pray to the dead. Again, we only have ONE mediator between God and man. Do not pray to the rosary – Matthew 6:7-8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Luke 11:27-28 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” 28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Jesus rebuked them women for trying to elevate Mary over God)
You cannot bow down to Statues of Mary and other images. – Exodus 20:4-6 ” You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Do not add Catholic doctrine to Gods word and do not take way Gods word – Deuteronomy 4:2: Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you. Deuteronomy 12:32: See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it. Revelation 22:18: I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.
The catholic bible took out the words carved images out of the 2nd commandment which is why they make status of Mary and other things. The Holy bible Gods word says “You shall not make for yourself a carved image”. And there is more that has been added and taking away like purgatory that’s not in the bible.
Pope = a false prophet – 1 John 4:1: Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 7:15: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15: 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
Matthew 24:11: and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
2 John 1:7: I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
2 Peter 2:1: But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
Who will you serve? Man made up traditions/ worldly ways/ self-righteousness/ antichrist….
Or Gods traditions / Gods way/ his righteousness/ Jesus Christ. Joshua 24:15: But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Wow , the level of misinformation presented in this article is huge .
You purposefully leave the parts that do justify the teaching of the RCC .
I’ve read the catechism and each statement or doctrine is supported by a scripture .
I used to believe the catholic church was the whore of Babylon until i actually read the catechism.
Seriously when are you Protestants gonna stop spreading lies about the Catholic church , why are you so afraid of actually showing us what the Catholic church teaches
A precise refutal of all your arguments can be found on many catholic blogs like Biblical Evidence for Catholicism etc .
Try reading the book 100 Catholic Verses , and i hope it enlightens you .
P.S before you call my statements not factual , please note that i understand exactly where u are coming from since I used the same arguments that you use , and i did my research and i found out i was wrong , also your lessons on history are poor , very poor considering the fact many secular scholars themselves agree that the Catholic Church was not started by Emperor Constantine ( he was an Arian , and he was baptized on his death bed ) and there are early references to the catholic church before 4th century and we have a record of the line of bishops of Rome ( also called pope ) from St Peter to the current pope . Try getting your facts correct
Hey Sharath,
I encourage you to consider, were you trying to read the article with an open mind? Was your mind already made up before reading? Have you truly compared the teachings of the RCC with Scripture? Notice that you tore down the entire article, but not one passage from the catechism was used. Anyone can say something is wrong if they don’t personally like it. You have to explain why it’s misinformation. Please consider what I said and look at a chart of the RCC and the Bible side by side. Take your time to really compare the two. Continue to pray about this as well.
God bless,
– Fritz
As a former catholic (39 years) and now “born again Christian”, it amazies me as to how blind I was to the teachings of the rcc. I never truly loved and feared GOD. Now, after studying GOD’S word in the Bible; I can truly see. My eyes have been opened to a blinding light. A light that the rcc didn’t want me to see.
Thank you for such an insightful article. After growing up Catholic and discovering the word for myself, God has revealed how much I was blinded by false teaching. This article will definitely help in administering truth to my Catholic friends and family members. Praise God for your obedience to Him and His word.
Thank you so much for the article in the name our Jesus Christ. This article will surely help to know more clearly about the ‘Truth’ to my friends , relatives and family members to get freedom from the bondages.
Your work is a tremendous help to me in talking to Catholic family and friends. I was required to participate in their faith and school system until I was 18. In so many ways I wrestled with their faith practices that didn’t seem right to me from an early age. In my early 30s the Holy Spirit began convicting me; I had a “mustard seed” experience with my faith and experienced the “renewing of my mind”. I held and read a Bible for the first time during these days. How sad I felt for Catholics who profess tradition and know nothing of Scripture first-hand. How do they live their lives moment by moment without this? As a Christian I learned to pray in all circumstances, without ceasing, and that the Holy Spirit indwells in me. To hear that God knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb! To hear that he has numbered all my days and knows every hair on my head! I have daily peace and a Help-mate through trials and difficult seasons. What a toally restored life I have compared to the hopeless and wrong-doing I experienced as a Catholic. I gave up back then because I was judged and could never measure up. I no longer lived confused and fear the afterlife and purgatory. I know these things were fabricated by an equally confused man and not God-breathed and inspired Scripture. I have freedom in Christ. I am saddened that my relatives and friends suffer from prolonged grief at the loss of loved ones, fearing that they may never make it to heaven. Ever since the Holy Spirit convicted me my faith journey deepens and I have the best life I could ever have — filled with reassurance from what Jesus did at the cross for me, and the hope of seeing him one day, and that my sins are as far as the east is from the west. My burdens are lifted and I feel his love every moment.
Beautiful Amen! 🙌
Sitting here thinking about religion and I found myself at this page. Are Catholics and Christians the same? Having attended private Christian schools in my youth I only got one side of the this particular coin. As I grew and studied more on the subject of Religion as a whole I came to one conclusion; Religion can be and has been a very dangerous thing throughout the course of humanity. Citing references here would take some time but I imagine many of us can picture events where clashing religions helped lead to war, death, and despair. Chalk it up to greedy corruptible people using some “God” for their owns purposes? Or is there something darker here?
