Some of the beliefs of Roman Catholicism are stated clearly in “The Nicene Creed,” which is part of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. We are thankful that they teach the truth of theTrinity; that God subsists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also teach that God is the Creator, that the Son of God became Incarnate to provide salvation for men through His death and resurrection, and that He ascended to heaven and will one day return in glory to judge the living and the dead. The “born again Christian” would give a hearty “Amen!” to these teachings. However, though they hold firmly to these beliefs, they contradict their own teaching regarding salvation by teaching that “faith in Christ alone is NOT sufficient for salvation.” We will list some of their teachings on salvation and then quote Bible passages to show the truth, truth that born again believers love and believe.

*BAPTISM is necessary to be justified and saved. Romans 5:1: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Clearly, one is not justified or saved by baptism, but through faith in Christ.

*The SACRIFICE OF THE MASS appeases God’s wrath and results in forgiveness each time a person receives it. John 19:30: “It is finished!” Hebrews 10:12 and 14: “But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down on the right hand of God…For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” Christ’s ONE SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS satisfied God’s holiness and the believer has a perfect standing before God based on that one sacrifice.

*God’s salvation is merited by GOOD WORKS Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is “Christ’s  work on the cross that has merit,” NOT our works. It is FAITH IN HIS WORK that saves!

*MARY is a MEDIATOR between God and men in the salvation process. 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Christ ALONE is the mediator!

*The ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH is necessary for salvation. Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name [the name of Jesus Christ] under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Catholicism doesn’t save; Jesus saves!

*PURGATORY is a place after death where God “cleanses” your sins. Hebrews 1:3: “When He [Christ] had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” 1 John 1:7: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” The cross of Calvary is THE PLACE WHERE OUR SINS HAVE BEEN CLEANSED, and it is through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly shed His blood to PURGE OUR SINS.

We could list other teachings of Roman Catholicism to show that they are contrary to God’s truth as revealed in Scripture, and thus are in opposition to the beliefs and teachings of those who have been born again. Before we close, it should be noted that there “may” be Roman Catholics who have truly put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, in spite of what the Catholic Church teaches. Those who do may either be ignorant of what the Catholic Church teaches, or they may remain in that sect because of family peer pressure or with a desire to reach other Catholics for Christ. If this is true of you, our prayer is that you will realize how terrible their teachings are and then obey the command in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing.”  (185.4)  (DO)