“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” – Matthew 19:26
What Does The Bible Say About Catholicism
The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus is the only way to salvation, and no religious institution can change the gospel. God’s Word is the final authority, yet the Catholic Church holds to traditions like praying to saints, the pope’s authority, and purgatory, which are not found in Scripture.
Jesus warned against human traditions that replace God’s truth. The Bible teaches that all believers have direct access to God through Christ, without needing a priest or religious leader. While the Catholic Church teaches that Mary intercedes for believers, the Bible says that only Jesus is our mediator.
Salvation is a free gift from God through faith in Jesus alone. The Catholic Church teaches that sacraments like baptism and confession are necessary for salvation, but the Bible says salvation comes by grace, not religious works. Believers must test all teachings against Scripture.
God calls people to seek Him through His Word and follow Jesus’ teachings rather than human traditions. While many Catholics sincerely love God, all religious teachings must be compared with Scripture. The Bible warns against altering the gospel and urges believers to trust God’s Word as the final authority.
Also Read: Bible Verses about Manipulation
Salvation by Faith, Not Works
The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is achieved through faith, good works, and participation in sacraments. However, the Bible repeatedly emphasizes that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Human works do not earn salvation but are a result of faith. The following verses support this biblical truth:
Romans 3:28
“We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get on track and are put right with God by trusting him, not by following the rules.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
“Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role.”
Galatians 2:16
“We know very well that we are not set right with God by rule-keeping but only through personal faith in Jesus Christ.”
Titus 3:5
“He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit.”
John 6:29
“Jesus said, ‘The work you have to do is to trust in the One who God has sent.’”
Jesus is the Only Mediator
The Catholic tradition often involves praying to saints and Mary as intercessors. However, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. Believers are instructed to pray directly to God through Christ, without any human or spiritual intermediaries.
1 Timothy 2:5
“There’s one God and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus.”
Hebrews 7:25
“He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.”
John 14:6
“Jesus said, ‘I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.’”
Acts 4:12
“Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved.”
Romans 8:34
“The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.”
There is No Purgatory
The Catholic Church teaches that after death, souls may go to purgatory to be purified before entering heaven. However, the Bible does not mention purgatory. Instead, it teaches that believers go directly to be with Christ upon death, while the unrighteous face judgment.
2 Corinthians 5:8
“We’d rather be away from these bodies and at home with God.”
Luke 23:43
“Jesus said, ‘Today you will join me in paradise.’”
Hebrews 9:27
“Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences.”
Philippians 1:23
“Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful.”
John 5:24
“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to what I’m saying: anyone here who believes what I am saying and aligns himself with the Father has, in fact, already taken hold of eternal life.”
Do Not Call Any Man ‘Father’
The Catholic Church refers to priests and the Pope as “Father,” but Jesus directly forbids this practice. He teaches that only God should be addressed as Father in a spiritual sense.
Matthew 23:9
“Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God.”
Psalm 111:9
“He commanded respect for his people—ordained his Covenant eternally.”
Isaiah 42:8
“I am God. That’s my name. I don’t hand out my glory to others.”
Exodus 20:3
“No other gods, only me.”
1 Corinthians 8:6
“Just one God—the Father!”
Mary is Not the Mediator or Co-Redeemer
The Catholic Church exalts Mary as the “Mother of God” and considers her a mediator and co-redeemer. However, the Bible never teaches that Mary plays a role in salvation. Scripture emphasizes that Jesus Christ alone is the mediator between God and humanity.
1 Timothy 2:5
“There’s one God and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus.”
John 14:6
“Jesus said, ‘I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.’”
Acts 4:12
“Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved.”
Luke 11:27-28
“Blessed is the womb that carried you, and the breasts at which you nursed! Jesus replied, ‘Even more blessed are those who hear God’s Word and guard it with their lives!’”
Matthew 12:46-50
“Pointing to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘Look closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood.’”
Idolatry is Forbidden
The Catholic Church permits the veneration of statues, images, and relics. However, the Bible explicitly condemns idolatry and warns against bowing before or worshiping anything other than God.
Exodus 20:4-5
“No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them.”
Leviticus 26:1
“No carved gods. Don’t set up an image or a stone pillar for worship.”
Isaiah 42:8
“I am God. That’s my name. I don’t hand out my glory to others.”
Deuteronomy 4:16-19
“Don’t fool around, carving statues of all shapes and sizes—male or female, animal or bird, reptile or fish.”
1 Corinthians 10:14
“Flee from the worship of idols.”
The Mass Does Not Re-Sacrifice Christ
The Catholic Mass teaches that the Eucharist is a re-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, the Bible makes it clear that Christ’s sacrifice was a one-time, complete act that does not need to be repeated.
Hebrews 9:12
“Once and for all he entered the Most Holy Place and secured our salvation forever.”
Hebrews 10:10
“Jesus did it once for all when he sacrificed himself.”
Hebrews 7:27
“Unlike the other priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices every day. He did it once for all when he sacrificed himself.”
John 19:30
“Jesus said, ‘It’s done… complete.’”
1 Peter 3:18
“Christ suffered for sins once for all.”
Confession to Priests is Unbiblical
The Catholic Church teaches that believers must confess their sins to a priest for absolution. However, the Bible teaches that confession should be made directly to God, as only He can forgive sins.
1 John 1:9
“If we admit our sins, simply come clean about them, he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.”
Psalm 32:5
“I confessed my sins to you and didn’t try to hide them, and you forgave me!”
Mark 2:7
“Who but God can forgive sins?”
Hebrews 4:16
“Walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”
Acts 8:22
“Turn to God and ask for forgiveness.”
Christian Quotes on Catholicism
“The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Any tradition that contradicts Scripture must be rejected, no matter how old or revered.” – John MacArthur
“God’s Word is the ultimate authority. No church, no council, and no pope can stand above what God has revealed in Scripture.” – R.C. Sproul
“Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. No one can add to His work or serve as a mediator between us and God.” – Billy Graham
“The gospel is not about what we do for God, but what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. Any system that adds human effort to salvation is false.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all. The idea of re-sacrificing Him in the Mass contradicts the finished work of the cross.” – John Piper
“The church does not have the power to forgive sins. Only Jesus Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, grants forgiveness.” – Paul Washer
“True faith is rooted in Scripture, not in human traditions or decrees. If we follow men instead of God’s Word, we are in danger of deception.” – A.W. Tozer
“No man, not even the pope, has the authority to claim infallibility. Only God’s Word is without error and stands forever.” – Martin Luther
“God’s grace is sufficient for salvation. We do not need rituals, sacraments, or intermediaries to receive His mercy.” – Jonathan Edwards
“Christ alone is our High Priest. We do not need earthly priests to intercede for us, because Jesus is our eternal mediator.” – C.H. Spurgeon
Final Thought
When examining Catholic traditions in the light of Scripture, it becomes clear that many teachings contradict the Bible. The authority of God’s Word must always come first, above human traditions and religious institutions. Jesus Christ alone is our Savior, our Mediator, and our High Priest. No church or religious figure can take His place. The call to every believer is to follow Scripture faithfully and reject doctrines that add to or alter the true gospel.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Any teaching that detracts from this truth must be rejected. As followers of Christ, we must stand firm in biblical truth and ensure that our faith is grounded in God’s Word rather than man-made traditions. The Bible is the final authority, and we are called to obey God rather than men.