I am a Catholic, why should I consider becoming a Christian?

[Solo]

I am a Catholic, why should I consider becoming a Christian?

Question: "I am a Catholic, why should I consider becoming a Christian?"

Answer: First, please understand that we intend no offense in the wording of this question. We genuinely receive questions, from Catholics, along the lines of: “What is the difference between Catholics and Christians?†In face-to-face conversations with Catholics, we have literally heard, “I am not a Christian, I am Catholic.†To many Catholics, the terms “Christian†and “Protestant†are synonymous. With all that said, the intent of this article is that Catholics would study what the Bible says about being a Christian, and would perhaps consider that the Catholic faith is not the best representation of what the Bible describes. As a background, please read our article on “What is a Christian?â€Â

A key distinction between Catholics and Christians is the view of the Bible. Catholics view the Bible as having equal authority with the Church and tradition. Christians view the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and practice. The question is, how does the Bible present itself? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.†Scripture, of itself, is sufficient for the Christian to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. This text tells us that Scripture is not “just the beginning,†or “just the basics,†or the “foundation for a more complete church tradition.†On the contrary, Scripture is perfectly and fully sufficient for everything in the Christian life. Scripture can teach us, rebuke us, correct us, train us, and equip us. Bible Christians do not deny the value of church tradition. Rather, Christians uphold that for a church tradition to be valid, it must be based on the clear teaching of Scripture, and must be in full agreement with Scripture. Catholic friend, study the Word of God for yourself. In God’s Word you will find God’s description of, and intention for, His Church. 2 Timothy 2:15 declares, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.â€Â

A second key difference between Catholics and “Bible Christians†is the understanding of how we can approach God. Catholics tend to approach God through intermediaries, such as Mary or the saints. Christians approach God directly, offering prayers to no one other than God Himself. The Bible proclaims that we ourselves can approach God’s throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). The Bible is perfectly clear that God desires us to pray to Him, to have communication with Him, to ask Him for the things we need (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 7:7-8; 1 John 5:14-15). There is no need for mediators or intermediaries, as Christ is our one and only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and both Christ and the Holy Spirit are already interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 7:25). Catholic friend, God loves you intimately and has provided an open door to direct communication through Jesus.

The most crucial difference between Catholics and “Bible Christians†is on the issue of salvation. Catholics view salvation almost entirely as a process, while Christians view salvation as both a completed status and a process. Catholics see themselves as “being saved,†while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.†1 Corinthians 1:2 tells us, “…to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy…†The words “sanctified†and “holy†come from the same Greek root. This verse is declaring that Christians are both sanctified and called to be sanctified. The Bible presents salvation as a gift that is received the moment a person places faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16). When a person receives Christ as Savior, he/she is justified (declared righteous – Romans 5:9), redeemed (rescued from slavery to sin – 1 Peter 1:18), reconciled (achieving peace with God – Romans 5:1), sanctified (set apart for God’s purposes – 1 Corinthians 6:11), and born again as a new creation (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Each of these are accomplished facts that are fully received at the moment of salvation. Christians are then called to live, practically (called to be holy), what is already true, positionally (sanctified).

The Catholic viewpoint is that salvation is received by faith, but then must be “maintained†by good works and participation in the Sacraments. Bible Christians do not deny the importance of good works or that Christ calls us to observe the ordinances in remembrance of Him and in obedience to Him. The difference is that Christians view these things as the result of salvation, not a requirement for salvation, or a means of maintaining salvation. Salvation is an accomplished work, purchased by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 John 2:2). God offers us salvation and assurance of salvation because Jesus’ sacrifice was fully, completely, and perfectly sufficient. If we receive God’s precious gift of salvation, we can know that we are saved. 1 John 5:13 declares, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.â€Â

We can know that we have eternal life and we can have assurance of our salvation because of the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be re-offered or re-presented. Hebrews 7:27 says, “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.†Hebrews 10:10 declares, “…we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.†1 Peter 3:18 exclaims, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…†Christ’s once for all sacrifice was absolutely and perfectly sufficient. Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished†(John 19:30). Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was the full payment for all of our sins (1 John 2:2). As a result, all of our sins are forgiven and we are promised eternal life in Heaven the moment we receive the gift God offers us – salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

Catholic friend, do you desire this “so great salvation†(Hebrews 2:6)? If so, all you must do is receive it (John 1:12), through faith (Romans 5:1). God loves us and offers us salvation as a gift (John 3:16). If we receive His grace, by faith, we have salvation as our eternal possession (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once saved, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Nothing can remove us from His hand (John 10:28-29). If you desire this salvation, if you desire to have all your sins forgiven, if you desire to have assurance of salvation, if you desire direct access to the God who loves you  receive it and it is yours. This is the salvation that Jesus died to provide and that God offers as a gift.

