Throughout history, the Roman Catholic Church has presented itself as the true representation of Christianity, claiming to hold the keys to salvation and spiritual truth. However, a closer examination of its doctrines, practices, and teachings reveals a profound departure from the core principles of the Bible and the true message of the Gospel. While many sincere believers within the Catholic faith may genuinely seek God, the institutional framework of Roman Catholicism promotes beliefs that contradict Scripture and portray a version of Christ that is not found in the Bible.

Our intention in writing this article is not to offend or condemn Catholics, but rather to express our deep concern for their eternal souls. How can we say we love them and not speak the truth? The Bible clearly teaches that no church—Catholic, Protestant, or otherwise—has the power to save anyone. Only the person of Jesus Christ can save us through the Gospel of the Kingdom. Our hope and prayer are that all would come to know the true Jesus of the Scriptures and experience the eternal life that only He can provide.

This article aims to critically examine the foundational doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and highlight the ways in which they diverge from biblical truth. By understanding these discrepancies, we hope to encourage a return to the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures.

The Roman Catholic Religion has many teachings that differ from what the Bible reveals about Jesus and the gospel. This article will show how their teachings are false, list doctrines that contradict the Bible, and expose their errors.

The Biblical Jesus vs. the Roman Catholic Jesus: A Critical Examination

The Virgin Mary

The foundation of the Roman Catholic Religion teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was sinless. However, the Bible teaches that everyone, including Mary, is a sinner. This false doctrine alone proves the Roman Catholic Church is a false man-made religion.

Romans 3:23 (NASB) states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Mary herself acknowledged her need for a Saviour in Luke 1:47 (NASB), saying, “And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

Introduction

The Christian faith centres on the person of Jesus Christ, but differences in understanding His nature and mission exist between Roman Catholicism and biblical Christianity. This article explores the distinction between the biblical Jesus and the Roman Catholic Jesus, focusing on the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and its implications.

The Biblical Jesus

The Bible presents Jesus as the Son of God, born of a sinful Mary, who acknowledged her need for a Saviour (Luke 1:46-47, Romans 3:23). The virgin birth emphasises Jesus’ sinless nature, untainted by the sin passed down through human generations from Adam (Romans 5:12-19). This understanding is crucial to the Christian doctrine of original sin and Jesus’ divinity.

The Roman Catholic Jesus

In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church teaches the Immaculate Conception, which declares Mary sinless from the moment of her conception. This doctrine implies a different Mary and, consequently, a different Jesus. The Catholic Jesus is born of a sinless Mary, contradicting the biblical account of a sinful Mary.

Logical Conclusion

Why Mary Did Not Need to Be Sinless to Give Birth to Jesus

Many within the Roman Catholic Church believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to be sinless in order to give birth to the Son of God. However, a careful study of Scripture reveals that Mary did not need to be sinless for Jesus to be born without sin. The Bible teaches that sin is passed down from one generation to the next through Adam, the first man, not through Eve or any other woman. Understanding this concept helps clarify why Jesus could be born sinless through a virgin birth, without the need for Mary herself to be without sin.

Sin Was Passed Down from Adam, Not Eve

According to the biblical account in Genesis, God gave Adam the commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil before Eve was created. Genesis 2:16-17 shows God directly instructing Adam:

“The Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘From any tree of the garden you may freely eat; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will certainly die.’”

This command was given to Adam alone. When Adam and Eve eventually disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, the responsibility for the original sin fell upon Adam. While Eve was deceived by the serpent and sinned (1 Timothy 2:14), Adam’s sin was a deliberate, wilful act of disobedience, and it was through Adam that sin entered the world. Romans 5:12 (NASB) clearly states:

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned—”

This verse underscores the biblical teaching that sin and death entered the world through Adam, not Eve. Sin is passed down the generations through the line of Adam, the human father. Because Adam was the representative head of the human race, his disobedience brought sin and death to all his descendants.

