Roman Catholicism, as a religious system, diverges from biblical Christianity in significant ways, including its teachings on salvation, the veneration of Mary, and the role of priests. While many Catholics are sincere in their faith and may be born-again believers, the official doctrines of Catholicism contain unbiblical elements that differentiate it from the teachings of Scripture.
Biblical Christianity is not defined by membership in a particular church but by faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to essential biblical doctrines. These include belief in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Mark 12:29–30), the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9), His death and resurrection for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3–4), and salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). The Catholic Church is considered part of Christianity but differs significantly from biblical teachings in areas like salvation, the veneration of Mary, and the role of priests. While the Bible emphasizes salvation by grace through faith alone, Catholic doctrine incorporates works, sacraments, and intercession through Mary and priests, which deviate from Scripture. Key biblical passages, such as 1 Timothy 2:5, affirm Jesus as the sole mediator, and Ephesians 2:8–9 highlights salvation as a gift of grace, not earned by works. Despite these doctrinal differences, even Catholics who personally trust in Jesus for salvation and align with biblical Christianity will be saved. Christians are encouraged to lovingly share the gospel and point all believers to the sufficiency of Christ and the authority of Scripture.
Roman Catholicism diverges from biblical Christianity in key areas, particularly in its teachings on salvation, the veneration of Mary, and the role of priests. The Catholic Church teaches a works-based approach to salvation, requiring adherence to sacraments and good deeds for grace. This contrasts with Scripture, which teaches that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5–7).
The veneration of Mary as a co-mediator and the necessity of priests for confession and absolution also stand in opposition to the Bible’s teaching of Christ as the sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). These practices elevate human figures to roles that Scripture reserves for Jesus alone. However, many Catholics do not fully understand or follow official church teachings and may hold personal beliefs that align with biblical Christianity. A born-again Catholic who places their faith solely in Jesus Christ for salvation can indeed be a true Christian.
Biblical Christianity calls all believers to follow Jesus as Lord, rely on His grace for salvation, and reject teachings that contradict Scripture. Christians should lovingly share the gospel with Catholics and others, encouraging reliance on God’s Word as the ultimate authority and on Jesus as the only way to salvation.