THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
SCRIPTURE LIST FOR VIDEO START ON PAGE 2 **
Scripture Versus Tradition. The Roman Catholic Church has always been identified with Christianity because it upholds four fundamentals of the Christian faith:• The deity of Christ
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• The Triune God
• The virgin birth, and
• The bodily resurrection and return of Christ to the earth.
However, Catholic teaching opposes the doctrine that is most essential to the Christian faith – the doctrine
of justification by faith alone. The Vatican not only denies this doctrine, but also condemns anyone who believes it. Other Catholic doctrines deny that Christ’s work of redemption is finished and that His atonement is sufficient.
For this reason...
ROMAN CATHOLICISM MUST IDENTIFIED AS AN APOSTATE CHURCH
AND CATHOLICS NEED TO BE EVANGELIZED. In spite of this there are some Catholics who do
not adhere to all the teachings of their church and have had a genuine born-again experience. Still, with
over one billion Catholics in the world and a growing ecumenical movement to unite all religions under
the power and influence of the pope, the truth about Roman Catholicism must be told.
The Gospel of Grace Reveals: The Gospel of Roman Catholicism Reveals:
Jesus Christ, His life, death and resurrection
(1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
A religious system of sacraments,
indulgences, purgatory, and prayers for the
dead (1032;1471-79, 1498)*
Salvation is….
Only through Christ (Acts 4:12)
A gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8,9)
Attained by Christ (Romans 5:9)
At the moment a sinner believes the gospel
(Ephesians 1:13,14)
Secured by God (John 10:27)
Salvation is…
Through the Roman Catholic Church (846)
Merited by doing good works
(1815,1821,2010,2027)
By faith plus the law, sacraments, and good
works (1129,1131)
Attained by man (2010,2027)
A process from baptism through purgatory
(161-2,1254-55)
Never assured in this life (1036,2005)
Sins are expiated by Christ’s blood (Romans 3:25)
Sins are expiated by suffering in purgatory (1030-31)
Salvation glorifies God alone (Ephesians 1) Mary and all the saints are also glorified (1476-77)
The work of salvation is finished (John 19:30)
This work continues with daily sacrifices (611,1405)
The Holy Bible scriptures * Catechism of the Catholic Church, San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 1994.
2. A Word About the Motivation of Catholics
It is important to realize that most of the clergy and lay people that teach Roman Catholic
doctrine are not deceiving people with malicious intent. They are simply passing on what has been passed
on to them, sincerely believing that they have the truth. Catholics must believe all dogmas of their church
or be anathema (eternally cursed).
Prayer, love, compassion, and understanding are needed along with the power of the Word of
God to penetrate their hearts. Patience is needed to untangle Roman Catholics from the dogmatic web in
which they are held captive.
(Colossians 2:8 KJV) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
When witnessing to Roman Catholics, remember to:
1. Pray before, during, and after (Colossians 4:2-6).
2. Establish agreement on truth (John 14:6; 17:3.17).
3. Stay focused on the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
4. Establish the relationship between the Scripture and tradition (Mark 7:7-13, Psalm 119, 2 Timothy 3:15,16).
5. Establish the relationship between the teachings of men and the Word of God (Acts17:11, 1 John 2:27).
6. Persuade them to repent of their dead works and turn to Christ alone in faith alone (Hebrews 6:1).
7. Make disciples of them by inviting them to a Scripture study (Matthew 28:18-20).
Most of the information above was taken from a tract by, Mike Grendon, a former devout Roman
Catholic for 37 years and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary.
** Our Ministry View FROM THE VIDEO
“IS ROMAN CATHOLICISM CHRISTIANITY?”
We are often confronted with the following question and we have done extensive research to
provide you with a fair and Biblical answer to the question. We realize when we deal with such topics
there might be some who are offended by our views. As we near the return of Christ we are compelled to
clearly and boldly point people to Jesus Christ and the Bible as the only way of salvation and spiritual truth.
