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Question: "I am a Catholic, why should I consider
becoming a Christian?" - (from gotquestions.org)
Answer: First,
please understand that we intend no offense in the wording of
this question. We genuinely receive questions, from Catholics,
along the lines of: “What is the difference between Catholics
and Christians?” In face-to-face conversations with Catholics,
we have literally heard, “I am not a Christian, I am Catholic.”
To many Catholics, the terms “Christian” and “Protestant” are
synonymous. With all that said, the intent of this article is
that Catholics would study what the Bible says about being a
Christian, and would perhaps consider that the Catholic faith is
not the best representation of what the Bible describes. As a
background, please read our article on “What
is a Christian?”
A key distinction between Catholics and Christians is the view
of the Bible. Catholics view the Bible as having equal authority
with the Church and tradition. Christians view the Bible as the
supreme authority for faith and practice. The question is, how
does the Bible present itself? 2
Timothy 3:16-17tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and
is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.” Scripture, of itself, is sufficient for
the Christian to be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
This text tells us that Scripture is not “just the beginning,”
or “just the basics,” or the “foundation for a more complete
church tradition.” On the contrary, Scripture is perfectly and
fully sufficient for everything in the Christian life. Scripture
can teach us, rebuke us, correct us, train us, and equip us.
Bible Christians do not deny the value of church tradition.
Rather, Christians uphold that for a church tradition to be
valid, it must be based on the clear teaching of Scripture, and
must be in full agreement with Scripture. Catholic friend, study
the Word of God for yourself. In God’s Word you will find God’s
description of, and intention for, His Church. 2
Timothy 2:15 declares,
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a
workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly
handles the word of truth.”
A second key difference between Catholics and “Bible Christians”
is the understanding of how we can approach God. Catholics tend
to approach God through intermediaries, such as Mary or the
saints. Christians approach God directly, offering prayers to no
one other than God Himself. The Bible proclaims that we
ourselves can approach God’s throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews
4:16). The Bible is perfectly clear that God desires us to
pray to Him, to have communication with Him, to ask Him for the
things we need (Philippians
4:6; Matthew
7:7-8; 1
John 5:14-15). There is no need for mediators or
intermediaries, as Christ is our one and only mediator (1
Timothy 2:5), and both Christ and the Holy Spirit are
already interceding on our behalf (Romans
8:26-27; Hebrews
7:25). Catholic friend, God loves you intimately and has
provided an open door to direct communication through Jesus.
The most crucial difference between Catholics and “Bible
Christians” is on the issue of salvation. Catholics view
salvation almost entirely as a process, while Christians view
salvation as both a completed status and a process. Catholics
see themselves as “being saved,” while Christians view
themselves as “having been saved.” 1
Corinthians 1:2 tells
us, “…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be
holy…” The words “sanctified” and “holy” come from the same
Greek root. This verse is declaring that Christians are both
sanctified and called to be sanctified. The Bible presents
salvation as a gift that is received the moment a person places
faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (John
3:16). When a person receives Christ as Savior, he/she is
justified (declared righteous – Romans
5:9), redeemed (rescued from slavery to sin – 1
Peter 1:18), reconciled (achieving peace with God –Romans
5:1), sanctified (set apart for God’s purposes – 1
Corinthians 6:11), and born again as a new creation (1
Peter 1:23; 2
Corinthians 5:17). Each of these are accomplished facts that
are fully received at the moment of salvation. Christians are
then called to live, practically (called to be holy), what is
already true, positionally (sanctified).
The Catholic viewpoint is that salvation is received by faith,
but then must be “maintained” by good works and participation in
the Sacraments. Bible Christians do not deny the importance of
good works or that Christ calls us to observe the ordinances in
remembrance of Him and in obedience to Him. The difference is
that Christians view these things as the result of salvation,
not a requirement for salvation, or a means of maintaining
salvation. Salvation is an accomplished work, purchased by the
atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1
John 2:2). God offers us salvation and assurance of
salvation because Jesus’ sacrifice was fully, completely, and
perfectly sufficient. If we receive God’s precious gift of
salvation, we can know that we are saved. 1
John 5:13 declares,
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son
of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
We can know that we have eternal life and we can have assurance
of our salvation because of the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice.
Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be re-offered or re-presented.Hebrews
7:27 says, “He
sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” Hebrews
10:10declares, “…we have been made holy through the
sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” 1
Peter 3:18 exclaims,
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God…” Christ’s once for all
sacrifice was absolutely and perfectly sufficient. Jesus
declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John
19:30). Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was the full payment for
all of our sins (1
John 2:2). As a result, all of our sins are forgiven and we
are promised eternal life in Heaven the moment we receive the
gift God offers us – salvation through Jesus Christ (John
3:16).
Catholic friend, do you desire this “so great salvation” (Hebrews
2:6)? If so, all you must do is receive it (John
1:12), through faith (Romans
5:1). God loves us and offers us salvation as a gift (John
3:16). If we receive His grace, by faith, we have salvation
as our eternal possession (Ephesians
2:8-9). Once saved, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans
8:38-39). Nothing can remove us from His hand (John
10:28-29). If you desire this salvation, if you desire to
have all your sins forgiven, if you desire to have assurance of
salvation, if you desire direct access to the God who loves you
– receive it and it is yours. This is the salvation that Jesus
died to provide and that God offers as a gift.
If you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, by faith, because
of what you have read here today, please let us know by clicking
on the “I have accepted Christ today” button below. Welcome to
the family of God! Welcome, Catholic friend, to the Christian
life!
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