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NASB | Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 3:28 For we maintain that an individual is justified by faith distinctly apart from works of the Law [the observance of which has nothing to do with justification, that is, being declared free of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]. |
Bible Question:
WHAT SEPARATES EVANGELICALS FROM CATHOLICS? Evangelical Christians and Catholics — what’s the difference? What is it that really separates them? Evangelicals come from a movement that began as a “protest” against non-biblical elements of Catholicism — elements like the belief in purgatory and the practice of granting indulgences. Yet, there remain substantial points which evangelicals share in common with Catholics, including the inspiration of Scripture, the Trinity, the virgin birth, Christ’s atonement and His bodily resurrection. Indeed, with regard to these essentials, evangelicals have more in common with conservative Roman Catholics than they do with liberal Protestants. But despite these important areas of agreement, there are significant differences which separate evangelicals and Catholics. For example, while Catholics support the authority of the Bible, they also assert that the unwritten traditions of the Roman church are just as authoritative. In fact, that’s the reason scores of practices and beliefs which have no basis in Scripture at all are accepted by Catholics as “gospel truth” — practices like prayers for the dead and beliefs such as the infallibility of the pope. This lies in stark contrast to the evangelical position, which asserts that the canon of Scripture alone is the supreme standard and is the authority for all Christians. In fact, affirming otherwise compromises the very supremacy of the Bible as the Christian’s rule of faith (2 Tim. 3:16). Another major issue dividing evangelicals and Catholics has to do with the question of justification. Classical Catholicism holds the view that salvation involves a combination of faith and infused righteousness. This means that God’s grace gives us the capability to become righteous, and enables us to perform good works by which we can receive God’s forgiveness. Evangelicals, on the other hand, believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Christ alone (Rom. 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9). To put it in perspective, we are saved by grace, but saved unto good works. Well, in spite of the vast differences between Catholics and evangelicals, I believe our points of agreement provide us with common ground through which we can share and discuss the gospel in love and with understanding. www.equip.org/search/ |
Bible Answer: Hello JVH0212, Evangelicals (as myself) do share many essential beliefs with Roman Catholics, as you have mentioned. The contrasts you noted of scriptural authority vs. papal authority and justification are serious issues because they hinge upon how one would ascertain truth and how one can be right with God. They are interdependent of each other because you cannot know how to be right with God if your truth is faulty and if you're wrong with this critical point then you're in for disaster. The only thing that bad doctrine leads to is more bad doctrine. That's why we have these symptoms that stem from papal authority like prayers for the dead, purgatory, baptismal regeneration, Marian dogmas, etc. But the most tragic effect of the deterrent of truth that papal authority has caused is on the doctrine of justification. The insertion of works into grace no longer makes it grace. Justification by faith alone is a doctrine that cannot be compromised. If it is compromised, if even an ounce of works is added, then the gospel is no longer the true gospel but another gospel and we know what Paul has spoken about of other gospels: "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" Gal. 1:8 Paul is severe with his handlings on those teachers of false doctrine. My point in all this is that we too must not be timid when we approach false teachers and preachers no matter what religion, denomination, sect or culture they might be in. We must stand firm with the truth of the gospel that has made us free in Christ Jesus. Many of our brothers and sisters have died to preserve the beauty of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Allow me to end by saying that I live by the pattern that Peter has taught: "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" 1 Peter 3:15 But I also live by Paul's pattern: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Rom. 1:16 and Christ Himself: "And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." Luke 9:5 Only He can save, only He is willing, and only He has accomplished it. |