Witnessing to Catholics—what is the key?
The key to witnessing to Catholics is focusing on the core message of the gospel while avoiding getting bogged down in secondary issues. At the heart of the gospel is the truth that we are all sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ came to die on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). By repenting of our sins and putting our faith in Christ alone for salvation, we can be forgiven and have eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
When witnessing to Catholics, it’s important not to attack their church or beliefs. We should focus on lifting up Christ and pointing them to God’s Word as the ultimate authority. Some helpful tips include:
– Ask questions to understand their beliefs and background. Don’t assume you know what they believe.
– Affirm common ground like belief in the Trinity and Jesus as Savior.
– Share your personal testimony of coming to faith in Christ.
– Use the Bible as your source of truth, not church tradition or teachings.
– Focus on salvation by grace alone through faith alone, not by good works. Point to Ephesians 2:8-9.
– Explain that we can only come to God through Christ, not Mary or the saints (John 14:6).
– Avoid debating secondary issues like the Apocrypha, praying to saints, purgatory. Stay focused on the gospel.
– Be respectful in disagreeing and don’t attack. Recognize genuine love for God.
– Ask if they have trusted in Christ alone for salvation and explain how to do so.
– Offer to study the Bible together and invite them to your church.
– Depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to God’s truth, not just your arguments.
– Continue praying for and building a relationship with them as you gently share the truth.
When witnessing to Catholics, we need to remember that many are sincere followers of Christ who simply have doctrinal differences. We want to avoid being argumentative and instead point them to the sufficiency of Christ and God’s Word. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Our role is to share the gospel and let the Spirit work in their heart. If we focus on the core message of Christ and His finished work on the cross, we can effectively witness to our Catholic friends and family without getting sidetracked in debate over secondary issues. The key is sharing God’s truth in love and grace, pointing them continually to Christ, the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).
Here are some key Bible verses to share when witnessing to Catholics:
– For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
– 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. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
– For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
– And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
– For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
– Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
– 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. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
– And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. (Matthew 27:50-51)
When using these verses, explain clearly that we cannot earn salvation through good works or rituals, but that it is a free gift of God’s grace that we receive only through faith in Christ. Make sure the passage about Jesus being the only way to the Father is emphasized, since this directly contradicts Catholic doctrines about Mary and the saints. Focus on God’s amazing grace and Christ’s finished work, not attacking false teachings.
Here are some tips for gently addressing specific Catholic beliefs while staying focused on the gospel:
On the Eucharist/Mass:
– Affirm that communion is commanded by Jesus to remember His sacrifice.
– Point out that the bread and wine are symbols, not literally the body and blood of Christ (John 6:63).
– The one time sacrifice of Christ is fully sufficient for all time (Hebrews 10:10-14). Additional sacrifices of the Mass are unnecessary.
On Confession:
– Agree we should confess sins, but point to 1 Timothy 2:5 that we can go directly to God.
– Affirm repentance but emphasize that only God can forgive sins through Christ.
On Mary:
– State you understand Catholics’ reverence for Mary as the mother of Jesus.
– Explain that while Mary is blessed, she is not divine and should not be worshipped.
– Salvation is through Christ alone, not Mary (Acts 4:12).
On the Pope:
– Politely note that there is no biblical basis for papal authority and infallibility.
– Only Scripture is infallible, not church tradition or popes.
On Purgatory:
– Share that this doctrine is not found in Scripture, only in apocryphal books.
– The believer’s sins are fully atoned for by Christ (Hebrews 10:10-14), not an additional place of punishment.
In all these discussions, point continually to the sufficiency of Scripture, Christ’s full payment for sins on the cross, and salvation by God’s grace alone received through faith alone. Avoid attacking the Catholic church and focus on lifting up Jesus as the all-sufficient Savior. With gentleness, prayerfulness, and an open Bible, you can effectively witness to Catholics with the transforming truth of the gospel.
In summary, the key truths to emphasize when witnessing to Catholics include:
– All people have sinned and are separated from God (Romans 3:23).
– Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation (John 14:6).
– We are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, not by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
– The Bible alone is infallible Scripture, not church tradition (2 Timothy 3:16).
– Salvation is through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross, nothing else is needed (Hebrews 10).
– Jesus is the one mediator between God and man, we do not need other mediators (1 Timothy 2:5).
By focusing on these core truths and avoiding debates over secondary issues, we can share the true gospel message with our Catholic friends and point them to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s Word is powerful and the Holy Spirit can open eyes to understand the truth. Our role is simply to share this good news with gentleness and love, trusting God to open hearts and minds to His free gift of salvation in Christ.
