Posted on 02/23/2015 9:53:14 AM PST by Gamecock
Question: "I am a Catholic. Why should I consider becoming a Christian?"
Answer: First, please understand that we intend no offense in the wording of this question. We genuinely receive questions, from Catholics, along the lines of “What is the difference between Catholics and Christians?” In face-to-face conversations with Catholics, we have literally heard, “I am not a Christian, I am Catholic.” To many Catholics, the terms “Christian” and “Protestant” are synonymous. With all that said, the intent of this article is that Catholics would study what the Bible says about being a Christian and would perhaps consider that the Catholic faith is not the best representation of what the Bible describes. As a background, please read our article on “What is a Christian?”
A key distinction between Catholics and Christians is the view of the Bible. Catholics view the Bible as having equal authority with the Church and tradition. Christians view the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and practice. The question is, how does the Bible present itself? Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This text tells us that Scripture is not “just the beginning,” or “just the basics,” or the “foundation for a more complete church tradition.” On the contrary, Scripture is perfectly and fully sufficient for everything in the Christian life. Scripture can teach us, rebuke us, correct us, train us, and equip us. “Bible Christians” do not deny the value of church tradition. Rather, Christians uphold that for a church tradition to be valid, it must be based on the clear teaching of Scripture and must be in full agreement with Scripture. Catholic friend, study the Word of God for yourself. In God’s Word you will find God’s description of, and intention for, His Church. Second Timothy 2:15 declares, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
A second key difference between Catholics and Bible Christians is the understanding of how we can approach God. Catholics tend to approach God through intermediaries, such as Mary or the saints. Christians approach God directly, offering prayers to no one other than God Himself. The Bible proclaims that we ourselves can approach God’s throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). The Bible is perfectly clear that God desires us to pray to Him, to have communication with Him, to ask Him for the things we need (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 7:7-8; 1 John 5:14-15). There is no need for mediators or intermediaries, as Christ is our one and only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and both Christ and the Holy Spirit are already interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 7:25). Catholic friend, God loves you intimately and has provided an open door to direct communication through Jesus.
The most crucial difference between Catholics and Bible Christians is on the issue of salvation. Catholics view salvation almost entirely as a process, while Christians view salvation as both a completed status and a process. Catholics see themselves as “being saved,” while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.” First Corinthians 1:2 says, “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy.” The words “sanctified” and “holy” come from the same Greek root. This verse is declaring that Christians are both sanctified and called to be sanctified. The Bible presents salvation as a gift that is received the moment a person places faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16). When a person receives Christ as Savior, he/she is justified (declared righteous – Romans 5:9), redeemed (rescued from slavery to sin – 1 Peter 1:18), reconciled (achieving peace with God – Romans 5:1), sanctified (set apart for God’s purposes – 1 Corinthians 6:11), and born again as a new creation (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Each of these is fully accomplished at the moment of salvation. Christians are then called to live out practically (called to be holy) what is already true positionally (sanctified).
The Catholic viewpoint is that salvation is received by faith, but then must be “maintained” by good works and participation in the Sacraments. Bible Christians do not deny the importance of good works or that Christ calls us to observe the ordinances in remembrance of Him and in obedience to Him. The difference is that Christians view these things as the result of salvation, not a requirement for salvation or a means of maintaining salvation. Salvation is an accomplished work, purchased by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:2). God offers us salvation and assurance of salvation because Jesus’ sacrifice was fully, completely, and perfectly sufficient. If we receive God’s precious gift of salvation, we can know that we are saved. First John 5:13 declares, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
We can know that we have eternal life, and we can have assurance of our salvation because of the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be re-offered or re-presented. Hebrews 7:27 says, “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” Hebrews 10:10 declares, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” First Peter 3:18 exclaims, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice was absolutely and perfectly sufficient. Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was the full payment for all of our sins (1 John 2:2). As a result, all of our sins are forgiven, and we are promised eternal life in heaven the moment we receive the gift God offers us – salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Catholic friend, do you desire this “so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:6)? If so, all you must do is receive it (John 1:12) through faith (Romans 5:1). God loves us and offers us salvation as a gift (John 3:16). If we receive His grace, by faith, we have salvation as our eternal possession (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once saved, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing can remove us from His hand (John 10:28-29). If you desire this salvation, if you desire to have all your sins forgiven, if you desire to have assurance of salvation, if you desire direct access to the God who loves you – receive it, and it is yours. This is the salvation that Jesus died to provide and that God offers as a gift.