Why the Virgin Birth Was Necessary

The reason for the virgin birth lies in the understanding that sin is transmitted through the male line—through the father, not the mother. If Jesus had a human father, He would have inherited a sinful nature, just like every other human being descended from Adam. However, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by a human father, ensuring that He did not inherit the sinful nature passed down through Adam’s lineage.

Mary, being a human, was still a sinner like everyone else, but her role was not to transmit a sinless nature. Jesus’ sinlessness was ensured not by Mary’s purity, but by the divine nature of His conception. The Holy Spirit miraculously conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb, bypassing the natural transmission of sin that occurs through the human father. This miraculous conception fulfilled God’s plan for a Saviour who was both fully God and fully human, yet without sin.

In Summery: Jesus, the Sinless Saviour

Mary did not need to be sinless to give birth to Jesus. The Bible teaches that sin is transmitted through Adam, the first man, and is passed down through the generations by human fathers, not mothers. Therefore, Jesus’ virgin birth was necessary so that He could be born without inheriting the sinful nature of Adam. As a result, Jesus could be the perfect, sinless sacrifice needed to atone for the sins of humanity. The virgin birth demonstrates God’s wisdom in providing a way for Jesus to be both fully human and fully divine, ensuring that He could serve as the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

By understanding these truths, we can see that the doctrine of Mary’s sinlessness is not required by Scripture, and the virgin birth itself is the key to understanding how Jesus remained sinless and was able to accomplish His mission of salvation for all who believe in Him.

Applying logical principles, we conclude that:

1. The Bible describes Jesus born of a sinful Mary.
2. Catholic teaching describes Jesus born of a sinless Mary (Immaculate Conception).
3. Since Mary can’t be both sinful and sinless, there must be two different Marys.
4. Therefore, there are two different Jesus’s, one born of each Mary.

Conclusion

The distinction between the biblical Jesus and the Roman Catholic Jesus is significant. While both share the same name, their differences in origin and nature imply two distinct individuals. The biblical Jesus, born of a sinful Mary, is the only one consistent with the teachings of Scripture. The Roman Catholic Jesus, born of a sinless Mary, contradicts the biblical narrative and undermines the doctrine of original sin and Jesus’ divinity.

In conclusion, the biblical Jesus and the Roman Catholic Jesus cannot be the same. The differences in their origins and natures are irreconcilable, leading to two distinct individuals with different implications for our understanding of Christianity.

False Teachings about Jesus and the Gospel

The Gospel of Works

The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is achieved through faith and good works. However, the Bible clearly states that salvation is by faith alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Contradictory Doctrines

1. Papal Infallibility
   • Catholic Teaching: The Pope is infallible in his teachings on faith and morals.
   • Bible Teaching: Only God is infallible. Romans 3:4 (NASB) says, “Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar.”
2. Purgatory
   • Catholic Teaching: A place where souls are purified before entering heaven.
   • Bible Teaching: The Bible does not mention purgatory. Hebrews 9:27 (NASB) says, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.”
3. The Mass
   • Catholic Teaching: The Mass is a re-sacrifice of Christ.
   • Bible Teaching: Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all. Hebrews 10:10 (NASB) says, “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
4. The Veneration of Saints
   • Catholic Teaching: Praying to saints and venerating their relics.
   • Bible Teaching: There is only one mediator between God and men. 1 Timothy 2:5 (NASB) says, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
5. The Immaculate Conception
   • Catholic Teaching: Mary was conceived without original sin.
   • Bible Teaching: All humans are born in sin. Psalm 51:5 (NASB) says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”

False Prophecies

1. The “Three Days of Darkness” Prophecy
   • Claimed there would be three days of darkness over the whole earth.
   • Bible Response: Such an event is not mentioned in the Bible. Matthew 24:36 (NASB) says, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”
2. Prophecies of Fatima
   • Predicted peace in the world after certain conditions.
   • Bible Response: True peace comes only through Christ. John 14:27 (NASB) says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.”
3. Mary as Co-Redemptrix
   • Claimed Mary has a role in redemption.
   • Bible Response: Jesus is the sole Redeemer. 1 Timothy 2:5 (NASB) says, “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
4. Pope John Paul II’s Millennium Prediction
   • Suggested significant events at the turn of the millennium.
   • Bible Response: Such specific predictions are not biblical. Matthew 24:36 (NASB) applies here as well.
5. End of the World Predictions
   • Various popes have predicted the end of the world at different times.
   • Bible Response: Acts 1:7 (NASB) says, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority.”

