Questions Answered
Basic Bible Teachings
The topics presented in this book address only some of the areas in which the Catholic Catechism differs from the Bible; there are many more. The topics I have presented are very clear and relatively simple to compare to the Bible, and we do not need to be scholars or theologians to do so. We only need to be able to read, think for ourselves, and allow the Holy Spirit to help us understand. As I stated earlier, not all of the Catholic Catechism contradicts the Bible. In fact, many parts are in perfect harmony with the Bible. But contradictions do exist in other areas and become apparent when the teachings are examined. Please remember, as I stated earlier, even though there are many things in the Catholic Catechism that are in agreement with the Bible, I have addressed some of those that are in disagreement because of their seriousness, their importance, and the eternal consequences of believing them. Please also remember, I am not trying to cause discord or problems. I would love to see unity among all people, but we must not sacrifice the truth of God’s Word in our desire for unity. If we do, instead of growing closer to Christ, we may actually be separated from Him.
I have quoted many passages from both the Catholic Catechism and from the Catholic Bible. Having read through all of this, you may find it all somewhat confusing or overwhelming. I will summarize with the following:
God’s Word teaches that we should not nullify His Word with traditions as shown when Jesus said,
“You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things” (Mark 7:13).
Therefore, God’s Word must take precedence over tradition and we must refer to God’s Word as the final authority to determine whether or not we should accept and follow any particular tradition or teaching.
God’s Word tells us to
“...love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).
Therefore, we should not worship, venerate, or be devoted to anyone or anything other than God. And by doing so, we will not allow our thoughts to become “corrupted from a sincere [and pure] commitment to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
God’s Word tells us:
“...in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Therefore, since God’s Word tells us to pray to God and never tells us to pray to anyone else, we should pray to Him and no one else.
God’s Word tells us:
“If we acknowledge our sins, he [God] is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing” (1 John 1:9).
Therefore, we know that when God forgives our sins, He also cleanses us from every wrongdoing and that we do not need to do anything more to make amends with Him. Further, since Jesus taught that we should ask God to forgive our sins (Matthew 6:12), we can confess our sins directly to God and do not need to confess our sins to a priest.
God’s Word tells us:
“...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved” (Romans 10:9, 10).
Therefore, if we believe with our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess that Jesus is Lord, we know that we are saved. As God’s Word tells us:
“...you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).
If we believe in Jesus, we can know with certainty we are saved because our salvation is not dependent upon our being good enough to establish our own righteousness. Instead, having no righteousness of our own, we receive righteousness “which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith” (Philippians 3:9).
God’s Word tells us:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them” (Ephesians 2:8–10; italics added).
Therefore, we know that we do not have to—and in fact cannot—do good works to earn our salvation. And since we are saved by grace through faith and since it is not through works, we are free to worship God through the things that we do. As God’s Word tells us:
“...how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God” (Hebrews 9:14).
God’s Word tells us:
“In him [Jesus] you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).
Therefore, we know that if we have heard the gospel and believe in Jesus, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and do not have to fear losing our salvation.
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If you would like a free copy of the book
for yourself or to share with family or
friends, simply e-mail me at:
Joe@TeachingsOfTheCatholicChurch.com
and I will be happy to send one to you.
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