If you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, by faith, because of what you have read here today, please let us know by clicking on the “I have accepted Christ today” button below. Welcome to the family of God! Welcome, Catholic friend, to the Christian life!
Christ wasn’t conciliatory with those who persisted in teaching error either.
Strange.
I wasn’t aware this thread involved mormons and witnesses who do not share a commonality of doctrine...
Let’s see here. It you are Christian, you share the following beliefs:
Trinitarian - check
Incarnation - check
Virgin birth - check
Physical death - check
Bodily resurrection - check
Bodily ascension - check
Future return - check
Unfortunately there are a number of denominations extant today for which the above are optional beliefs.
For the record, I was brought up in one of those churches that taught that all Catholics go to hell. It seems that is still a major doctrine in some parts. Also for the record, it is not what church I worship in that determines my future residence, I get to choose that myself... As surprising as some may think, hell will have a plethora of protestants and catholics along with the muslims and all the others that don’t know Jesus. Your and my future eternity is not based on whether someone threw water on us when we were babies, whether or not we ate a wafer and drank some wine, or whether or not we attended a building that had the right name on the sign out front. It is determined by whether or not the Living God has taken up residence in us and made our spirits which were dead alive.
And you know what else? Jesus (you might have heard of Him - He’s Important! :-) didn’t say that all men will know you are His disciple by your doctrinal statement, or by your ediface, or by your giving, or by your social work, or by how many times you told someone they were going to hell, or by the clothes you wear, or ths version of the Bible you prefer, or.. add your own list. He said “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 NABRE)
One more item for the record.. I partner in a ministry with a Roman Catholic who knows Jesus. Contrary to the prior teaching of my youth, that is not an oxymoron. Considering the apostate state of many so called Christian denominations today, I have more in common with my Roman Catholic partner than I do with a lot of Christians so called that I meet in church buildings no matter what name is on the sign out front.
And that seems it would hold true if I were to meet some of the posters whose screed I have read on this thread...
Just sayin’
Are you certain nothing more is required?
I would point to ...
Luke 4:40 While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them.
41 Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ.
But what about for those that were deceived? Do you see the difference?
Are you certain nothing more is required?
Believe with all your heart mind and soul.
>>Meanwhile Islam advances.<<
Your comment: “I believe that Catholicism has caused more people to go to hell then Islam.”
Your beliefs are cause for concern. How do you know? You don’t know, seems like you just make it up based on your personal bias and ill feelings toward the Catholic Church.
Not my comment.
Retract or I will retaliate.
I know as a child that I confessed by listing all my little offenses and trying to get off with a prayer. But as a man, when I came forward I was in fear of being in complete isolation from all that is pure, holy and good. I knew that I had sinned and even now don't know if I have adequately atoned for all the bad things I've done/thought/failed to do.
Believe me that I'm afraid and awake every morning with a thanks to the Lord for granting me another day to honor him and in the evening I tote up the daily gifts he's given me from a sunset to a smile from my wife and thank him. I don't know what is the "right way" to live and I'm no biblical scholar so I won't bother arguing about whose path is "correct" or "wrong". I concern myself with my mess and try to help my family find their way as well.
Thanks again for the response and I'm copying it for further reflection
Your friend in Christ
Did I say I "know" or did I say "I believe".
I don't see anything about denominations there!
Disclaimer: This doesn't include Mormons or JW's
Karl, from one who called someone “deluded” I’m not sure of the sincerity of you concerns.
Stop it.
I meant what I said as when Christ taught how to fish for men. How do you fish? You don’t fish by hitting someone with s sledgehammer every day?
“I believe that Catholicism has caused more people to go to hell then Islam.” WAS NOT MY COMMENT.
Retract it now.
You might be working for satan and not even know it. Then again, you might.
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