There are 945 million Roman Catholics in the world. We are concerned about their souls.
THE SCRIPTURE TELLS US THAT IT IS A WISE PERSON WHO TRIES TO WIN THE SOUL
OF HIS FELLOW MAN FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
(Proverbs 11:30 KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
We reflect on this Scriptures as we sincerely strive to approach the subject of Roman Catholicism.
If Catholics are saved by following the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, we
should leave them alone. If that is not the outcome, we have an obligation to witness to them for the sake
of their eternal soul.
The concern for souls should be our only reason for studying the Roman Catholics; not to win
arguments or debates, but to give us knowledge to help deliver them from deception.
3. We should always examine our attitudes and motives when we deal with this subject or any other to make
sure that love for the soul dictates how we deal with those concerned.
(2 Timothy 2:23-26 KJV) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. {24} And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, {25} In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; {26} And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
The subject of Roman Catholicism is a volatile subject and no matter how gently one deals with the issue,
you are guaranteed to make a few people mad. The following statement made in 1917 accurately accesses
the situation.
"I am aware that, if I undertake to prove that Romanism is not Christianity, I must expect to be called, 'bigoted, harsh, uncharitable.' Nevertheless I am not daunted; for I believe that on a right understanding of this subject depends the salvation of millions." (p. 288 THE FUNDAMENTALS Volume III, Reprinted 1993 by Baker Books.)
The speaker was T. W. Medhurst, of Glasgow, Scotland. It was a true statement in 1917 and also today. It
came from an article entitled, IS ROMANISM CHRISTIANITY? that appeared in a four volume set of
books called, THE FUNDAMENTALS, a series of articles by ministers that sought to address and defend
the basic Christian truths that are the most precious to us.
At that time in history they saw the demonic floodgate of liberalism opened and were wise enough to know that the war for the truth of the gospel was happening. This work was headed up by R. A. Torrey and its purpose was to put into the hands of ministers and laymen the information they needed to defend the gospel.
These men felt the need to 'draw a line in the sand' on the issue of the Roman Catholics and let the world know that it was not Christianity. In their day the Roman Catholics were considered by some as another form of Christianity. Medhurst said:
One reason why Popery has of late gained so much power in Great Britain and Ireland, and is gaining power still, is that many Protestants look on it now as a form of true Christianity; and think that, on that account, notwithstanding tenderly. (p. .288, THE FUNDAMENTALS)
The problem that these men saw in 1917 has been compounded many times over through the years up to
now. The shepherds of the flock of God have allowed Satan to kick the sands of confusion of the clear
insight that these men shared with the body of Christ. More than ever before people today accept the
Roman Catholics as another form of Christianity, and more than ever before people who claim that
Catholicism is not Christianity are persecuted and ridiculed as hateful and divisive.
The Bible says that everyone who lives for Jesus will be persecuted.
(2 Timothy 3:12 KJV) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
The Bible also says that this persecution will be a great blessing for us.
(Matthew 5:10-12 KJV) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. {12} Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
4. WHY ARE SO FEW CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED IN AMERICA TODAY?
The answer is simple: they are not witnessing for Jesus and standing up for the truth of the gospel. We need to determine if the words of Medhurst are true. Does the salvation of millions of souls depend on us sharing the true gospel with our Roman Catholic friends? Was John Wesley correct when he taught that no Roman Catholic could be saved by believing what their church taught?
But I pity them much; having the same assurance, that Jesus is the Christ, and that no Romanist can expect to be saved, according to the terms of his covenant. (p. 220, Volume One, WESLEY'S WORKS, Baker Book House.)
We need to pay close attention to Paul's words to the church in Galatia.
(Galatians 1:6-9 KJV) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: {7} Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. {8} But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. {9} As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
IN THE PASSAGE ABOVE PAUL PLACES THOSE WHO PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL
UNDER THE CURSE OF GOD.