Having faith in something is great, but what we believe in shouldn’t turn us against each other.
I already know I’m jaded and have my own beliefs that may differ from others here. Thats ok, we are supposed to be different.
Furthermore, I’m not trying to slam anyone for their beliefs, so no need to get personal here. Just giving my 2cents
B well everyone
Hey Mike,
Thank you for commenting. However, as mentioned in other comments, the core of the Christian faith is not a matter to take lightly. It’s a matter of life and death. The Christian faith can’t be unified with another gospel. Salvation by faith and works is dangerous and it will lead many to hell. My love for others compels me to tell the truth in love.
– Fritz
I was former catholic and was so blind by the teachings and the practices by the catholic Church and was saved 25 years ago by simply believing Christ Jesus as my personal saviour and the Lord and learning the scriptures ever since. Our salvation or the justification is found only in Christ, by faith in what he did on the cross and not of our works or merits. It is of what Christ did and not us and through his atonement or sacrifice God has granted his perfect righteousness to us(to the believing sinner)and we cannot earn it by any good works or our own merits.This simple truth as per the scriptures most won’t understand, especially catholics. As you have rightly pointed out in your article, the catholics believe in very things that you have stated and it is so much difficult to convince them of the erroneous teachings in RCC.(they interpret scriptures wrongfully or unable to support the word of God or most ignorant of the authority of the Bible, they simply do what RCC says) Nevetheless we must continue talking to them the truth (as per the word of God) in love as witnesses of Christ Jesus. God is able to change them as I noticed evidence of it in the circles of my family, relatives, and friends. We are coworkers with God, Apostle Paul said, What a freedom we have in Christ simply walking by faith rather than trusting in our own efforts for salvation or holy living. Further our good works will follow because we are rightly related to Christ, his love(agape) will flow to others through us. Thank You Fritz for the very blessed article.
I’d have to agree, and say that I don’t believe that Catholics are true Christians. I was discussing this with some guy on a Christian discussion blog. He called me everything but Christian, or human for that matter. I was trying to make the point that all we need to get to Heaven was faith, grace, and Jesus. He then went on about how I was going to burn in hell because I didn’t follow a huge list of ceremonial activities that he claimed was necessary for salvation. I then asked him what religion he was and he claimed that he was Roman Catholic, the only true Christians. I said what does the Roman Empire have to do with the church of God/Jesus. He typed f off bomb and immediately disappeared from the discussion. The funny part was that 14 others disappeared also. Catholics don’t like being told they are wrong. Pride I guess.
Thanks and God bless you, in Jesus holy name, Amen.
Cognitive dissonance my friend. Not their fault – the Catholic Church is the largest organized form of a legal Cult. They practice Unconditional Love with conditions, it’s hard to be proven wrong. Maybe in time common sense will set in and they’ll realize that their cult raped and killed children – buried their dead bodies at the house of God. The most evil person I know – knows this is wrong but again cognitive dissonance will blind their ability to see that they are not right. It’s Ok . It’s in God’s hands – we can only pray.
Yes, I agree with this passage. I’m a 12 year old boy and have been studying Scripture since I was 4. In 6th grade, I have been deep into my studying with Scripture. I have learned that the RCC isn’t the true church of our Lord Jesus. I was very confused and am still confused on why people can’t just accept that salvation isn’t earned but was won for us once and for all by Jesus on the cross. The RCC says Mary is the mother of God. I believe that because Mary only gave birth to Jesus in His human form not His divine form. She was the mother of His humanity and not His divinity. She can be called the mother of God because of just one reason. That reason is because Jesus is God in human flesh. The “Mother of God” could be taken or thought of as Mary being the originator of God, which isn’t true because God/Jesus existed way way before Mary was even in thought. For the Bible that we all read says in John 1:1-2, “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. Another reason is that Catholics say that praying to Mary and the saints is obligated. God says in Isaiah 42:8, “I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praises to carved images.” Images such as Mary, the saints. 1 Timothy 2:5, says “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” Jesus also says in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man cometh to the Father except through Me.” Notice those key words “through Me”. Jesus completed God’s will once and for all the moment after He cried out in a loud voice, “It is finished.” Jesus is God. Happy New Year and good article.
