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Does this title seem a bit strange to you? How can there be a difference in belief or interpretation of Justification between the Bible and the Roman Catholic Church? Let us first examine the definition of the word “Justification”. “Justification” is the legal declaration by God upon the sinner where God declares the sinner righteous in his eyes. Biblically speaking Justification is set entirely on the work of Jesus the Messiah on the Cross, not by “our” works. There is no other way to attain justification and that includes any works that we do. If we say we can earn our own justification, then that is to deny the cross and Jesus was crucified needlessly! If we look at scripture we will see that Justification by God is done through faith. Look at the book of Romans 4: 5 “But to the one that does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,”. Also Romans 3:28 reads; “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law”. I don’t see how more clear these scriptures could be? So then what does the Catholic Church have to say about this? In order to quote the Church accurately we must look at their doctrines and writings on justification. The Council of Trent, Canon 12 states…”If anyone shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy pardoning sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is confidence alone by which we are justified, let him be accursed,”. It has been a long standing tradition of the Catholic Church to add works and sacraments as well to their doctrine of justification such as Baptism as well as “Temporal Goods”, (Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), par. 2027. What the RCC is telling us is that you must “Merit” ourselves for the Grace of God. This is totally contradictory to what God says. The scriptures are clear that we will have justification and Salvation through his Grace. Looking again at Bible scripture to buttress this point you need to look no farther than Romans 6: 23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” No works mentioned. If you are to switch on any news broadcast today, you can see the world falling apart. I see our time growing short and we need to examine exactly what the Lord is saying to us. If you are currently a Roman Catholic Church member, I ask you to weigh these matters seriously. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and not errant or manipulated doctrines of man. So the question must be asked, “Why would you believe the RCC Doctrine on Salvation? It takes away Christ’s work on the cross and adds works to your faith? Is it because you have “Always been a Catholic”? Please take account, repent of your sins and believe in the words of our Savior. I ask this in Love! Brian Mason
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Jesus, Roman Catholicism, Catholic, Doctrine, Catechism, Bible, Justification, Salvation,
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