The big problem with the Catholic Church is that they are self-righteous. I
recently had a conversation with a Catholic woman from the Philippines. I
told her that the major difference between Catholics and Baptists is that
Catholics teach faith plus works for salvation; whereas, the Baptists
teach one is saved by faith alone in Christ Jesus. This by the way is
what the Scriptures teach as well. I am not endorsing all Baptist churches,
for there are some wayward one's no doubt; but I can assure you that there
are NO good Catholic churches in the world, because the Vatican tells them
what to believe. I always recommend for Christians to seek fellowship in an
Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, which means that the church
is not under the control of any higher governing or influencing
organization.
Jesus plainly told the Jews in Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” That is a very interesting statement which our Lord makes. Jesus acknowledges that the Pharisees and scribes DO have some form of righteousness, but it is not acceptable with God. How could righteousness not be acceptable to God? Romans 10:3,4 gives us the answer, “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." There are two types of righteousness: (1) Man's self-righteousness, and then (2) The righteousness of God which is in Christ Jesus. In Philippians 3:9 the Apostle Paul so beautifully states, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Catholics go about to establish THEIR OWN righteousness, which is utterly unacceptable to God the Father. Paul said he wasn't trusting in his own self-righteousness by keeping the Law. Rather, Paul said he was trusting in the righteousness of God which is through Jesus Christ. Catholics are making a serious mistake by adding the sacraments, good works, and membership in the Catholic Church as requirements for salvation. They are all headed for the Lake of Fire in their unbelief. They are not trusting the Lord as the Bible commands; but rather, are trusting in the Vatican and their religion to save them.
Going back to the Philippine woman I mentioned earlier, she is trusting in her Catholic faith to save her. She thinks that because she faithfully goes to mass and does kind things for other people that she'll make it to Heaven. No she won't! The Word of God plainly states in Titus 3:5a, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.” We are saved by God merciful grace. Ephesians 2:8,9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eternal life is a free gift, paid for by Jesus' precious blood. Salvation is receiving, not giving. It is God's gift to us, freely offered and freely received.
I love Catholic people, which is why I expose the false Catholic religion. Catholics have been LIED TO by their leaders! Jesus plainly stated in Mark 7:6-13...
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
Catholics are taught the TRADITIONS OF MEN instead of the commandments of God. It is difficult for many people to break away from the tradition which their family has followed for generations. This is exactly why Jesus said in Matthew 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
I plead with you if you are Catholic, please search through the Scriptures on your own and you'll find that salvation is without works. Romans 4:5 so wonderfully states, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Notice the words, "to him that worketh not." Salvation is without works of self-righteousness. There is only one work that God requires of us to be saved and that is to BELIEVE on Christ, “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29).
The major problem with the Catholic Church is that they ADD all sorts of requirements to salvation. God only requires that we acknowledge our guilt of sin and come for forgiveness by way of the blood sacrifice of His dear Son, Jesus Christ. Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Salvation is not found in any religion, but in a Person—the Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!
