Are Roman Catholics Heretics? Salvation
- Bill Fuller
- Oct 22
- 15 min read
Roman Catholicism has a Different Salvation than Protestant Christianity
Both Catholics and Protestants believe salvation is by God through Jesus Christ, but they differ on how sinners are made righteous, what transforms and sustains believers, and which authorities define and guarantee salvation.
The key difference between Protestant and Catholic beliefs about salvation lies in the roles of faith, works, and the sacraments, with Protestants emphasizing salvation by faith alone and Catholics advocating for a synergistic approach involving both faith and works.
While both Protestants and Catholics share a belief in the necessity of God's grace and the centrality of Christ in salvation, they differ significantly in their understanding of how salvation is attained and maintained. Protestants emphasize faith alone, while Catholics advocate for a synergistic approach that includes both faith and works, with the sacraments playing a crucial role in the process of salvation.
Thus, salvation in Protestant Christianity is achieved by the free gift of grace through faith in Jesus. It is the sufficiency of Christ, forgiveness of sins on the cross, and eternal life given by His resurrection and ascension into heaven, that saves you. It is a one-time act that has nothing to do with works. Note that it is God who saves, not our good works.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:4-10).
The historical root of the core dispute arose in the Reformation over how a person is made righteous before God — whether by faith alone or by faith working with grace and the life of the Church. Reformers argued for sola fide (faith only) and sola Scriptura (Scripture only); the Catholic Reformation (Council of Trent) responded by upholding faith united to works and Church authority.
The Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation
Sola Scriptura ("Scripture Alone")
The Bible is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice,
not church tradition or ecclesiastical hierarchy (pope dictating new scriptural truth), or magisterium (bishops interpreting Scripture).
Sola Fide ("Faith Alone")
Justification (made righteous before God) comes through faith alone, not by works. Believers are declared righteous before God solely through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Roman catholic church teaches that you must only rely on church tradition, papal decrees, or magisterium, which are all man-made and heretical.
Sola Gratia ("Grace Alone")
Salvation is a gift of God's grace, not something earned or deserved. It is entirely initiated and completed by God's mercy through the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
The Roman catholic church is in control of grace and gives it only when you keep the sacraments, and rather sparingly at that. You have to keep coming back to the church, again and again, to earn grace.
Solus Christus ("Christ Alone")
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. Salvation is accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection—no other person.
Roman Catholic historical tradition, or institution, is needed. These are tactics to control the masses.
Soli Deo Gloria ("To the Glory of God Alone")
All of life and salvation is to be lived for God's glory, which seems self-explanatory.
But not for the Roman catholics who worship saints, popes. Mary, the church, or any other man-made tradition, person, or edict. The Catholics worship human pride and institutional power.
Each Sola emphasizes a core theological principle of the Protestant Reformation. How did the Catholic church respond to the Reformation?
Roman Catholic Response to the Protestant Reformation
Catholic Council of Trent
These 5 doctrinal truths led to the Councils of Trent, where, over the years, Catholic heresies were solidified as Doctrines. Any Christians who believed even one of these "Five Solas" were deemed an Anathema, excommunicated, and cursed to eternal damnation, and numerous were murdered by torture, starvation, and being burned at the stake, all in the name of God.
Anathema
It refers to someone who is intensely disliked, seen as abhorrent, hateful, or monstrous, or another person with differing beliefs enough to provoke murder. It is a formal curse issued by a pope or church council, condemning a person to damnation or denouncing a doctrine, effectively excommunicating them.
This was the beginning of Christian martyrdom, in the Middle Ages, at the discretion of Catholic Inquisitors. They were papally appointed clergy charged with preserving orthodox Catholic beliefs and teachings throughout Christendom.
Catholic historian Vergerius admits gleefully that during the Pontificate of Pope Paul IV (1555-1559)
"The Inquisition alone, by tortures, starvation, or the fire, murdered more than 150,000 Protestants."
Pope Leo X (1520): In his bull Exsurge Domine, he condemned Martin Luther’s teachings, which escalated tensions and led to persecution of Luther’s followers.
"...the papal church, arming herself with the power of the sword, vexed the church of God and wasted it for several centuries, a period most appropriately termed in history, the 'dark ages'. (John Foxe's Book of Martyrs).
"If you are willing to kill for your beliefs, you are a murderer; if you are willing to die for your beliefs, you are a martyr" (Matshona Dhliwayo).
Queen Mary I of England, known as "Bloody Mary," was responsible for the execution of over 300 Protestant dissenters during her reign from 1553 to 1558. These executions, primarily by burning at the stake, were part of her effort to restore Roman Catholicism in England and are collectively known as the Marian persecutions.
William Tyndale was a pivotal figure in the Protestant Reformation and is often called the "Father of the English Bible." His life's mission was to make the Bible accessible to ordinary English speakers, which was considered heretical at the time by the catholic church. In 1536, he was convicted of heresy. He was executed by strangulation, and then his body was burned at the stake. Tyndale's final words reportedly were: "Lord, open the King of England’s eyes." His death marked a turning point in the movement toward reform and access to Scripture.
