Roman Catholicism and the gospel: a conversation between friends

Many of the people we love most are Roman Catholics. They pray, they serve, and they trust Jesus Christ as Lord. This article is written for them, and for anyone who wants to understand the conversation between Catholics and Protestants fairly. We want to begin with what we share, say honestly where we differ, and then point to Jesus.

What we share

Catholics and Reformed Christians confess the same great truths: one God in three Persons; Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, risen and coming again; the inspiration of the Bible; and the call to love God and our neighbour. We say the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed together. Where Catholics defend the unborn, care for the poor and teach that Christ is Lord, we are glad.

Where we differ, and why it matters

The differences are serious, and they are not about people's sincerity. They concern how we are made right with God. Here are the main ones, described as the Catholic Church itself teaches them.

1. Authority

The Catholic Catechism teaches that Scripture and Sacred Tradition, interpreted by the Church's teaching office, together carry God's revelation (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 80 to 82). We hold that Scripture alone is the final authority, because Jesus himself tested every tradition against the written Word (Mark 7:6-13) and Paul says Scripture can make us "complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV). Article 6 of the Thirty-Nine Articles and chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession say the same.

2. How a sinner is justified

Catholic teaching, following the Council of Trent, holds that justification is God's gift, but that it is received and increased through the sacraments and cooperation with grace. We believe the Bible teaches that God declares us righteous the moment we trust Christ, on the basis of his righteousness and not ours: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works" (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV; see also Romans 3:28 and 5:1). Article 11 and Westminster chapter 11 teach that we are justified by faith alone, and that good works are its fruit. This difference touches the heart of the gospel, because it decides where a person's assurance rests.

3. The sacrifice of Christ

The Catechism teaches that the Mass is not a new sacrifice but makes present the one sacrifice of Christ (paragraph 1367). We rejoice that Catholics honour the cross. Yet we hold that the Bible presents Christ's offering as finished and never to be repeated or re-presented: "by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14, ESV). That is why Articles 28 and 31 and Westminster chapter 29 speak as they do.

4. Mediators and prayer

Catholic devotion asks Mary and the saints to pray for us. We believe Scripture directs us to one Mediator: "there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5, ESV), and invites us to come to him boldly (Hebrews 4:16).

What Jesus says

When Jesus was asked what God requires, he answered, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent" (John 6:29, ESV). He promised, "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life" (John 5:24, ESV). He offers rest, not a ladder: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, ESV).

Questions to sit with

If you are a Catholic reading this, we invite you to read Romans 3 to 5 and the letter to the Hebrews slowly, with an open Bible, and to ask: on what do I rest my hope before God? We would not ask you to take our word for it. Look at the text, and look at Christ.

If you are a Protestant reading this, remember that these are our neighbours and family. Speak with them the way Peter says to: "with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, ESV).

A closing invitation

Whatever your tradition, Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6, ESV). He is enough. Read what we believe.