LEARNING TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
Roman Catholicism
Introductory Comment by Rev Andy Kelso
Roman Catholicism
This analysis of Roman Catholicism is not a criticism of
Catholics. Many Catholics have a deep and sincere faith in Jesus.The issue here
is one of Truth, and the fact is that there is gross error and deception in
Catholic teaching leading millions astray. Please read the notes and listen to
the teaching with an open mind and look up the Bible references. When
traditions and decrees are put on the same level or higher than the Bible then
this opens the door to deception and heresy. See for yourself.
In this part of Reverend Kelso's series, "Learning to Share Your
Faith", he talks about Roman Catholicism, what defines it and ways to engage
with its members and share the Gospel with them.
NOTES TO ACCOMPANY THE TALK ON ROMAN CATHOLICISM - PART 2
Roman Catholicism: More errors.
Mortal and Venial sins
Roman Catholicism divides sins into two categories
- Mortal sins: Serious offences against God that can damn and
send to eternal punishment.
- Venial sins: Lesser sins.
Mortal sins could be; not attending Mass, sexual offences,
breaking the 10 Commandments, reading a Protestant Bible or going to a
Protestant Church.
Venial sins are anything a priest decides. But the Bible makes no
distinction between sins. We are all sinners. Romans 3: 23. The
wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23. Forgiveness for sin is found
in Christ alone as we truly repent. 1 John 1: 8-9.
Confession:
Catholicism stresses that priests have the power and authority to
forgive sins, along with prescribing due penance. This practice didn't
originate until the 5th Century A.D. and wasn't made compulsory until 1215 A.D.
By establishing the priest as the forgiver of sins the Catholic church usurps
Christ's exclusive position and authority as the only mediator between God and
men. 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 8:6, 9:15, 1 John
2:1. Each Christian has the privilege of going directly to God for
forgiveness. 1 John 1:9.
Penance:
The sacrament of Penance involves the performing of good works,
which the priest decides. Those sins which cannot be paid by single penance
must be paid for by suffering in purgatory. The Bible says nothing about
penance. God desires repentance from the heart and a turning away from sin. Isaiah 55:7, 1 John 1:9. The error in the idea of penance is that
Christ's sacrifice was not enough to totally atone for sin and so good works
must be done. This is the fundamental error of Roman Catholicism: its
unbiblical emphasis upon a system of salvation by good works and effort. This
contradicts Ephesians 2:8-9 and Galatians 2:16.
Purgatory:
Roman Catholicism teaches that when Catholics die in an
unperfected state they must enter an intermediate realm of punishment called
purgatory before being released to Heaven. Catholicism teaches that the period
of suffering in purgatory can be shortened by gifts of money, prayers by the
priests and masses. Rome collects millions a year from grieving people paying
to supposedly alleviate the agonies of loved ones in purgatory. Purgatory keeps
Catholics in fear, but it is totally unbiblical. It again challenges the work
of Christ for us. 1 Peter 3:18, John 5:24.
Assurance of Salvation
The doctrines of Penance and Purgatory mean that a Catholic can
never have assurance of salvation. The Council of Trent pronounced a curse on
anyone who presumed to say he had an assurance of salvation. But the Bible is
clear about salvation: 1 John 1:7, 1 John 5:11, John 3: 36.
Peter and the Pope
Roman Catholicism claims that Peter was the first Pope,
personally appointed by Jesus in Matthew 16:13-19.
However, Jesus wasn't saying He would build His Church on Peter, but upon the
simple confession of faith which Peter made that Jesus is the Christ. Christ is
the rock not Peter. 1 Corinthians 3:11-12, Ephesians
2:20-21. The keys symbolise the authority to open the way of salvation
through the preaching of the Gospel to all bound up in sin. All true disciples
possess these keys when proclaiming the Gospel. Matthew 18:18.
Neither the Bible nor Peter ever claimed to be head over the Church. 1
Peter 5:1-3.
The Mass
Whilst Protestants see Communion as a source of spiritual
blessing and a symbolic sacrament reminding us of Christ's Sacrifice for our
sins, Catholics claim the Mass is the same sacrifice as Christ's death on the
Cross, a re-enactment of His crucifixion. The wine and wafer are the actual
blood and body of Christ. This Mass was not an official doctrine until 1215
A.D. Again the Mass is a stressing that Christ's sacrifice for sins was
insufficient the first time. The Bible refutes this. Hebrews
10:11-14, John 19:30, 1 Peter 3:18.
Ritualism
The external ritualism of Roman Catholicism, like High
Anglicanism, is a superficial religious display, impressing the senses but
lacks the transforming power of the Gospel and is not in keeping with the
simplicity shown by Christ and the early Church.
Images, statues, shrines
The worship of images, statues, shrines, Mary, saints etc. is
forbidden by the Bible. Exodus 20:4-6.
The Rosary
This is a chain of beads used in the counting of repetitious
prayers such as Hail Mary's and the Lord's Prayer. But repetitious recital of
prayers is condemned by Jesus. Matthew 6:7-8.
Prayers for the dead
This is a common practice in Catholicism to improve people's lot
in purgatory. This conflicts with the Bible which teaches that the status of
the dead is fixed. The only opportunity people have for determining their
eternal destiny is in this life. Hebrews 9:27.
Comment:
Roman Catholicism is a false religion made up of man-made
practices and teachings which contradict the Bible. Anyone who has been
involved in it, as with other religions and cults needs to genuinely repent and
ask to be set free from the religious spirit connected with it.
Sources:
The Bible
The Catholic Bible:
Challoner- Rheims version
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
Christian Equippers International
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