If you have received Jesus Christ as Savior, by faith, because of what you have read here today, please let us know by clicking on the “I have accepted Christ today†button below. Welcome to the family of God! Welcome, Catholic friend, to the Christian life!

Retrieved from http://www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-Christian.html

 

[thessalonian]

EDITED - Argumentive AGIAN Thess

Edited made by Atonement

 

[thessalonian]

The most crucial difference between Catholics and “Bible Christians†is on the issue of salvation. Catholics view salvation almost entirely as a process, while Christians view salvation as both a completed status and a process. Catholics see themselves as “being saved,†while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.â€Â

Both claims are false. We beleive that one is fully sanctified and saved when they become a Christian in baptism. At that momement they would go straight to heaven were they do do. They have been saved.

But in the future they will sin and those future sins need justification applied to them as well. It is foolish to believe that one can go up to a homeowner and say "sorry for breaking your window". His reply "my window isn't broken". Then throw a baseball through it and expect that the previous apology would settle the issue.

Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross. That is just two of the many errors in Mr. Solo's post.

 

[thessalonian]

Past salvatoin1Pet.3
1. [20] who formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water.
1 Corinthians


Present salvation
[1] Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand,
[2] by which you are saved, if you hold it fast -- unless you believed in vain.


1Cor.1
1. [18] For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Future Salvation
Rom 10
[9] because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raied him from the dead, you will be saved.

Paul is speaking to current Christians here. Sounds pretty Catholic to me.

 

[jgredline]

Both claims are false. We beleive that one is fully sanctified and saved when they become a Christian in baptism. At that momement they would go straight to heaven were they do do. They have been saved.

But in the future they will sin and those future sins need justification applied to them as well. It is foolish to believe that one can go up to a homeowner and say "sorry for breaking your window". His reply "my window isn't broken". Then throw a baseball through it and expect that the previous apology would settle the issue.

First, Justification only happens one time...At the time one is born again, this person is now justified...Since justification is a one time event, all past, present and future sins are taken care off...Read and study Hebrews....Secondly, Sanctification is an ongoing process that happens through out the life of a believer...We are called to live Holy Lives...We are to strive for perfection...Perfection occurs at the time of death and thus we are fully sanctified...At this time we are then Glorified...Amen....

Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross. That is just two of the many errors in Mr. Solo's post.

Interesting...You use ''salvation'' in the past, present and future tense...
It sounds as if though you are getting saved over and over and over again...

Thess, or any other CC...Let me take this opportunity to ask a question...

Rome claims to have been the first church...We have the great examples of the first church in ACTS....''IF'' the catholic church indeed is the first century church,

Why do we not read about Mary's ascension?

Why do we not read about anybody praying to Mary as an intercessor?

Why is Mary and the saints not venerated?

In fact in the book of acts Mary is mentioned only one time...
Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

This verse also implied that 1 that Mary's prayers were no more special than anyone else's there 2 Jesus brothers were there as well......

 

[Fox_Fan]

Both claims are false. We beleive that one is fully sanctified and saved when they become a Christian in baptism. At that momement they would go straight to heaven were they do do. They have been saved.

But in the future they will sin and those future sins need justification applied to them as well. It is foolish to believe that one can go up to a homeowner and say "sorry for breaking your window". His reply "my window isn't broken". Then throw a baseball through it and expect that the previous apology would settle the issue.

Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross. That is just two of the many errors in Mr. Solo's post.

Thess, your analogy of the broken window is built upon a false argument. Had I paid the homeowner (for argument's sake) $100.00 for the broken window, and the homeowner then said, "but my window isn't broken," then it would fit what scripture teaches. The point being, even if you broke it afterwards, it would have already been paid for. ALL sin is paid for by the blood of Christ, past, present, and future.

I asked in a different thread what sends a person to hell. The scriptural answer to that is not because of sin, but rather because of unbelief. "He who believes not is condemned already."

When we as children of God understand that our sins have been forgiven, not by acts of righteousness that we have done, but because it PLEASED God to do so, then our love for Him grows. He who has been forgiven much, loves much. Those who feel the need to work for God's approval are in bondage to fear. Those who serve God out of appreciation for what He has done for us are truly free indeed.

