Tradition vs Bible

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Tradition vs Bible

Protestant and Catholic doctrine differ greatly in their use of tradition.

According to Protestantism, the Bible alone is a Christian’s sole authority and source of spiritual truth.  

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church holds its sacred traditions to be equal with God’s Word.

…Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.
(paragraph 82 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church).

The biggest traditional doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church is the ‘Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church’, around 906 pages.

Catholics hold this document in high regard and often refer to it when they have disagreements or questions regarding their faith.

The Catechism contains traditions passed down through generations of Popes who claimed to receive direct revelations from God.

Roman Catholic traditions today are largely derived from this document, which is referred to more than the Bible itself.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, clearly teaches that Scripture and Tradition are to be accepted and honored with equal devotion, reverence, and authority. Following are some citations from the Catechism regarding Roman Catholic traditions;  

“The apostles left bishops as their successors. They gave them ‘their own position of teaching authority.”
(Paragraph 77) 

“This living transmission, accomplished through the Holy Spirit, is called tradition…” 
(Paragraph 78) 

“Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.” 
(Paragraph 82). 

The main problem with traditions is that they are man-made. As a result, the subjective opinions of individuals are incorporated into church practices rather than God’s inspired truths. This has resulted in Catholics maintaining the sacredness of their traditions and human  opinions though over the sacred Scriptures.

In contrast, the scriptures, demonstrate that the word of God is greater than man’s wisdom.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV)
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

In the above verse, Paul disregards man’s wisdom. He argues that we should instead rely on what Scripture alone says and what the Holy Spirit teaches us through it.

This isn’t optional for a true believer; rather, anyone who the Spirit leads will affirm that the Bible is God’s word.

Even Jesus commented on some of His followers’ traditions:

Mark 7:7-8 (NKJV) 
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

It is impossible to match the authority of God’s word. Mike Gendron, in his book titled “Preparing for Eternity” perfectly illustrates the authority of the scriptures as follows:

“It is pure, perfect, inerrant, infallible, living, sure, truth, light, holy, eternal, forever settled in heaven, and will exist even if heaven and earth pass away. It illuminates, cleanses, saves, frees, guides, converts, heals, quickens, judges, and sanctifies. It also brings conviction, gives knowledge, gives wisdom, produces faith, refutes error, searches the heart, equips for every good work, and is used as a weapon. Few, if any, of these characteristics can be said about Catholic tradition.”

How do the traditions of the Catholic Church contradict the Bible?

The Catholic Church places traditions on a high esteem, but what do we do when they contradict with the Bible?

Jesus Himself spoke against those who deem the word of God useless by their traditions or who intended to supersede the word of God by their rituals & practices;  

Mark 7:13 (NKJV)
making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.

This verse highlights the potential conflict between human traditions and divine commandments. A notable example is the Catholic Church’s approach to imagery and idols, which conflicts with the direct biblical commandment against idolatry (Exodus 20:4).

While the Catholic Church claims that its sacred tradition is not in conflict with Scripture, their rituals constantly undermine its authority.

Its one thing to follow a set of traditions or practices that can edify the church but it is concerning if said practices are in direct contradiction with the Bible.

The scriptures must be the basis of our faith andwe must value it above all else.

The Sacraments

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The Sacraments

The Catholic believer is required to follow certain steps from the day they are born until their death bed which are as follows: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.

The Church clearly believes that participating in the sacraments dispenses a measure of grace to its believers. While Protestants observe certain sacraments, they do not believe that they allow people to transcend into a deeper level of grace by simply performing the sacraments.

As an example, Protestants observe baptism as an act of public affirmation rather than a way to attain grace. Additionally, Protestants observe the sacrament of communion at the Lord’s table, which is performed to remember Christ rather than to give followers a measure of grace points.