He repeats this fact twice to give it special emphasis. We should think long and hard about what it means to be accursed by God. Some comments on this passage from scholars will be helpful. J. B.
Lightfoot comments:
This word is used in the Old Testament of a person or thing set apart and devoted to destruction, because hateful to God. Hence in a spiritual application it denotes the state of one who is alienated from god by sin. (J. B. Lightfoot's Commentary on the Epistles of St. Paul, Hendrickson Publishers)
R. C. H. Lenski spoke about being accursed:
As the apostle and representative of Christ and the Father Paul pronounces the verdict; 'Let him be anathema!' He repeats the verdict of Jesus himself, uttered against the Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-39.
Anyone who promulgates a different and contrary gospel is eo ipso "accursed", not because we say it so, but because Christ has said so, we only repeating his judgement. (p. 41 The Interpretation of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, R. C. H. Lenski, Lutheran Book Concern)
THIS PASSAGE AND THESE COMMENTS MAKE IT CLEAR THAT TO PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL IS TO BE TOTALLY CUT OFF FROM CHRIST AND TO BE SET APART FOR TOTAL DESTRUCTION BY GOD. WE NEED TO REALIZE HOW SERIOUS AND REAL THIS IS.
We now need to determine: Do the Roman Catholics preach a false gospel? The Bible says that the true gospel is salvation by grace through faith alone.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast.
IT IS ONLY NECESSARY TO READ TWO SENTENCES FROM THE NEW CATECHISM OF
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TO DETERMINE THE TRUTH THAT THE ROMAN CATHOLICS
TEACH A FALSE GOSPEL!
5. Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. It conforms us to the righteousness of god, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. (p. 482, CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, The Liturgical Press.
When the Catholic Church teaches that justification is conferred in Baptism, they do so in direct opposition to the word of God, which teaches that we are justified by grace through faith alone.
(Titus 3:7 KJV) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Romans 3:24 KJV) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
(Romans 5:1 KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(Romans 4:16 KJV) Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, The Bible clearly teaches that human words can play no part in our justification.
(Galatians 2:16 KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(Romans 3:28 KJV) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
(Romans 4:4-5 KJV) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. {5} But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
The Catholic Church does teach the importance of faith for salvation, but they say that faith alone is not enough for justification. The Catholic position on justification could fairly be described as:
Justification = Faith + Works
The Bible states plainly that if you are trying to be saved by 'faith plus works' the true gospel of justification by grace through faith alone is cancelled out and made void.
(Romans 11:6 KJV) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
(Galatians 2:21 KJV) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
(Galatians 3:10-11 KJV) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. {11} But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
(Galatians 5:4 KJV) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
6. Not only does the Catholic teaching proclaim salvation and justification by faith plus works but they also place those who teach salvation by grace through faith alone under the papal anathema.
This word 'anathema' is the same word used in the Galatians 1:6-9 passage (previously quoted) in which the explanation of the word meant to be 'cut off' or 'accursed'. The Roman Catholic Church says because we teach justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone we are to be 'anathema'.
The Council of Trent made this clear:
If anyone says that the faith which justifies is nothing else but trust in the divine mercy, which pardons sin because of Christ; or that it is that trust alone by which we are justified: let him be anathema. (quote from Council of Trent, p. 47, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ROME, Harvest House Publishers.)
FROM EVEN A VERY BRIEF STUDY OF THE ROMAN CATHOLICS WE ARE FORCED TO
MAKE SOME SERIOUS CONCLUSIONS.
1. The Roman Catholics teach and preach a different gospel than the true gospel of justification by grace
through faith alone.
2. Preaching a different gospel proves the Roman Catholic Church a false religion, and not true
Christianity.
3. This places the Roman Catholic Church under the curse of God according to Galatians 1:8-9, cuts them
off from Christ and places them under the judgment of God.
4. If Christians take the great commission seriously they will prepare themselves by study and prayer to
share the gospel with our Roman Catholic friends.
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