Last time, we saw the position of the Catholic church on some if its vital beliefs and teaching. When Pope Francis spoke highly of the Gospel confession, is that confession the same as that in the Bible?
Here are some scriptures to check the Catholic belief against that of the Bible:
- Faith: Luke 18:9–14 – “He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Faith: John 20:31 – “These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
- Works: Romans 4:2–5 – “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.”
- Works: Ephesians 2:8–10 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
The issue is simple - God alone rescues sinner incapable of saving themselves. He does this by giving them the gift of faith. Through faith, miserable sinners are saved. No work we can do merits God's favor.
Just as truly, when God saves us, he saves us fully - there is no partial work remaining to be completed after our death in purgatory. The redeemed sinner inherits heaven freely by the finished work of Jesus Christ who does not need to be sacrificed each time the Mass is celebrated.
Now, if that is the biblical Gospel, what do you call a Gospel that appears Christian, but adds poison to it? Would the Pope recant this falsehood and confess the true Gospel? I hope so.
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