A Catholic believer’s general progression in life through the sacraments would be as follows:

  • At birth, the Catholic church claims that the Holy Spirit embraces the child (this is known as the first actual grace). In this initial interaction, the child is said to be given the grace to reach out to God and prepares their soul for the next step, which is baptism.
  • Catholics believe that when a child is baptized, they are cleansed of their original sin. They also claim that ‘sanctifying grace’ (which is higher than the grace received at birth) is infused into the child.
  • Next comes the Sacrament of Confirmation (usually performed during the age 7 to 18). In this Sacrament, the priest lays his hand on the individual to receive the Holy Spirit. Therefore, more grace is applied to the individual at this stage.
  • Upon completion of these two major rituals (Baptism & Confirmation), the individual is declared justified before God. However, they have not yet been fully accepted or prepared to be received into heaven. They must commit to a lifetime of good works, which are ultimately weighed against their flaws or shortcomings.
  • The next step a Catholic needs to take is the Sacrament of Matrimony. For additional grace points, followers must marry a Roman Catholic spouse.
  • The Sacrament of holy orders is another option available to Catholic believers, where a priest ordains them to take on a higher role within the church. Most Catholics do not reach this point in their lifetime, but all are encouraged to do so.
  • Additionally, two ‘continuous’ acts must be performed: the Sacrament of the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
      • The Eucharist is participation in the weekly mass where Jesus’ life on earth is reenacted (metaphorically) until He is crucified on the cross. The Catholic Church believes that in every mass, Jesus’ flesh and blood is presented in the Eucharist. Catholics understand that forgiveness for sins and merits are added to the believer’s life when bread and wine are consumed.
      • The Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance is another mandatory act that all Catholics are required to perform, especially if they have committed a Mortal Sin (a serious, deliberate sin as listed in the ten commandments, including those deemed as serious sins by the church itself such as missing the weekly mass) in their lives. All Catholics need to go for confessionals to their local priests frequently. Depending on the severity of their sins, they are required to perform certain good works prescribed by the priest to absolve themselves of those sins (such as fasting, praying, and donating money to the church).
  • Lastly, anointing the sick is a sacrament that is often forgotten or ignored but is nonetheless considered important.The Sacrament of Anointing the Sick basically involves putting oil on someone who is ill to pray for them.

The Catholic Church, in its teachings, positions itself as a vital intermediary between the believer and Christ. This is evidenced through the emphasis on sacraments and rituals as essential components of salvation. This approach, fosters a dependency on the Church for salvation, potentially overshadowing the individual’s direct relationship with Christ. We can see how the church entraps its followers at different stages of life leaving Catholics in fear of losing “easy grace points” to get to heaven.

Below are some of the doctrinal statements concerning the teaching of the Sacraments affirmed during the General Council of Trent (1545–1563): Seventh Session;

CANON I. – If any one saith, that the sacraments of the New Law were not all instituted by Jesus Christ, our Lord; or that they are more, or less, than seven, to wit, Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Extreme Unction, Order, and Matrimony; or even that any one of these seven is not truly and properly a sacrament; let him be anathema.

CANON IV. – If any one saith, that the sacraments of the New Law are not necessary unto salvation, but superfluous; and that, without them, or without the desire thereof, men obtain of God, through faith alone, the grace of justification; – though all (the sacraments) are not necessary for every individual; let him be anathema.

Additionally it is important to note that these sacraments were not established formally until 1439 AD, which raises some pertinent questions;

Why did it take 1439 years after Jesus for something so critical to be established? How about those who lived by faith before the sacraments were established? Why was it not mandated for 1400 years? Are all those who lived before the sacraments condemned?

It is essential to ask these questions about the sacraments.

However, the most important question is, what does the Bible say about these sacraments? Are they required to go to heaven?

Most definitely not.

It is clear in the Bible that we have been saved only through Jesus’ work. As humans, we are sinful by nature, and nothing we can do on our own can justify us before a Holy God. This is illustrated in the following verses;

Romans 5:1-2 (NKJV)
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

As a conclusion, the sacraments are primarily established to entrap the followers and to create a fear of losing out if they do not adhere to or deviate from the doctrines of the Catholic Church.

Ultimately, it comes down to doing more work to receive more grace. The more grace you have, the closer you are to being fully justified. This is note the good news of the gospel.

What is the Roman Catholic view of Salvation?

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What is the Roman Catholic view of Salvation?

Salvation through works

In a nutshell, the Roman Catholic Church follows a “works-based” approach towards salvation where its followers must cooperate with the Holy Spirit and do exemplary works to get to heaven.

In general, Catholics don’t fully hold to the understanding that the work of Christ alone is sufficient to save sinners. Instead, they prescribe that certain works (such as the seven Sacraments) are required along the way to attain / maintain salvation. (We will discuss the Sacraments in the next chapter).

A crucial question arises: how many “good works” must a person do in order to attain salvation? How much “good work” is enough?

