Roman Catholicism (Three Huge Problems)

Introduction

Basics of Roman Catholicism

We agree strongly with Roman Catholics in subjects like the Trinity, the fact that Jesus was God, the fact that Jesus was actually raised from the dead

Also called Christianity

What does the Bible say?

What is Justification?

justification is an instantaneous legal act of God in which he (1) thinks of our sins as forgiven and Christ’s righteousness as belonging to us, and (2) declares us to be righteous in his sight.

2 Corinthians 5:21 LSB

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Romans 4:5 LSB

But to the one who does not work, but believes upon Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

“Justification includes the remission of sins, sanctification, and the renewal of the inner man.… It is granted to us through Baptism.” - Catechism of the Catholic Church (New York: Doubleday, 1997), para. 2019–20; cf. 1989.

For the justified eternal life is both a gift of grace promised by God and a reward for his own good works and merits.… Salutary works are, at the same time, gifts of God and meritorious acts of man. - Ott, 264

The Roman Catholic View of Justification

God declares righteous only those who are actually righteous

No one can be justified without being good themselves

Faith is important but it is just the beginning

No crediting or counting of righteousness from God to the ungodly

Romans 4:5 LSB

But to the one who does not work, but believes upon Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

James 2 and Romans 4 Discussion

James 2:22–24 LSB

You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Luke 16:15 LSB

And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.

Ephesians 2:10 LSB

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Philippians 2:12 LSB

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

Psalm 119:105 ESV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Three Problems for Roman Catholicism

Does not match with the Bible

Role of Mary

Saved by Faith

Number of Sacraments

Authority of the Pope

Purgatory

Does not match the belief of the early church

Argument from John Calvin - 1536 - The Institutes

Most famous theology book ever written

One of the most famous Protestants/Christians ever

Argues that the Roman Catholic church has been corrupted, and that the early church would strongly disagree with its teachings

“We, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom or understanding... but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all men.” — 1 Clement 32:4, Clement of Rome

“Therefore it is faith alone which justifies, and it is the gift of God.” — On Abraham 2.8.79, Ambrose

“I confidently say that whosoever calls himself universal priest, or desires to be called so, in the pride of his heart is the forerunner of Antichrist.” — Epistles, Book 7, Letter 33, Gregory the Great (Pope from A.D. 590-604)

Does not match the belief of itself

Does Christ have one will or two wills

Pope Honorius I (638) - One will

Pope Leo II (682) - Two Wills

Capital Punishment

Pope Benedict XVI - Allowed

Pope Francis (2018) - Not Allowed

Another Example - Pope Formosus

After he died, the next Pope Stephen VI took the papacy

Unburied Pope Formosus

Had a trial of his dead body

Found him guilty

Cut off his fingers and tossed him in the river

Stephen was later put in prison and strangled for this act

Closing Notes:

Can a Roman Catholic be actually saved?

Yes, if they disagree with the Roman Catholic church

What we see today in the Roman Catholic church is a group of people who agree with many core beliefs we have and yet miss on justification.