"The blessed Gospel of Christ is what I hold; that do I believe, that have I taught, and that will I never revoke!" (William Tyndale).
Differences in Core Beliefs
Initiative in Salvation:
Both Catholics and Protestants agree that salvation begins with God's grace. However, they diverge on how this grace is received and applied. Protestants believe that Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, meaning they are declared righteous through faith alone (sola fide).
Roman Catholics believe that Christ's righteousness is infused (controlled by the church) into believers, making them actually righteous through participation (works) in the sacraments.
Role of Faith and Works:
Protestants assert that salvation is attained solely through faith in Jesus Christ, without the necessity of good works. This belief is encapsulated in the doctrine of sola fide, which emphasizes that faith alone is sufficient for justification.
Roman Catholics teach that while faith is essential, good works are also necessary for salvation. They believe that faith and works cooperate in the process of salvation, as expressed in James 2:24, which states that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Once you are saved, James says that faith without works is dead. Context matters.
Sacraments:
In Catholicism, the sacraments (such as Baptism, Eucharist, Confession, and Penance) are seen as vital means of receiving grace and are essential for salvation. Catholics believe that through the sacraments, individuals receive the grace necessary to live a righteous life. These are the works you must do to get saved and stay saved. and you'll still go to purgatory.
Protestants, however, view sacraments as important but not salvific; they do not believe that participation in sacraments (adult baptism, communion) is required for salvation. Solus Christus ("Christ Alone") is the only mediator between God and humanity. Salvation is accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection, and this has nothing to do with your works.
Theological Authority
Scripture vs. Tradition:
Protestants adhere to sola scriptura, meaning that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
Catholics hold that both Scripture and Church tradition (as interpreted by the magisterium) are authoritative. This difference in authority impacts their understanding of salvation and the means by which it is attained.
Assurance of Salvation
Protestant Assurance: Many Protestants emphasize the assurance of salvation, believing that once a person has faith in Christ, they are secure in their salvation. This assurance is often based on the belief in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. How can a Real Christian lose a free gift from God?
Catholic Perspective: Catholics tend to have a more nuanced view, believing that one must continue to live in accordance with God's grace and participate in the sacraments to maintain their salvation.
Comparison of Key Attributes and Differences
Attribute | Catholic Position | Protestant Position |
How one is declared righteous | Justification is a process involving initial forgiveness and ongoing growth in righteousness through grace, faith, and works. | Justification is a forensic declaration by God received by faith alone. |
Role of faith | Faith is necessary and living, always accompanied by hope and charity; faith cooperates with grace. | Faith alone (sola fide) is the instrument by which a sinner receives justification. |
Role of works | Works (charitable acts, obedience, sacramental participation) are part of sanctification and a response that has salvific effect when united to grace. | Good works are the fruit and evidence of true faith but do not merit justification. |
Sacraments / Means of grace | The Church’s sacraments (especially Baptism and Eucharist) are primary ordinary means of receiving and sustaining grace. | Many Protestants affirm Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as signs or pledges; emphasis is on spiritual reception of grace by faith rather than sacramental merit. |
Authority for doctrine | Scripture and Sacred Tradition interpreted by the teaching authority of the Church (Magisterium). | Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) is the final authority for doctrine and practice. |
Assurance of salvation | Assurance can be experienced but is often held with pastoral caution because of the need for ongoing cooperation with grace. | Many Protestants teach assurance and rest on Christ’s promises, and His sufficiency, that God saves and God keeps you saved. |
Perseverance | Catholic theology emphasizes cooperation with grace to persevere; it allows for losing and regaining grace through repentance and works. | Steadfastness and endurance in faith, trusting God despite challenges and adversities. empowered by His grace and the Holy Spirit. |
Worship and Spiritual Life | Shaped spiritual life around the liturgy, sacraments, and church practices. | Focus on preaching, Scripture reading, worship hymns and spiritual songs, and personal faith commitments. |
Moral and Pastoral Care | Stress sacramental confession, penance, and ecclesial (church) guidance | Personal confession and repentance, Bible-based counsel, and obedience through love and life in Christ. |
Ecumenical Movement
In Christianity, ecumenical specifically relates to promoting understanding, dialogue, and cooperation among various Christian churches and denominations. It is often associated with formal movements or councils (such as the World Council of Churches) that seek common ground in doctrine, worship, or social action.
The Ecumenical movement represents efforts to bring Christians together across denominational lines. Its goal is not uniformity but unity in diversity, recognizing the value of various traditions while promoting reconciliation, theological dialogue, and cooperative mission work
How can there be unity when denominations worship a different Jesus or use other sources to determine what is true? I have just demonstrated the difference between Protestant Christianity and the Roman Catholic church. Both call themselves Christians, but they disagree on every major doctrine. Anyone who believes the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church is a mission field, not a brother in Christ. Millions of people are deceived by man-made religions.