Wow this is amazing to hear! Praise God for manifesting His glory in a young gentleman such as yourself. God bless your journey in the Lord! 🙌
Thank you for this article. I was brought up catholic following the traditions I was taught, but never finding hope or even knowing who Jesus really was. God started at the door and ended at the door of the church. I have read all the comments and I can see the same comments I made when I was a catholic. I thought at the time the person that was sharing the gospel was insane and I would be angry at that person telling them to leave me alone I’m catholic. I couldn’t see at the time because of my anger and my sinful nature that God was behind the person sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Seeds were planted and it wasn’t until I heard scripture that God opened my heart to accepting Christ as my Lord and Saviour. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Roman’s 10:17
What you have written here for all to read is right according to scripture. When I shared my salvation with my catholic family I thought they would instantly see the truth of the gospel, but it was rejected whole heartedly. I have been a Christian for 22 years and have learned everything is in God’s timing. I pray for my lost family members daily and I so want them to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour, but I also know God has to get them to a place where they will accept Christ by God’s timing. It is also humbling because I was once lost and I did not see Jesus like I do now, but it wasn’t me that opened my eyes it was God. So will this article offend people yes, but it will be a seed used for God’s glory to save those that are lost. Thank you for sharing the truth and the love of Jesus Christ. One last thing Christ isn’t a religion its a relationship. Thank you
Amen me too! Praise God and thank you Fritz for loving people! I used to be defensive as a Catholic thinking Christians were bashing my faith, putting me down or speaking condescendingly. Even when they would speak the Word to me, it didn’t click! It was sooo ANNOYING! lol. I realize now, it was because we were taught to adhere to, hold high and value, what the priests, bishops, pope etc said not really the Word of God. Until 1 day, I attended a Christian Church as an adult at 39yrs old not a youngin. Although, I did that too. But, I was forever changed. Before attending this Christian Church however, I first started sensing in my spirit a desire for a bible study and fellowship. I didn’t even know what fellowship was lol. I believe my previous Christian neighbors were praying for me. The wife was a former Catholic and she knew I loved the Lord also. I valued my bible and would read it throughout my life even with my kids. But I didn’t understand it well and never belonged to a bible study group even though all my life, the Lord was putting it in my heart to study the bible. It wasn’t really encouraged at my church. I did all the sacraments and attended Cathechism which they had their own lesson books to read from not the bible. However, they did have references to bible stories. Looking at those books recently, I discovered their man- made doctrines mixed in. Even in Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM), I don’t remember us even reading the bible. It was more like a school club to socialize in. Today, I can say, the spiritual veil was def removed and I understand the bible in context now with the Holy Spirit and the church community He brought me into! The Holy Spirit is so needed to reveal things along with gifted pastors and teachers. Thank you JESUS! I remember specifically in the ’80s at the Catholic church I used to go to, Christians would visit our church in the upper room as it was called and would teach the Word of God. I am so glad they came in at that time to teach the Word. I remember in that same room going to prayer meetings, it was then that I experienced the power of the Holy Ghost. There were only a few Catholics that would meet there for prayer, worship, testimonies and reading the Word, but I am so thankful to God for that, because it planted a seed. Little did I know, that there was an appointed time for me in the future where God would grow and reap that seed! In the past, I never had issues with the Catholic Church or wanted to attend another church. I guess you could say I was satisfied with it for a long time (grew accustomed to it), until I got older and started to see coldness in people not the same like when I was young and people were more friendlier. I yearned for togetherness and unity again. I yearned for those prayer meetings again and the bible study days when the Christians would come over to our church. I needed more of God and a relationship of a life more abundant with Jesus Christ like the Scriptures said. I didn’t have that and didn’t realize how much I didn’t have that. When I was a new believer, one day I missed morning service at my Christian Church. I decided to go to the Catholic Church because I knew I could make their mass time. As the priest was talking about Paul the Apostle, I realized he was saying false things and I was so surprised because by this time I knew my Bible. I was looking around the room of the church and I was in awe that no one caught what he said or questioned it. It was at this time, where I believe God was telling me, I don’t want you here I called you out of here. So I never went back. I am so very thankful God loved me too much to leave me hungry and thirsty for Truth. God bless anyone reading this. I hope this can help you in your journey and bring you into a beautiful relationship with Him. Don’t give up!
Hebrews 11:6
[6]But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
I know this is an older article, however this past Spring I held a discussion at church on this very topic using the CCC to understand Catholicism directly which I appreciated that you did here also. “Sacred tradition” truly goes against scripture as does Mary as a mediatrix or that she was sinless (Luke 1 46-55 where she rejoices in my God, my Savior which she would not need a savior if sinless) just to name a few.
Back in 2013 the Vatican gave time off purgatory for anyone who followed the pope on twitter. This is complete blaspheme of the cross and the resurrection. This alone should give every Catholic pause and compel them to study their faith and the scriptures.
1 John 1:9
I was raised in a catholic church growing up. it wasn’t until I came across my neighbor who was a devout Christian who opened up my eyes to Christianity. This is so beautifully explained. I live in Chicago and in my neighborhood about 7 catholic churches have closed down because they stopped having parishioner’s. That’s when I realized that people stopped believing in Catholicism.
Do you realize that Catholics are Christian? Your whole basis for this article is incorrect. If you want to compare Catholics and Jews or Catholics and Protestants, that would be a fair comparison.
Hey Tammy,
I’m sorry. If you disagree with the essentials of the Christian faith, then it’s impossible to be Christian. The RCC teaches what is contrary to the Christian faith.
Fritz