The New Covenant and the Law

The Mosaic Law was external and failed because of human weakness. Jesus fulfilled the Law and established a New Covenant. Hebrews 8:10 (NASB) says, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” The New Covenant is based on the Law of Christ, written on believers’ hearts, not on the old Mosaic Law.

Salvation According to the Roman Catholic Religion vs. the Bible

The Roman Catholic Religion and the Bible present different teachings about how a person can be saved. Here we will compare the Catholic doctrine of salvation with what the Bible teaches.

Roman Catholic Teachings on Salvation

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation is a process that involves several steps:

1. Faith and Baptism: Catholics believe that salvation begins with faith in Jesus Christ and baptism. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1257), “Baptism is necessary for salvation.”
2. Participation in the Sacraments: Catholics are taught that they must regularly participate in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist (Mass) and Confession (Penance). The sacraments are believed to dispense grace necessary for salvation.
3. Good Works: The Catholic Church teaches that faith must be accompanied by good works. According to CCC 1821, “We can…merit for ourselves and for others all the graces needed to attain eternal life.”
4. Adherence to Church Teachings: Catholics must adhere to the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. This includes following the Church’s moral and doctrinal teachings.
5. Final Perseverance: Catholics believe in the necessity of remaining faithful until death. According to CCC 162, “Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man. We can lose this priceless gift, as St. Paul indicated to St. Timothy: ‘Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith.'”

Biblical Teachings on Salvation

The Bible presents a different view of salvation:

1. Faith Alone: The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
2. Christ’s Sacrifice: The Bible emphasises that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is sufficient for salvation. Hebrews 10:10 (NASB) says, “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
3. No Works Required: Salvation is not dependent on human works. Romans 4:5 (NASB) states, “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.”
4. Eternal Security: The Bible teaches that those who are truly saved are kept secure by God’s power. John 10:28-29 (NASB) says, “And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
5. Assurance of Salvation: Believers can have assurance of their salvation. 1 John 5:13 (NASB) says, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Key Differences

1. Basis of Salvation:
   • Catholic Teaching: Faith plus works (sacraments, good deeds).
   • Biblical Teaching: Faith alone in Christ alone.
2. Role of Sacraments:
   • Catholic Teaching: Essential means of grace.
   • Biblical Teaching: Not necessary for salvation; faith in Christ is sufficient.
3. Assurance:
   • Catholic Teaching: Uncertain; must persevere and avoid mortal sin.
   • Biblical Teaching: Assurance through faith in Christ’s finished work.
4. Authority:
   • Catholic Teaching: Church traditions and teachings.
   • Biblical Teaching: Scripture alone (sola scriptura).

In Summery

The Roman Catholic Church teaches a complex system of faith, works, and sacraments for salvation. In contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift from God, received by faith alone in Jesus Christ, and not based on human effort or church rituals. Galatians 1:8-9 (NASB) warns against any other gospel: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” Therefore, it is crucial to understand and adhere to the biblical gospel for true salvation.

Conclusion

The teachings of the Roman Catholic Religion about Jesus and the gospel are not aligned with the Bible. Their doctrines often contradict Scripture, and their claims of prophecies do not match biblical teachings. Galatians 1:8-9 (NASB) warns, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” We must adhere to the true gospel as preached by the apostles and reject any teachings that deviate from the Word of God.

Next Page 2: Why the Roman Catholic Religion is Unbiblical and Antichrist