A Summary Chart of the differences between Biblical Truth and Catholicism

by Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett, a former Roman Catholic priest, is President and founder of Berean Beacon Ministries which proclaims the Good News of Salvation (the Gospel of Jesus Christ). A ministry of truth, love, and compassion to Roman Catholics, and plain Biblical truth to Evangelicals embracing a false ecumenism.

"Thy Word Is Truth"
John 17:17

Biblical Truth

The Light of God’s Word

Topic

New Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

The Bible only is the Standard for Truth

“....the scripture cannot be broken.” John. 10:35

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” John. 17:17

“That ye might learn in us not to think...above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” 1 Corinthians 4:6

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Proverbs. 30:6

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered...” Mark. 7:13

 

The Basis

of

Truth

Truth is based on Scripture, Tradition, and the Pope 

Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together and communicate one with the other.” Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) Para 80

And [Holy] Tradition transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit. CCC Para 81

“As a result the [Roman Catholic] Church...does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.” CCC Para 82

The Supreme Pontiff, in virtue of his office, possesses infallible teaching authority when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful...he proclaims with a definitive act that a doctrine of faith or morals is to be held as such.” CCC Para 891

Salvation is by Grace Alone Through Faith

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24

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.” Ephesians 2:8, 9

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Rom 5:17

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us...” Titus 3:5-6

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” Galatians 2:21

Salvation

by Grace

Alone

For Salvation Grace becomes merely a help and is given through the sacraments of the Church

“Grace is the help God gives us to respond to our vocation of becoming his adopted sons. It introduces us into the intimacy of the Trinitarian life.” CCC Para2021

The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. ’Sacramental grace’ is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament. CCC Para1129

One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience.” CCC Para 1493

Faith is the Gift of God and comes by the Word of God

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” Philippians 1:29

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

 

Faith is God-given

and sustained

Faith comes through the Mother Church

It is the Church that believes first, and so bears, nourishes and sustains my faith.” CCC Para 168

“Salvation comes from God alone; but because we receive the life of faith through the Church, she is our mother:...” Para 169

Believing” is an ecclesial act. The Church’s faith precedes, engenders, supports and nourishes our faith. The Church is the mother of all believers. ‘No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother’” CCC Para 181

Christ’s Sacrifice was His alone and once offered

“ ...Jesus said, ‘It is finished:...’” John. 19:30

“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” Hebrews 10:12

“...when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” Hebrews. 1:3

Christ’s Atonement

Sufficient

Finished

Sacrifice

Christ’s Sacrifice continues, and is also of the Church

In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.” CCC Para 1367

“The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the [Roman Catholic] Church. The Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering of her Head. With him, she herself is offered whole and entire.” CCC Para 1368


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