Why Catholics are Not Christians

Roman Catholics: The Modern Day Pharisees

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to examine the truth of the gospel against the backdrop of a system that has deceived many. While there are many people in the Catholic Church who genuinely love God, we must address the reality that the teachings of Roman Catholicism dangerously deviates from biblical Christianity. In many ways, these teachings mirror the legalism and self-righteousness of the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked. This is not an attack on individuals but a call to discern the truth according to Scripture.

1. Authority: The Bible vs. Tradition

The foundation of the Christian faith is the Word of God. As 2 Timothy 3:16 states:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Catholicism, however, undermines this truth by adding other authorities, including:

• The Apocrypha: Additional books not accepted in the biblical canon.

• The Pope: A man elevated to a position of ultimate earthly authority, contradicting Christ’s role as the head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

• Sacred Traditions: Man-made doctrines that are given equal weight as Scripture, despite Jesus’ warning in Matthew 15:9:

“In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

In relying on these authorities, the Catholic Church has placed itself above God’s Word, creating confusion and falsehood.

2. Mary: A Role Exalted Beyond Scripture

Mary was indeed a godly woman, chosen to bear the Savior. However, Catholic teachings elevate her to a near-divine status:

• Perpetual Virginity: The Bible clearly speaks of Jesus’ siblings (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3).

• Immaculate Conception and Sinlessness: Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Mary herself needed a Savior (Luke 1:47).

• Co-Redemptrix: Claiming that Mary suffered alongside Christ or has a role in salvation diminishes Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

Praying to Mary, or any deceased individual, is unbiblical. Scripture explicitly condemns communication with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). There is no mediator but Christ:

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

3. Idolatry: Prayers to Saints and Objects

Catholic practices such as praying to saints and venerating relics violate the commandments of God. Exodus 20:4-5 warns us against making and worshiping images. Instead of praying directly to God through Christ, Catholics are taught to use intermediaries.

• Biblical Truth: Saints in Scripture refer to all believers (1 Corinthians 1:2), not an elite group canonized by man.

• The Danger: These practices divert attention from Christ, turning faith into superstition and reliance on human works.

4. The Priesthood: A Barrier to God’s Presence

The Catholic priesthood is another example of an unbiblical system:

• Confession: Catholics are taught to confess sins to a priest, yet Scripture says,

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).

• The Veil Was Torn: Matthew 27:51 symbolizes the end of separation between God and humanity. We now have direct access to God through Christ.

Priests cannot mediate salvation. Jesus completed that work on the cross (Hebrews 10:11-14).

5. Baptism and Salvation by Works

Catholic baptism, particularly infant baptism, is presented as necessary for salvation. Yet the Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith alone:

Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.”

The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:43): Saved without baptism, demonstrating that faith alone is sufficient. Catholicism burdens its followers with sacraments, rituals, and works to earn salvation, contradicting the free gift offered by Christ.

6. Purgatory: A Non-Biblical Doctrine

Purgatory is another fabrication that undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement. The Bible states:

• “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

• Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His saving work.

Purgatory suggests that Christ’s sacrifice was not enough, requiring human suffering to achieve salvation. This false teaching leads to fear, manipulation, and financial exploitation through indulgences.

7. The Eucharist: Misunderstanding Christ’s Sacrifice

The Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation teaches that the bread and wine become the literal body and blood of Christ. This contradicts Scripture:

• Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of remembrance, not a repeated sacrifice.

• “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

By teaching that the Eucharist re-sacrifices Christ, Catholicism denies the sufficiency of His once-for-all sacrifice.

8. Salvation: By Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone

At the heart of the matter is salvation. Catholicism teaches that salvation comes through faith plus works, sacraments, and the Church. However, Scripture is clear:

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

If by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Romans 11:6).

Catholicism places an unbearable burden on its followers, leaving them to wonder if they have done enough. But Jesus said,

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Conclusion

Friends, the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple: We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. The Catholic Church, with its additions, traditions, and doctrines, obscures this truth and places barriers between people and God. Let us pray for those caught in this system, that their eyes would be opened to the sufficiency of Christ. Let us also commit ourselves to stand firm on the Word of God and share the true gospel with clarity and love.

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).