Are All Catholics Deceived? (Part 2)

Note: This is part two in a discussion warning against being deceived, specifically by Catholic doctrine, so that Christians may be more equipped to witness by proclaiming the truth. You can read part one of the article, by clicking here.

Satan uses deception to prevent people from being saved. God uses the truth to proclaim salvation to all who believe it. Man is either saved by believing God's truth (Ephesians 1:13) or condemned by believing Satan's lie. Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers by perverting God's truth through false religious systems (2 Corinthians 4:4). Any religion that teaches salvation is obtained through human effort and merit is nullifying the grace of God to its followers. We are saved by grace: "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works, if it were, grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:6).

The truth will set you free. How can we avoid falling prey to these subtle and scheming impostors? Our only defense is to experience the emancipating truth of Scripture (John 8:32). We must know and live the truth. All teaching must be filtered through God's Word. We are to use the Bible to lovingly correct and rebuke all teaching that contradicts God's inspired Word (2 Tim. 3:16). The Scriptures must become our ultimate authority in all areas of our faith. We must cling to Jesus who came to testify to the truth (John 18:37) and who is the truth (John 14:6). We are to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waists (Eph. 6:14). It is through living the truth that we are sanctified (John 17:17). Does the church where you worship submit to the truth of the gospel? It is of vital importance to God that you worship Him in truth (John 4:24).

There are consequences for those who do not seek God's truth through His Word. Those people who blindly put their faith in religious leaders are most susceptible to deception. Many assume that religious leaders would never seduce anyone with a false plan of salvation. Yet Luke warned, "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:30).

Other people choose not to let the truth interfere with their lives. They turn away from it and listen to teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Tim. 4:2-4). Truth demands a response. The choice is to believe it and conform or reject it and go our stubborn way.

There are people who are devoted to God but do not know Him personally because religious leaders conceal the source and authority of truth. People who have been indoctrinated with false teachings have difficulty believing the truth. They are always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth (2 Tim. 3:7). Acknowledging the truth requires a "turning away" from all unbiblical doctrines.

A lack of faith in God's purpose, plan, and word separated Adam and Eve and their offspring from God. They chose to put their faith in the deceiver, which brought spiritual and physical death to us all. How divine for God to use the very instrument that separated us from Him--faith, to restore us back to Him. It is now through faith in God that we receive His gift of spiritual and eternal life (Ephesians 2:8).

The object of our faith determines who we are --- a child of the devil (John 8:43-45) or a child of God (John 1:12); how we live --- as slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:16-18); and how we will spend eternity --- under the wrath of God or in his loving presence (John 3:36). Faith in anyone other than Jesus, and in anything other than His Word will allow deception to creep into our lives. Those who follow the traditions, opinions, and philosophies of men and reject Christ and His Word will be condemned on the last day (John 12:48). By contrast, how wonderful are the words of Christ that those who believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus and His Word teach...

• You are saved by faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• All who rely on observing the law (commandments) are under a curse (Galatians 3:10).
• Salvation occurs at the moment you believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13).
• Jesus purifies sin (Hebrews 1:3).
• You can know for sure you are saved (1 John 5:13).
• The sacrifice of Jesus is finished (John 19:30).

The Pope and his church teach...

• You are saved by faith plus works.
• Obedience to the commandments is a requirement for salvation.
• Justification is a process from baptism through purgatory.
• Purgatory purifies sin.
• You are committing the sin of presumption if you claim to have the assurance of eternal life...
• The work of redemption continues on an altar in daily Mass.

As you can see, these two teachings directly oppose one another. Catholics must make the choice as to which is true and which is deception. May God give them eyes to see the glorious truth of the gospel of grace!

Mike Gendron was a devout Catholic for 34 years before God captured his attention with the truth of His Word. Upon His conversion, he set out to proclaim the true gospel to perishing Catholics. Mike now acts as director of Proclaiming the Gospel (www.proclaimingthegospel.org), a ministry devoted to this same mission. He has also written a book on the subject, titled Preparing for Eternity which you can learn more about by clicking here).

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