Those who follow the Catholic doctrine believe that one must continually perform  good works as much as possible; in fact, they assert that all their good works will be credited to them in heaven as ‘meritorious works.’ In addition, if they accumulate an excess of these ‘meritorious works’, they may offer them to others to bring them to salvation or to reduce the length of their time in purgatory.

This is why the Pope canonizes saints who have lived a lifetime doing countless good works so that when Catholics pray to them, they might gain some ‘grace points’ credited to them from heaven. This acts as a heavenly bank account.

Though the idea of a heavenly bank account might sound silly, it is a clear representation of the concept of meritorious works in Roman Catholicism.

The heavenly bank account of a Catholic gets frozen whenever they sin, and in order to reopen it, they must confess to a priest for forgiveness and complete the sacrament of penance.

Is there any Biblical precedent for any of this? No, there isn’t. Scripture clearly teaches that we are saved completely by God’s grace alone, not our own works or merits.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Our eternal life is a free gift merited to us by God alone, not something we earn through our works. If we preach anything other than His grace for salvation, we are preaching another gospel.

The Catholic Church, however, rejects this basic understanding of the gospel message, as evidenced by some of their doctrinal statements at the General Council of Trent, Session Sixth – 1547 AD.

If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious (sinner) is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.

(Canon IX)

If any one saith, that justifying faith is nothing else but confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ’s sake; or, that this confidence alone is that whereby we are justified; let him be anathema.

(CANON XII)

If any one saith, that the justice received is not preserved and also increased before God through good works; but that the said works are merely the fruits and signs of Justification obtained, but not a cause of the increase thereof; let him be anathema.

(CANON XXIV)

The reformers (mainly) were damned for claiming salvation was by faith alone.

In simple terms, the Roman Catholic Church declared the Reformers accursed for the way they understood the Biblical teaching that works are the result of our justification and not what justifies us.

The reasoning behind these Roman Catholic beliefs is to motivate their followers to work harder. The more works they perform, the more grace they will receive, and the more goodwill they will have with God, ultimately leading to the attainment of eternal life.

Roman Catholic followers are also reminded that they are on a long journey toward perfection. However, this isn’t “good news” for its church members rather it is simply a motivational “pep-talk” to do more stuff.

Because Catholics don’t know whether they will ever get into God’s kingdom (since even one mortal sin can threaten their entire walk with God and send them back down the ladder), they are plagued with guilt and fear.

The good news of the gospel is that,  frees us from the guilt and condemnation of our sins once we put our trust in Jesus’ finished work. Biblical Christianity states that we are saved by Grace through faith and not of works, it is a gift of God and once given is sustained and sealed by His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:8-9 / Romans 8:1 / Ephesians 1:13-14).

Is Jesus or the Catholic Church necessary for salvation?

Catholic Doctrine Says:

“The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism (movement for Christian unity) explains: ‘For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone,which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.’”
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church – Pg. 215, #816)

“…all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation…”
(1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church Pg. 224, #846)

From the above we can conclude that the Roman Catholic doctrine clearly teaches that salvation cannot be attained without the Roman Catholic Church. 

What does the Bible say about this? Several Scriptural passages clearly teach that salvation can only be attained through Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NKJV)
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Our Christian lives are centered around Christ as our redeemer. We can summarize the Christian salvation in three stages: Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification.

(1). Justification: happens at the moment we place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It is the one-time act of God declaring us righteous because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Through faith alone, we are freed from the guilt of sin, and God credits us with the righteousness of Christ.

(2). Sanctification: is the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, cleansing us from sin and empowering us to live in obedience to God’s will. As we grow in faith, we are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ, reflecting His holiness in our daily walk.

(3) Glorification: occurs when we are finally perfected at the moment of death or Christ’s return. All traces of sin are removed, and we receive immortal, glorified bodies. This enables us to worship and enjoy God fully and eternally, forever dwelling in His presence.

Jesus is at the heart of Christianity. His death and resurrection paved the way for our salvation and enabled us to be reconciled to God. It is through faith in Jesus that we can live a sanctified life and have the confidence that we will one day be reunited with our Heavenly Father in our glorification.

No Assurance of Salvation in the Catholic Church

There is no assurance of salvation for the Roman Catholic believer. This is because the Roman church has made its followers afraid that if they abandon Catholicism, it could have eternal consequences.

The followers have no hope except in the church, which acts as a surrogate Christ (a redeemer in itself).

