Compare the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible

Listed below are just a few teachings from the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church along with verses from the Bible indicating whether that teaching is scriptural or not.

After I received Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, I desired to question and search things out for myself. After years of being told what to believe by my parish priest, I was now able to read my own Bible and study for myself. I was able to question the Word of God directly and not my parish priest.

I write this to encourage my Catholic friends and family to search for themselves. You would not allow someone else to chew your food and then give it to you to swallow, would you? Of course not! But you do, my friend, each time you sit in church and listen to the priest and you don’t prove it out for yourself through the Bible!

Do you open the Bible to search out for yourself whether the things you believe have truly come from God? If not, WHY not? God commands that we do our own studying. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Ti 2:15) Paul doesn’t tell the people to leave it up to him to divide the word of truth. Paul tells his people to do this for themselves! Furthermore, Paul doesn’t tell them to study so that they can be approved of men, but approved unto God!

The Catholics are no different in their lack of studying and lack of knowing what God’s Word actually said. They are as guilty as the Jews for following the traditions of men instead of God’s Word. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Jewish Christians not to listen to those fables and man-made commandments because they deceived the people. “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.” (Tit 1:14) and “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men…” Mark 7:7-8 and “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

What does the Bible say in response to some of the doctrines Catholics have been taught? Please don’t just stop reading here but take a moment to read on. If the truth is revealed to your heart, then this blog has fulfilled its purpose. This same Truth set me free over 26 years ago and I have never looked back. I pray that I can make an impact on as many Catholics as possible before the rapture or my death occurs! “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (Joh 8:32)

Who/What is our final authority?

Catholic Doctrine Says:

*The 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church declares: “It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (Pg. 29, #95)

The Bible says:

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God…” 1 Thessalonians 2:13

What is salvation based on?

Catholic Doctrine Says:

“The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism explains: ‘For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained.'” Pg. 215, #816.

Here, the 1994 catechism confirms the existing teaching of Vatican II, that salvation is only through the Roman Catholic church:

“…all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body: Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation…” Pg. 224, #846

The Bible says:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (Joh 14:6) and

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Act 4:12) and

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom 1:16) and

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (2Co 7:10) and

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” (Eph 1:13) and

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1Th 5:9) and

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2Ti 3:15)

Who Has the Power To Forgive Sins?

Catholic Doctrine Says:

“There is no offense, however serious, that the Church cannot forgive.” Pg. 256, #982

“By Christ’s will, the Church possesses the power to forgive the sins of the baptized…” Pg. 257, #986

“The Church, who through the bishop and his priests forgives sins in the name of Jesus Christ…” Pg. 363-364, #1448.

The Bible says:

“Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” Mark 2:7 and

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 and

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee… I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin…” Psalm 32:5

King David went directly to God to ask forgiveness for his sins: “Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.” Psalm 25:18 and

“Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight…” Psalm 51:2,4.

King Solomon also: “Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.” 2 Chronicles 6:21 and

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

No one has to go through a church to receive forgiveness but to God Himself: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalm 86:5 and “… if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13

Does Mary Truly Save?

Catholic Doctrine Says:

“Taken up to heaven she (Mary) did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation…” Pg. 252, #969

“Being obedient she (Mary) became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race.” Pg. 125, #494

“She (Mary) is inseparably linked with the saving work of her Son.” Pg. 303, #1172

The Bible says:

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Jesus Himself declared that He is the ONLY way to heaven: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 and

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved… ” John 10:9 and

“I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no Saviour.” Isaiah 43:11 and

“Yet I am the LORD thy God… there is no Saviour beside me.” Hosea 13:4 and “The God of my rock he is… my Saviour…” 2 Samuel 22:3 and

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.

After Jesus’ birth, the angel repeated himself: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

Over and over, we read that Jesus is the Saviour: “… we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” John 4:42 and

“Him (Jesus) hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour…” Acts 5:31 and

“Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:” Acts 13:23 and

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ…” 2 Timothy 1:10 and

“Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Titus 1:4 and

“Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” Titus 3:6 and

“… the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” 1 John 4:14

Who is Our Intercessor:

Catholic Doctrine Says:

“Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.” Pg. 252, #969

The Bible says:

“…if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1 and

“Behold, God is mine helper…” Psalm 54:4 and

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:6 and

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 and

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5

“And for this cause he (Christ) is the mediator of the new testament…” Hebrews 9:15 and

“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands… but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” Hebrews 9:24 and

“Wherefore he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25 and

“… It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34 and

“… he (Jesus) maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27 and

“For through him (Jesus) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18 and

“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access…” Ephesians 3:11-12 and

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

Who Can Interpret God’s Word?

Catholic Doctrine Says:

“The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him.” Pg. 30, #100

The Bible says:

“… received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11.

In other words, they interpreted the Scriptures for themselves with the help of the Holy Spirit. “And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?” Mark 12:24.

Why did Jesus chastise the Sadducees for not knowing the Scriptures if it was impossible for them to interpret them? And why did Peter, Catholicism’s first ” pope,” declare the following? “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” 2 Peter 1:20.

Why does Paul instruct us to study the Bible if we can’t interpret it? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.

Jesus admonished the Jews to: “Search the scriptures…” John 5:39 and

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26 and

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…” John 16:13.

The Apostle Paul recognized that the Holy Spirit was the One who taught him: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13 and

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12.

Why are Christians commanded to memorize the Scriptures if they can’t understand them? “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11 and

“Keep my commandments, and live… write them upon the table of thine heart.” Proverbs 7:2-3.

I pray that today’s blog has given my Catholic friends just one iota of encouragement to dig in God’s Word for themselves. You will be held accountable for your own studying. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Act 17:11)

*Taken from the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church