Exposing the False Teachings of the Roman Catholic Religion

28 May 2024 admin Teachings Comments Off on Exposing the False Teachings of the Roman Catholic Religion
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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 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.

False Teachings about Jesus and the Gospel

The Virgin Mary

The Roman Catholic Religion teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was sinless. However, the Bible teaches that everyone, including Mary, is a sinner. 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.”

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. Separating Fact from Fiction: Correcting Roman Catholic False Teachings on Mary
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