I can say that it is possible for a born-again Christian to remain in the Roman Catholic.  I have met Roman Catholics that I was sure were saved.  They understood the efficacy of the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection as payment of their sin debt.  In fact, I would say there are probably many truly saved people in the Roman Catholic church.  But the question remains…why do they stay there and listen to many of the false doctrines that are held and taught by the Catholics?  Why do they stay there and allow their children to be indoctrinated by Catholic teachings? 

I could list many reasons a born-again believer should not remain in the Roman Catholic church, but I will list just a couple of their teachings to show the serious error that is often taught there.

MARY – “Think of it in this way: If you got sick and asked a friend to pray for you, they probably would. Our relationship with Mary operates under this same principle. We believe that Mary (and the saints) are dead to this world, but we also believe they live on with God for eternity in the next world.  And we believe that their prayers are just as powerful now that they are in heaven—even more powerful—than they were when they were here on earth. We are essentially saying to them, “We have problems down here. You know what it’s like, because you’ve been here. Please, pray for us!”” (Catholic Online).

Scripture is very clear in showing us that there is only one mediator (go between) between us and God, and that is Christ, Himself.  “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  (1 Timothy 2:5).

PURGATORY – “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. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent.”  (Catholic Online).

The teaching of Purgatory, although not found in their Bible, is such a sad and defeatist idea.  To refer to a believer as still being ‘imperfectly purified’ is to dishonor and deny the finished work of Christ on the cross.  Let’s consider the words of the Lord to His disciples in John 13:10, “Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean…”  CLEAN EVERY WHIT!  The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ has cleansed the believer from his sins and made him to become “the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Just these two teachings are contrary to scripture and are dangerous teachings…detracting from the person and work of Christ.  However, there are several reasons a true believer might remain in the Roman Catholic church after being saved.

• Perhaps they have been going there their entire lives and are linked there because of family members or close friends.
• Perhaps they have not yet discovered the danger in these false teachings.
• Perhaps they know they could disappoint their parents by leaving, so they stay.

There could be many reasons why a true believer might stay there, but they would benefit and grow tremendously if they left that system and began to gather together with other believers of like precious faith.  (CC)  (623.2)