Good Resources on Catholicism

A good book to read that explains the doctrines of the Catholic Church in light of Scripture is “The Gospel According to Rome” by James G. McCarthy. There is also an excellent video entitled “Catholicism:Crisis of Faith”, where many Catholic clergy as well as laity experienced a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ after they were faced with a crisis of faith. In this video you will hear their testimony and how Catholic teaching differs from the biblical teaching on salvation and many other key doctrines. I showed this video to a small group Bible study that I led. It was certainly an eye opener for many. I think that it is imperative that Christians understand the differences, especially today with the ecumenical push.

Mel Gibson's Perspective on Salvation

Salvation is by faith alone through grace alone. It is faith plus nothing. Anything that adds to faith alone is another gospel. Performing certain religious rituals or membership to a certain church is not necessary.

While I respect Mel Gibson’s effort with the film The Passion of the Christ, we need to understand his perspective on salvation. Mel Gibson is a devout Roman Catholic who adheres to fundamental Catholic doctrine. You could classify him as “old school” Catholic, meaning pre-Vatican II. This is not to say that post-Vatican II is really any more Biblical. Post-Vatican II Catholicism, for the most part, just reiterates the traditional doctrines of the Catholic church. The real difference is with the ecumenical dialogue that was the intended outcome of that effort.

Mel Gibson believes that all who are non-Catholic are not able to experience salvation. This includes his Anglican wife. This came out in an interview with the Herald Sun in Australia.

“Put it this way. My wife is a saint. She’s a much better person than I am. Honestly. She’s, like, Episcopalian, Church of England. She prays, she believes in God, she knows Jesus, she believes in that stuff. And it’s just not fair if she doesn’t make it, she’s better than I am. But that is a pronouncement from the chair. I go with it.” Mel Gibson in interview- MSNBC

It is interesting that the Catholic Church, in the outcome of Vatican II, now teaches that salvation is possible outside of the RCC. In fact, they have broadened it to include even sincere Buddhists, Muslims, or anyone from any other faith. This is just as erroneous as the Catholic Church’s previous stance that salvation was for only those within the RCC. The Bible gives us the words of Jesus when He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, except by me.” (John 14:16) Biblically, faith in Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, not membership to any church or religious observance.

I find it amazing how many evangelicals readily confirm Mel Gibson's supposed saving faith. While there have been many changes in his life in recent times, salvation is not merely "turning over a new leaf" in one's life. Genuine salvation also includes embracing the truth of Scripture. While I am certainly appreciative of many changes in Mel Gibson's life, I certainly hope that he truly comes to genuine saving faith in Christ. But it seems that many evangelicals are far too quick to affirm anyone's proclamation of faith, merely because they take a moral stance on an issue or exhibit some change in their life.

The Gospel is by Grace alone apart from any works on our part, whether it be righteous deeds or religious observance. Paul addressed the Galatians concerning the Judaizers who were infiltrating their ranks, adding the works of the law to the plan of salvation by faith. These men were teaching that believers needed to observe the mandates of the Old Testament law including circumcision.

“6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9)

Paul uses strong language condemning those who add anything to faith in Christ for salvation. The term accursed means “eternally condemned”. This is a very strong condemnation. Notice that the Bible does not say that they were denying the trinity or the virgin birth. They were just merely adding to the plan of salvation. But this is a serious point. To add anything to simple faith alone is to interject man’s effort to make himself righteous before God, which nullifies the finished work of the Cross of Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that we are saved by faith alone, not by any works that we do.

“8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Thoughts on the pope.

As everyone already knows, the Pope passed away this past weekend. There is no denying that the Pope was certainly a man of outstanding character and was undoubtedly a champion of the family and promoter of the sanctity of life. He made a strong stand on moral issues of our day including abortion and euthanasia and was an influential figure worldwide.

But his doctrinal stance was clearly another matter. This is particularly true when it comes to the doctrine of salvation. Pope John Paul II, like the church that he led, rejected the Biblical doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone. He also promoted inclusivism and Marian devotion, promoting the belief that Mary was a co-mediator along with Jesus. In general, the Pope defended the doctrinal stance that the Roman Catholic Church has held for centuries. Many comments that I have heard by some Evangelical leaders creates the illusion that the pope embraced Biblical doctrine. I do not think that this is actually intentional, but when Evangelicals go too far in their attempt not to alienate Catholics, it tends to minimize the crucial differences in Evangelical doctrine and Catholic faith. While they may mention that there are certainly differences in doctrine between evangelicals and Catholics, comments are presented in such a way that minimizes the significance of these differences. In light of what the pope believed, this is extremely reckless on the part of evangelical leaders who should know better. There is nothing wrong with recognizing and admiring the work that the pope accomplished in his life. We certainly can be thankful and appreciative of his strong stand on crucial issues affecting society today, and we can certainly express our appreciation. But to affirm the beliefs of the pope is wrong on the part of evangelicals. If this is the way evangelicals are showing love toward Catholics, this falls terribly short of that effort. To affirm the false teachings is to allow people to continue to walk in severe doctrinal error, and in the end to forfeit eternal life. This is in no way an expression of genuine love.

Jude 1:3 commands us to earnestly contend for the faith. The word “contend” means to do battle. We must be prepared to battle for the truth. This does not mean that we should try to be obnoxious with our faith, but it does mean that we should take a strong stand without compromise. We need to lovingly confront those who embrace false doctrine.

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” (Jude 1:3, NASB®)</span>