In theory, Catholics are not connected to Christ by their personal faith; rather, they are connected to the church, which claims to be connected to Christ. By means of various sacraments and rituals, the Roman Church attempts to keep its followers connected to Christ. Consequently, the Church has entrapped its followers by creating the fear of missing out on something if they break away from it or abandon it entirely.

But thankfully, the scriptures make clear that true believers can always be assured of their place in heaven.

1 John 5:13 (NKJV)
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

In speaking to Roman Catholics, this assurance of salvation is a powerful truth that can help liberate them from dependence on rituals and practices. It offers a profound invitation to trust wholly in Christ’s finished work for their salvation, rather than in the church’s mediating role. What a great encouragement for anyone who feels trapped in the cycle of religious rituals and traditions to be set free by placing their faith in the redemption Christ offers.

True freedom and assurance comes from knowing that salvation is secured by God’s grace through faith in Jesus alone—a promise that gives confidence, peace, and a guaranteed hope of eternal life.

The Jesus of the Catholic Church is not the same

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The Jesus of the Catholic Church is not the same

Roman Catholicism has created a different Jesus than the one described in Scripture.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church here are some implied statements about Jesus (paragraph numbers in parenthesis):

  • He is unable to save forever (1861)
  • He is unable to atone for all sin (1030, 1471)
  • He returns physically to earth daily (1374-78)
  • He dies again and again every day during the mass services (1367)
  • He did not finish the work of redemption on the cross (1405)
  • He is not the only mediator between God and man (969, 494)
  • He is not the only way to heaven (841)

If we are required to trust in Jesus for our eternal salvation, it is imperative to have a true understanding of Christ.

The Scriptures are clear that the Lord Jesus Christ is able to save sinners permanently and completely. Having completed the work of redemption on the cross, Jesus can atone for all sins. As the only mediator between God and man, Jesus is the only way to God and the only name under heaven that can save man. Having been raised from the dead, Jesus has declared victory over death, and He will return to earth in glory on the last day.

Is Catholicism a different denomination?

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Is Catholicism a different denomination?

By comparing the doctrines of the Catholic Church to the Bible, we can see that Catholicism is not just another Christian denomination. In fact, the distinctions between biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism would force us to conclude that it is a separate religion.

Even though some claim the Reformation (a historical movement challenging many Catholic doctrines) has concluded, the Roman Catholic Church and its theology remain largely unchanged. The Roman Church has persisted in protecting its doctrines at all costs, condemning those who stand against them as accursed. The church still practices works-based salvation, praying to Mary, baptism as a means of justification, confession, praying the rosary, etc., all of which are unbiblical.

Unless the Roman church changes, the reformation period will continue until all the false doctrines (especially those concerning a works-based salvation) are denounced and the true gospel is embraced.

Some have argued that the Roman church has toned down its rigid approaches, but that does not change anything. The Roman church is notorious for morphing into whatever it needs to be in any nation and at any time. This includes modifying or introducing revised doctrines if needed to win people over.

This is not surprising because the devil too works in this way by shifting his methods to win people over.

Growth of Protestants despite persecution

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Growth of Protestants despite persecution

Throughout history, the response of the Roman Catholic Church to dissent and reform has been negative. Instead of engaging in reasoned dialogue, the Church has at times resorted to persecuting against those who questioned its doctrines.

The protestants during the reformation period held a strong stance of “no compromise” driven by their conviction in the clear teachings of Scripture. The protestants viewed the Catholic Church to be corrupt in its doctrinal beliefs and moral failings. They openly condemned the Catholic system of indulgences and the false gospel of ‘works righteousness’ – the idea of earning God’s favor through good deeds.

This opposition sparked a significant religious and political upheaval. In response, Rome resorted to violence at the highest level. Historical accounts, such as those by Protestant historian John Dowling in his book ‘History of Romanism’, claimed that the Roman Catholic Church was responsible for the persecution and death of millions of “heretics” from A.D. 606 (the inception of the papacy) to the mid-1800s.

Martin Luther, a central figure in the Reformation, also critiqued the Catholic Church’s methods. In his address to ‘The Christian Nobility of the German Nation’, he remarked on the Church’s use of force, saying that “if the art of convincing heretics by fire were the right one, then the executioners would be the most learned Doctors on earth.”

Surely, any religion that resorts to violence to protect its doctrines should be marked and avoided as a false religion.

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