Rick Jones in his attempt to reach out to Roman Catholics to show them the vast differences that exist between Biblical Christianity and the beliefs of Rome. He uses quotes from the 1994 Roman Catholic Catechism that establishes their doctrines, then compares those to what the Word of God tells us regarding Jesus, salvation, and a wide variety of Chirstian doctrine. I want to include some of those beliefs in an effort to clearly show how the teachings of Rome differ greatly from what God prescribes in His Bible and how to worship correctly. The hour is late and getting later. Nobody wants to be deceived and yet the enemy of God is very clever in how he can manipulate people and offers up his own brand of Christianity.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In recent years, there has been a merging of Roman Catholicism with traditional Protestantism. Many on both sides now claim those in the other camp as their Christian brothers and sisters. This was unheard of several years ago, but today:
• Roman Catholic clergy appear regularly on Christian television, promoting unity between Catholics and Protestants.
• Christian radio stations broadcast Roman Catholic programs.
• Christian bookstores carry a variety of material appealing to Roman Catholics.
Have the two sides, in fact, merged? Are they both now preaching the same message? Do both hold the same cardinal doctrines?
To discover the answer to these questions, I began an exhaustive study of the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church. Using this particular Catechism was important for two reasons:
1. This catechism is the official source for all Roman Catholic doctrine. No one can deny that it contains the actual teachings of the Roman Catholic church.
2. Published in 1994, this is the first new catechism in over 400 years. Therefore, you can be assured that you are reading the current teachings of the Roman Catholic church, not what it may have taught three hundred years ago.
In this book, we will examine 37 of the most critical Roman Catholic doctrines, then let the facts speak lor themselves. You will not find personal opinions or philosophies presented here. This is strictly a declaration of true Roman Catholic doctrine and how those doctrines compare with the Bible.
You must draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions. Neither is this a book of judgment or condemnation. Its sole purpose is to help you better understand Catholic doctrine so you will be prepared when you stand before God tor judgment, as we all must do after death:
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27
My heart breaks at the thought of anyone hearing Jesus proclaim the following words to them on that day:
“I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” Matthew 7:23
Yet the Bible reveals that the Lord will proclaim those very words to many religious people. Knowing this, it is vital that you not blindly follow anyone. Learn these Roman Catholic doctrines for yourself so you will be able to face God with confidence. As you read, my sincere prayer is that God will reveal His truth to your heart and mind. God bless you.