Food for thought.

 

[golfjack]

reply

We are in agreement Fox Fan.



May God bless, Golfjack

 

[ThreeInOne]

Both claims are false. We beleive that one is fully sanctified and saved when they become a Christian in baptism. At that momement they would go straight to heaven were they do do. They have been saved.

But in the future they will sin and those future sins need justification applied to them as well. It is foolish to believe that one can go up to a homeowner and say "sorry for breaking your window". His reply "my window isn't broken". Then throw a baseball through it and expect that the previous apology would settle the issue.

Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross. That is just two of the many errors in Mr. Solo's post.

Thess, baptism does not save anyone.

And your example about the window is so far off the mark, it's not even funny. God's ways of thinking aren't like our ways of thinking. His are much higher. You think in the natural realm, not in the spiritual realm.

If a person is saved, they're saved - period. There's nothing they can do to save themselves any more than God had saved them from day one of accepting His Gift of Salvation. It's not a "process." As usual, it's turned into a "works" salvation.

Mr. Solo's post was right on and probably the most important, truthful thread on this entire forum. I know he didn't write it but it's true, nonetheless. This coming from an ex-Catholic, now Christian.

 

[jgredline]

As I was reading the op
''I am a Catholic, why should I consider becoming a Christian?''

The simple answer is this...So that I may have eternal life...

 

[sisterchristian]

The simple answer is this...So that I may have eternal life.

..[/quote] Woop there it is!

 

[ThreeInOne]

As I was reading the op
''I am a Catholic, why should I consider becoming a Christian?''

The simple answer is this...So that I may have eternal life...

A...yeah...duh!

 

[Arjy]

I grew up in the catholic system and thought i was saved.That was untill i was born again at the age of 38,then realised how wrong i had been.I couldnt get my children out of catholic scripture classes at school quick enough.They now attend presbetyrian scripture classes,and myself and my family attend a presbetyrian church.Though i dont call myself a presbetyrian,i am follower of christ.

 

[RobertMazar]

As a practicing Catholic who became Born Again by praying to Christ and asking Him to become my Savior I believe that the question of this thread is in error because all Catholics are Christians but not all Catholics are Born Again Christians. There is a difference betweene being a Christian and being a Born Again Christian. A Christian is someone who was Baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church or Mainline Protestant Churches but has not received Christ as their Savior and thus has not become a Born Again Christian. A Born Again Christian is someone who is Baptized and has received Christ as their Savior and thus has become Born Again and is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Mainline Protestant Churches or Fundamentalist Protestant Churches. :morning:

 

[mondar]

We beleive that one is fully sanctified and saved when they become a Christian in baptism. At that momement they would go straight to heaven were they do do. They have been saved.

{material deleted}

Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross. That is just two of the many errors in Mr. Solo's post.

Thess, I know Roman theology commonly puts these two concepts together as one. Yet you are blurring distinctions. You say that salvation is by grace, but I think you know well that protestants believe is "sola gratia." Salvation is not merely by Grace, but it is completely by Grace. When you add baptism, you add something to grace and then it is not completely God's grace. In Roman dogma it is not merely the efforts of God (sola gratia) but the efforts of parents are required for the salvation of an infant.

Also, your complain that Solo got it wrong is incorrect. Solo said "Catholics see themselves as “being saved,†while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.â€Â"

You turn around and say, "Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross."

After accusing solo of making false claims you turn around and make nearly the same identical claim that solo said you make.

Finally, I want to causion everyone involved in discussion. Those in the Roman denomination define justification different then protestants do. Rome sees little difference between justification and sanctification. It is a little difficult to have a conversation when we do not even define terms in the same way. This is just a note to causion you concerning the use of terms Thess might use.

 

[thessalonian]

Seems like atonement wants to keep things on topic so I am not going to go down the circular path of justification or baptism. The point of my post was that Mr. Solo misrepresents the Catholic faith again! (and again and again and again).

 

[Atonement]

I'm just curious to know that if Mary was so Holy and devine, why did she ask Jesus to turn the water into wine. Someone with great deity as Mary is regarded by the Catholics, I would assume she would have done this herself.

 

[mondar]

I'm just curious to know that if Mary was so Holy and devine, why did she ask Jesus to turn the water into wine. Someone with great deity as Mary is regarded by the Catholics, I would assume she would have done this herself.

