Catholicism and Christianity have a close historical and theological relationship. Many Catholics consider themselves to be Christians already. However, there are some key differences between Catholic and Protestant Christian beliefs that are worth examining for someone considering moving from Catholicism to a Protestant Christian faith.
Understanding salvation
One of the core differences between Catholicism and Protestant Christianity is on the doctrine of salvation. According to Catholic teaching, salvation is achieved through faith and good works. This includes participation in the sacraments, going to confession, saying certain prayers, and living a righteous life (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1992).
In contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, not by any human effort or merit. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is a free gift received when someone places their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it.
For a Catholic considering Christianity, this is a key issue to understand. Salvation is fully accomplished by Jesus on the cross, not through steps and rituals we must perform. The Bible’s clear teaching is that we cannot earn salvation, but simply accept it through repentance and faith in Christ (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
Authority of the Bible
Catholicism and Protestant Christianity also differ on the authority and interpretation of Scripture. For Catholicism, tradition and the teaching magisterium of the church are considered authoritative alongside the Bible. The Catechism states that “both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence” (CCC 82).
However, the Bible teaches that Scripture alone is the final authority for doctrine and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Scripture alone is inspired by God, not church tradition (2 Peter 1:20-21).
For someone leaving Catholicism for Christianity, submitting fully to the authority of Scripture over manmade traditions is an important step. We interpret Scripture by Scripture, not by church councils or papal decrees. The Bible alone is sufficient for life and godliness.
The priesthood and confession
Another major difference is the Catholic practice of confession to priests. Catholics are required to confess their sins to a priest in order to be forgiven. The priest serves as a mediator between God and man, with authority to prescribe acts of penance.
But Scripture teaches that all Christians are priests who can directly approach God’s throne of grace (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 4:16). We have one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ, not human priests (1 Timothy 2:5). We are encouraged to confess sins to one another, not as mediators, but simply to pray for each other (James 5:16). The Bible also teaches that confession alone is not what brings forgiveness – we must confess and repent directly to God (1 John 1:9).
For a Catholic coming to evangelical Christianity, this means rejecting the notion that priests are necessary mediators or have special powers to prescribe penance. We can approach God directly because of the mediation of Jesus.
Praying to saints
Praying to saints is another Catholic practice not found in evangelical Christian teaching. Catholics will ask saints, Mary, and angels to pray to God on their behalf or help them in times of need.
However, Scripture teaches that prayer is to be addressed to God alone – we do not pray to created beings or deceased saints (Exodus 20:3-6). Jesus taught His disciples to pray to the Father, not Mary or saints (Matthew 6:9-13). There are no examples in the Bible of anyone praying to anyone other than God. Praying to saints also elevates mere humans to a divine status only appropriate for God.
When leaving Catholicism for Christianity, praying to saints must be rejected in favor of directing all prayer to God alone. We pray directly to the Father, in the name of the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit – not going through other mediators or helpers (John 14:13-14).
Justification and righteousness
The Catholic view of justification also differs significantly from the evangelical Protestant perspective. Catholics see justification as a lifelong process of God making us more righteous. It involves our cooperation and merit by doing good works.
However, the Bible teaches justification is a one-time legal declaration by God, not a process. When we repent and believe, God declares us righteous in His sight, not because of our works but because of Christ’s righteousness credited to us (Romans 3:21-26). We are justified and made right with God by faith alone (Romans 5:1). Our works are a result of justification, not part of achieving it.
This is a critical gospel issue. We cannot merit God’s grace or justification by our efforts – it is wholly a work of Christ. If we try to earn righteousness before God, we deny the all-sufficiency of Jesus’ atoning work (Galatians 2:21).
Transubstantiation and the Mass
At the heart of Catholic worship is the Mass, centered around the sacrament of the Eucharist. According to the doctrine of transubstantiation, when the priest blesses the elements, the bread and wine literally transform into the physical body and blood of Christ. Catholics then adore and venerate the consecrated host as Jesus Himself.
But the Bible rejects transubstantiation, stating the Lord’s Supper is done in remembrance of Christ (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Jesus’ body remains physically resurrected and glorified in Heaven, not re-present in each Eucharist (Hebrews 10:12-13). Nothing in Scripture indicates any change in the substance of the elements.
When leaving Catholicism for Christianity, the idea of a re-sacrifice of Christ must be rejected. Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, fully sufficient for all sin (Hebrews 7:27, Hebrews 10:10). The Lord’s Supper is simply a memorial of His death, not an actual re-sacrificing. The elements remain bread and wine.
Assurance of salvation
Because of different views on justification and grace, Catholic theology struggles to provide assurance of salvation. A Catholic may sincerely participate in the sacraments and do good works but still not have certainty they will go to Heaven. The prescriptions of penance after confession show an ongoing need to be made satisfactory to God.
However, the Bible clearly teaches that Christians can and should have full assurance of salvation by placing their faith in Jesus for redemption (John 10:28-30, 1 John 5:13). We can know we have eternal life because of His finished work on the cross, not because of our meritorious works. Our salvation is as secure as Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s promise, not dependent on our performance.
Having true assurance of salvation is incredibly freeing. We obey out of love, not duty. Christianity teaches we can rest fully in Christ’s sufficient work for us and His promises to us.
Honoring Mary and the saints
Veneration of Mary as the “Mother of God” and prayer to the saints is central to Catholic piety. Mary and honored saints are seen as mediators and intercessors to whom we can pray for blessing and favor.
However, Scripture teaches that only God is to be worshipped, not any created being (Romans 1:25). We are not to even bow down to angels (Revelation 19:10). While Mary was blessed to give birth to Jesus, she was a mere mortal and sinner who needed a Savior like all of us (Romans 3:23). She should not be elevated to divine status.
Prayer and worship is to be directed to God alone. There are no biblical examples of anyone praying to Mary or deceased saints. Ultimately this distracts from the supreme position and role of Jesus as the one Mediator and Intercessor (1 Timothy 2:5).
Conclusion
There are many important theological differences between Catholicism and evangelical Protestant Christianity. The points discussed above are some of the key biblical issues to consider for a Catholic exploring becoming a Protestant Christian.
In summary, the evangelical Christian view is:
– Salvation is by God’s grace alone through faith alone, not by works.
– Scripture alone has supreme authority, not church tradition.
– All believers are priests who can directly approach God without human mediators or confession to priests.
– Prayer is offered to God alone, not Mary or saints.
– Justification is by faith alone, not a process of imparted righteousness.
– The Lord’s Supper is symbolic memorial, not an actual re-sacrificing of Christ.
– Christians can have full assurance of salvation based on Christ’s work.
– God alone deserves worship, not Mary or the saints.
These views are rooted in Scripture as the ultimate authority and Jesus Christ as the exclusive mediator between God and man. The Bible encourages each person to examine the Scriptures to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11). As someone exploring Protestant Christianity, careful study of God’s Word is essential. May the truth of Scripture guide you into a fuller understanding of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
