Answering Roman Catholics Who Insist They're Christians
As a former Roman Catholic, I can always testify that Roman Catholicism is not Christian. What is getting annoying is that when Roman Catholics enroll into Evangelical and Baptist schools. Here's a dilemma that Christian education faces. Remember the truth is always truth no matter what you do.
Being politically correct does not mean you are morally correct. Sins like abortion and sodomy are certainly politically correct but it's not morally correct. Likewise, it has also become politically incorrect to preach Jesus' Gospel. It has become incorrect to tell people John 14:6 that Jesus is the only way. To be honest, it's not surprising. John 15:18-19 warns that Christians will never be accepted to the world. 1 Timothy 3:12 warns that the godly shall suffer persecution.
The Vatican II Council has declared those they called as Protestants (erroneously or rightfully) as "separated brethren". It was a "new system" and the movement called the "Catholics and Evangelicals" together was created. The ECT movement tries to unite Catholics and Evangelicals together based on the following guidelines. In the past, Protestants and anti-Catholic rival cults were called as "heretics" now they are called "separated brethren".
For ECT movement, what's their justification to say that Catholics and Protestants can get along together as brothers and sisters in Christ? They state that since Catholics and Protestants have common beliefs, they can get along. The Roman Catholic religion has the following common beliefs in Protestants such as the belief of the Trinity, Jesus dying for sin and the blood of Jesus washes away sin. With these, the Catholic says, "Well, we're Christians too. When you say we Catholics aren't Christians, you are dividing the body of Christ."
However here's the chief differences that gradually causes born again Christians to be divided against Roman Catholics. What the Roman Catholics really believe will show they are not Christians even if they claim they are. To know some key differences will be very important to understand.
Here's some key differences that should answer why I don't accept Roman Catholics as Christians:
Salvation
The Roman Catholic institution no matter how her defenders will try to say they believe in Sola Fide (some of them anyway) will reveal by their doctrine, they add works to faith. It has always been a faith plus works type of teaching. Their doctrine teaches that you cannot be sure of salvation, it would be presumptuous for one to say you can be sure. It teaches salvation is by faith but you must do your works to be justified and sanctified. That is this salvation is dependent on man. It teaches that man's good works must exceed the bad. It also adds other stuff like obedience to the Pope as mandatory to one's eternal salvation.
On the other hand, born again Christians have stuck with the Bible's stand on salvation. Salvation in the Bible cannot be earned. The stand is that you are saved by faith, justified by faith and sanctified by faith. Does a born again Christian believe that you get faith then you can live anyway you want? Absolutely not at all. The great Reformers and Baptist preachers always insisted that if you have faith in Christ then works must manifest. It views that man is helpless even with just one sin, that man cannot work for it (James 2:10-11).
Sola Scriptura
The Roman Catholic institution said that Sola Scriptura was just a Protestant invention. The Catholic Church does not solely rely on the Bible as a standard for right and wrong. They have mixed Scripture with manmade tradition. History has proven that Roman Catholicism forbade Bible reading. Anybody who was caught reading the Bible or sharing it were executed. It took a great revolution to get the Bible printed.
On the other hand, born again Christians insist in Sola Scriptura. Sola Scriptura means in terms of spiritual authority, the Bible is sufficient. Now it doesn't mean the Bible is the only book Christians will read. Rather, it means that the Bible is the only filter for right and wrong. The Church and its tradition are rooted on God's Word. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 says that the source of tradition is from the word or epistle of the Apostles. How many times has the Papacy have a history of actually going against Scriptural tradition like declaring celibacy for priests when the Bible demands that the pastor is to be husband of one wife.
Good Works
The Roman Catholic institution states that good works are necessary for salvation and to keep salvation. It teaches that graces for the soul to regain that infused righteousness. There is the teaching of mortal sin and venial sin. They state using James 2 that salvation is by faith and by works. It is the teaching that you can gain Heaven by your works. It's a works-based system that also includes the sacraments. Confessionals, long prayers and the like are included in their plan of salvation.
On the other hand, born again Christians have the Biblical view of good works. While salvation is by faith alone but it was never by a faith that is alone. Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:11-14 and James 2:18-21 show what real faith is. First, James 2 did not teach that salvation is faith and works otherwise it would go against Romans 11:6. Instead, it teaches that true faith will manifest in good works. Because this belief of righteousness is imputation, one is counted unto righteousness by faith which leads to justification and sanctification. What James meant to be justified by works also is that if you are truly saved, good works will follow.
Coming to Jesus
The Roman Catholic institution teaches that before you come to Jesus, you must come through Mary. It teaches Mary as a co-mediatrix. It has attributed Mary with the titles such as Intercessor, Ark of the Covenant, Help of Christians and Great Shepherdess to name a few. They have used John 2:1-12 to justify the fact that in order to go to Jesus, you must pass through Mary. They teach that Jesus can only be approached if you come through Mary.
On the other hand, born again Christians have a different view. John 2:1-12 is frequently misrepresented the whole story. Notice that Jesus told Mary from a Catholic Bible interpretation, "Woman, do not tell me what to do, my time has not yet come." Mary says, "Do whatever He tells you." She only said that and in the ministry, Jesus did not invite anyone to come to His earthly mother. Rather, he invited people to come to Himself directly.