Oh oh, LOL, here it comes. Thess is going to claim that you misrepresent "catholics." He is going to say that while they bow to both Jesus and Mary, pray to both Jesus and Mary, in fact they do nearly all the same things with Jesus and Mary, nevertheless, he will say that they do not claim Mary is divine. I just want to beat him to the punch because I know what is coming. He will not deal with the rest of your post, but will focus on just the "Catholics believe Mary is divine" statement.

The sophistry of the Roman denomination allows them to do all these same things but not regard Mary as God. I forget the names of the two doctrines that they have. One defines adoration, the other term defines worship. The claim to do the same things for Mary and Jesus, but one has one term which means to adore, the other involves worship. It always seem like nothing but sophistry to me.

 

[thessalonian]

Thess, I know Roman theology commonly puts these two concepts together as one.

What two?
[quote:c0c62]
Yet you are blurring distinctions. You say that salvation is by grace, but I think you know well that protestants believe is "sola gratia."

I never said they didn't. There is a difference in the view of what grace is however and the doctrine of irresistable grace is a false one.

Salvation is not merely by Grace, but it is completely by Grace. When you add baptism, you add something to grace and then it is not completely God's grace. In Roman dogma it is not merely the efforts of God (sola gratia) but the efforts of parents are required for the salvation of an infant.

I never said it was merely by grace. In him we live and move and have our being. The very fact that we walk and breathe is by natural grace and the sun shines on the good and the bad and so all recieve his grace. Nature cries out to the glory of God and all recieve his grace. Any who come to faith and any who do good and persevere in faith is SOLEY by his grace.

The parents take their kid in faith to Church to be baptized. The child is not saved by the actions of the parent. It is the Holy Spirit recieved by the child that cleanses it of sin. Not what the parents have done. Your hyperworks theology is a distortion that can be used with regard to statements of faith and sinners prayers saving people too. I won't go there.

Also, your complain that Solo got it wrong is incorrect. Solo said "Catholics see themselves as “being saved,†while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.â€Â"

You turn around and say, "Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross."

After accusing solo of making false claims you turn around and make nearly the same identical claim that solo said you make.

We do not just believe we are saved in the present. We see where we are at as what Christ did for us in the past and where we are going as what he will do in the future. I stand by what I have said.

Rome sees little difference between justification and sanctification. It is a little difficult to have a conversation when we do not even define terms in the same way. This is just a note to causion you concerning the use of terms Thess might use.

[/quote:c0c62]

You are right that our definitions are somewhat different. But the difference is not as you say. We see justification as forgiveness of all temporal and eternal punishment and effects of sin. Christ justified us and so all aspects of justification need his grace. Sanctification only deals with the temporal effects of sin on the soul.

Anyone who has had a little math and set theory can understand when we say that sanctification is a subset of justification. The two cannot be separated as mondar wants to do because Christ's death on the cross applies to the total package of sin and justifies not only the sin but cleanses our souls of the effects of sin (which is sanctification, a subset of justification). Mondar can fool people who don't understand Catholic theology but he can't fool me or anyone who has done a little study. He presents an air of knowing about Catholic theology but only knows enough to be dangerous and to confuse those who don't know themselves. He has shown time and time again he does not know what he is talking about regarding Catholic teaching and distorts with malice.

 

[Solo]

Thess, I know Roman theology commonly puts these two concepts together as one. Yet you are blurring distinctions. You say that salvation is by grace, but I think you know well that protestants believe is "sola gratia." Salvation is not merely by Grace, but it is completely by Grace. When you add baptism, you add something to grace and then it is not completely God's grace. In Roman dogma it is not merely the efforts of God (sola gratia) but the efforts of parents are required for the salvation of an infant.

Also, your complain that Solo got it wrong is incorrect. Solo said "Catholics see themselves as “being saved,†while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.â€Â"

You turn around and say, "Catholics in fact believe that we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved by the grace of Jesus Christ earned for us on the cross."

After accusing solo of making false claims you turn around and make nearly the same identical claim that solo said you make.

Finally, I want to causion everyone involved in discussion. Those in the Roman denomination define justification different then protestants do. Rome sees little difference between justification and sanctification. It is a little difficult to have a conversation when we do not even define terms in the same way. This is just a note to causion you concerning the use of terms Thess might use.

Another word that the "Roman denomination" defines differently than those who are believers is the word "Grace".

 

[thessalonian]

Yes, gracd is the power of the Holy Spirit, working in and through us. Grace is God working in the world to bring about men's salvation. Grace is the only thing by which we exist and by which we are saved.

Terrible definition isn't it. :-? Attributing all to God and all.