The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) claims to be the one true church founded by Christ. However, many of its teachings and practices conflict with Scripture, raising questions about its alignment with biblical Christianity. This article evaluates key Catholic doctrines against the authority of the Bible, affirming that a church pleasing to God must uphold the sufficiency, clarity, and supremacy of Scripture alone (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
1. Authority of Tradition vs. Sola Scriptura
The RCC elevates sacred tradition and papal authority to the same level as Scripture, claiming both are “handed down… from the apostles” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] 80–82). However, the Bible warns against adding to God’s Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18–19) and declares Scripture sufficient to equip believers for “every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Jesus rebuked traditions that nullify God’s commands (Mark 7:8–9), yet Catholic doctrines like purgatory, indulgences, and the immaculate conception of Mary derive from tradition, not Scripture.
2. Justification by Faith vs. Works-Based Righteousness
The RCC teaches that justification involves both faith and “meritorious works” (CCC 2010, 2027). Conversely, Scripture declares salvation is “by grace through faith… not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Paul emphatically states that no one is justified by “works of the law” but by faith in Christ (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16). The Council of Trent (1547) anathematized those who preach justification by faith alone—a direct contradiction of the gospel (Romans 5:1).
3. The Marian Doctrines: Unbiblical Elevation of Mary
Catholic dogma assigns Mary roles Scripture never affirms:
Perpetual Virginity: Matthew 13:55–56 mentions Jesus’ brothers, and no text claims Mary remained a virgin.
Immaculate Conception: The RCC claims Mary was born without original sin (CCC 491), yet Luke 1:47 quotes Mary calling God her “Savior”—unnecessary if she were sinless.
Assumption and Co-Redemptrix: The Bible nowhere states Mary was bodily assumed into heaven or shares in Christ’s redemptive work (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Such teachings risk idolatry by venerating Mary beyond biblical bounds (Exodus 20:3–5).
4. The Papacy: A Human Institution Without Biblical Foundation
The RCC asserts the Pope is the “Vicar of Christ” and infallible head of the church (CCC 882, 891). Yet Scripture designates Christ alone as Head (Colossians 1:18) and condemns hierarchical titles like “Father” (Matthew 23:9). Peter, claimed as the first Pope, never claimed supremacy and called himself a “fellow elder” (1 Peter 5:1). The papacy’s historical corruption (e.g., medieval indulgences, political power) further contradicts Christ’s call for servant leadership (Mark 10:42–45).
5. The Mass as a Re-Sacrifice of Christ
Catholic theology teaches the Eucharist is a literal “re-presentation” of Christ’s sacrifice (CCC 1367), necessitated for forgiveness. Hebrews 7:27 and 10:10–14 explicitly state Christ’s sacrifice was “once for all.” To claim His work is incomplete or repeatable undermines its sufficiency (John 19:30).
6. Sacramental Salvation vs. Grace Through Faith
The RCC teaches sacraments like baptism and confession are necessary for salvation (CCC 1129). Yet the thief on the cross was saved without sacraments (Luke 23:43), and Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before baptism (Acts 10:44–48). While baptism is a command, it is not a salvific work but an act of obedience to Christ (1 Peter 3:21).
7. Veneration of Saints and Icons
Prayers to saints and the use of icons (CCC 2677, 2132) violate the biblical prohibition of invoking the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11) and creating graven images (Exodus 20:4–5). Christ alone is the Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and prayer is to be directed to God (Matthew 6:9).
8. Purgatory: A Denial of Christ’s Finished Work
The RCC’s doctrine of purgatory (CCC 1030–1031)—a temporary state of purification for sins—implies Christ’s sacrifice was insufficient. Scripture declares believers are “perfected for all time” by His offering (Hebrews 10:14) and that “the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
Conclusion: A Call to Biblical Fidelity
While many Catholics sincerely love Christ, the RCC’s extra-biblical doctrines and traditions obscure the gospel of grace. Jesus warned, “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). A church pleasing to God must reject human inventions and return to the “faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). True unity is found not in papal authority but in Scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone—for the glory of God alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment