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!
Do you mean the sinless fake of Catholicism or the Mary of scripture?
>>is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty<<
So you don't believe He is still on that sacrificial altar or encased in that cracker?
No thanks.
I’ve been posting here for nine years and reading threads here longer than that, and I have never seen a post like the ones you describe.
I’m satisfied that they are quite rare, or even nonexistent.
I believe that Catholicism has caused more people to go to hell then Islam.
I had to smile..there was more truth to that than they realized
Amen
What does that have to do with my post?
From the tone of your reply it is clear that you have a greater problem than any believing in Christ Catholic might have.
Yes she did.
In Post 71 she quite clearly identified whom she considered “you people”.
Have you accepted the Catholic Church as the church Christ directed to build, the first and only true church Christ directed the apostles to build upon?
What makes your interpretation of a mortal mans’ interpretation of what Christ directed any more “true” than the many other denominational interpretations?
The poster is correct, this is what turns people away from organized, denominational, dogmatic, religious practice.
If you are trying to prove a point it is incumbent upon you to provide the necessary examples to prove said point.
Do you REALLY expect me to care more about supporting your argument than you care?
THEN YOU'RE TRULY SICK AND ON THE WRONG FORUM!
This question, indeed, the entire thread, can only feed hopelessness.
How can a catholic, any Catholic, even conceive of such a question?
Ignorance is universal, but for me, the hopelessness derives from the reality that such people actually vote.
But please understand if you are SERIOUS about witnessing your beliefs to Catholics, this is the worst possible way to start.
I don't believe in the "christ" Catholicism has constructed. I thought I make that rather clear. The christ that Catholicism has constructed sinned by eating blood, is still being immolated on the altar, and didn't sufficiently pay for all sin but men have to atone for some as well. The true Christ I serve never once sinned, paid the price once for all, and paid the complete price with no need for man to continue paying.
With that understanding, I think the question should be “Why would I consider leaving the Catholic Church established by Jesus Christ to join another church established by man?”
Many Jews followed Christ and became the first Christians and many were martyred for their faith.
Many have left for Catholic Church for various reasons, but the Catholic Church survives and is strong as Jesus promised. The Catholic Church is for saints and sinners and our mission is to lead others to Jesus Christ in Heaven. Jesus is the judge who will determine their salvation.
God gave us the freedom to make decisions to either follow God's will or NOT.
Your assumptions about the Catholic Church are not correct.
Your first statement is wrong as the Catholic sacraments are all based on the Bible and our sacred tradition is based on the early christian bishops and Popes. The Magisterium is based on the authority delegated to the Catholic Church by Jesus.
The second key difference is that Catholics approach God through intermediaries. You do not understand the Mass or the sacraments. Your statement is factually incorrect.
The third point. Catholics believe that if one dies in Mortal sin, then you will not enter the kingdom of God.
You are entitled to your opinion and attempts to spread the word of God, but you should not erroneously represent the teachings of the Catholic Church.
May God's Peace be with you and guide you to the Truth.
**Have you accepted the Catholic Church**
Heavens no!
I have accepted Jesus. Not some abomination created by man.
But Christ did LITERALLY say that. More than once, and when questioned he doubled (actually tripled) down. You may interpret other parts of the scripture to come to the personal conclusion that he was being figurative, but the words are quite clear. To state that there is no question that your interpretation is correct is to say that you know better than anyone else what God wants, which is raising yourself up as judge and God-like. Something tells me that is not a good thing.
Love,
O2
everybody look!!! A tagline!!!
Right I have not hear that. However I have heard catholics at this site claim that protestants are not saved and that one has to be a Catholic to be saved.
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