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Answer
First, please understand that we do not intend to offend with the wording of this question. We frequently receive inquiries from Catholics asking, “What sets Catholics apart from other Christians?” In personal discussions with Catholics, we have heard statements like, “I am Catholic, not Christian.” Many Catholics consider the terms “Christian” and “Protestant” interchangeable. Nevertheless, the purpose of this article is for Catholics to explore what the Bible teaches about being a Christian and to possibly reconsider whether the Catholic faith aligns with the biblical description. For context, please refer to our article on “What defines a Christian?”
A significant difference between Catholics and Christians lies in their perspectives on the Bible. Catholics regard the Bible as holding equal authority with the Church and tradition, while Christians view the Bible as the ultimate authority for matters of faith and conduct. The crucial question is: How does the Bible present itself? Second Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “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.” This passage emphasizes that Scripture is not merely a starting point, a basic foundation, or a precursor to a more comprehensive church tradition. Instead, Scripture is entirely and completely adequate for all aspects of the Christian life. It can instruct, admonish, correct, guide, and prepare believers. “Bible Christians” do not disregard the importance of church tradition. Rather, they assert that for a church tradition to be valid, it must align with the clear teachings of Scripture and be fully consistent with it.Catholic friend, study the Word of God for yourself. In God’s Word, you will find His description of and intention for His Church. Second 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.”
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, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (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, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (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 th
Themselves as “being saved,” while Christians view themselves as “having been saved.” First Corinthians 1:2 says, “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 «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (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 is fully accomplished at the moment of salvation. Christians are then called to live out 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 ChristiansIn this view, these things are seen as the outcome of salvation, not a requirement for salvation or a way of maintaining salvation. Salvation is an accomplished work, obtained by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ “and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.,” (1 John 2:2). God offers us salvation and assurance of salvation because Jesus’ sacrifice was fully, completely, and perfectly sufficient. If we accept God’s precious gift of salvation, we can be certain that we are saved. First John 5:13 states, “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.”
We can be certain that we have eternal life, and we can have confidence in our salvation because of the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice does not need to be offered again or represented. Hebrews 7:27 states, “He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.” Hebrews 10:10 proclaims, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” First 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 entirely and perfectly sufficient. Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished” “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.,” (John 19:30). Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was the complete payment for all of our sins “and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.,” (1 John 2:2). Consequently, all of our sins are forgiven, and we are assured of eternal life in heaven the moment we accept the gift God offers.Us – Salvation through Jesus Christ «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (John 3:16).
Catholic friend, do you desire this “so great salvation” «How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; », (Hebrews 2:3)? If so, all you must do is receive it «But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: », (John 1:12) through faith «Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: », (Romans 5:1). God loves us and offers us salvation as a gift «For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. », (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 salvati
on 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!
If you have any questions, please use the question form on our Bible Questions Answered page.