The Mormons believe that Jesus is one of many gods, who they will become with good deeds. The Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe that Jesus is God; therefore, no trinity, no fully God, fully man, no Emanual-God with us, just to name a few. There's a false doctrine, like the name it and claim it (Faith Movement), that states you can have all your fleshly desires (money, power, if you have enough faith. How can you have unity and fellowship with heretical religions and false teaching that send people to hell?
Why Does Every Human Need Salvation?
Every human on planet earth has the same dilemma, this includes you. All human beings, regardless of ethnic group, race, or gender, find themselves in this same dilemma. One, every human being is born a sinner in need of a Savior. Two, the wages of sin are death. The truth you must resolve is whether Jesus is the only savior who can and did remove all sins, past, present, and future. Also, is Jesus the only one qualified to take away or defeat death?
You need to settle three questions in your mind, heart, and will. It is wise to ask and very prudent to answer these, as your eternal destination depends on them.
One, why do I need to be saved?
Two, what does it mean for me to be saved?
Three, how am I saved?
I believe "Only Jesus Plus Nothing" is not the only way to God the Father in heaven but also answers these three questions.
One: Do I Need to be Saved?
You need to be saved because you have two significant problems. You are born with the sin nature of Adam—you are a sinner. You are born spiritually dead—you are separated from God. If you die a sinner, spiritually dead, then you will be separated from God for eternity.
Therefore, two things must happen for you to be saved. The cause of death must be eradicated or cured, and the spiritually dead man must be brought back to spiritual life. It only stands to reason that the God who created you can save you from this state of eternal sin and death.
Two: What Does it Mean to be Saved?
Salvation from sin takes place in the “forgiveness of sins,” and Salvation from eternal death takes place in the “resurrection of the dead.” It is precisely what Jesus did. At the cross of Christ, the cause for death, which is sin, was forgiven. At the resurrection of Jesus, the spiritually dead were restored to spiritual life—the eternal life of Jesus.
There is nothing you can do to save yourself. Nothing rescues you from God’s wrath except Jesus. You are totally dependent on and in desperate need of a Savior. That Savior is Jesus Christ. Only Jesus was the incarnation of God--Emanual: God became man and dwelt among us.
Believe or Reject God’s Way to Salvation
Whether the first man Adam, would live dependent on God or independent of God was determined by what he believed. After Adam’s sin, all humanity is born in the image and likeness of Adam (Genesis 5:1, 3). You are born with a sin nature (Romans 5:12) and are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). You are also confronted with believing the truth of God or the lie of the devil. Believing is to accept Jesus, and unbelief is to reject Him.
Three: How Am I Saved?
If you don’t believe in God’s “Plan of Salvation” in Jesus Christ, you will remain a slave to your sin nature and spend eternity spiritually dead, separated from God. This is why you are under God’s wrath. Your fleshly nature is to sin, just like Satan’s nature is to lie. You will live in his domain and by his rules. He cannot tell the truth because it is his very nature to lie.
"You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44).
You will continue to sin because you are a sinner. So, you believe his lies and slide down the dark path from sin, to debauchery, and finally death. A death that separates you from God forever and leaves you in hell, outer darkness, or the lake of fire! Therefore, only Jesus plus nothing can save you.
Likewise, Jesus cannot lie because the truth is His very nature.
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one can come to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).
When you believe in Jesus, you receive a new divine nature, your sins are forgiven, you have eternal life in Heaven, and God's wrath is removed forever.
CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION IS JESUS | ROMAN CATHOLIC FOUNDATION IS CHURCH |
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock (Matt 7:24-25). | "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house, and it fell—and its collapse was great" (Matthew 7:26-27). |
Two Destinies
FATHER'S HOUSE | LAKE OF FIRE |
Roman Catholic Path to Eternity | Protestant Biblical Path to Eternity |
Dependent on the Church Treasury in Heaven (ccc 1471-79) | Born in Sin Unrighteous, Spiritually Dead, Under God's Wrath, and Going to Hell, |
Born Unrighteousness, Void of Grace, Destined for Hell | Admit that you are a sinner and that you need to be saved. |
Righteousness is Obtained Through Obedience and Works | Salvation (John 5:24), Faith Alone in Jesus Alone According to the Scriptures Alone to the Glory of God Alone |
Infant Water Baptism Makes You Righteous and a Member of the Catholic Church | "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). |
Venial Sins Need Good Works and Keeping Sacraments to Produce Merit or Infused Grace, which must be earned. | Righteousness of God Imputed to You Through Justification, No Condemnation for those who are in Jesus (Romans 8:1) |
The best You Can Look Forward to is Purgatory, which purifies you with fire | Process of Sanctification or Becoming Like Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23) |
After a Certain Period of Time, Being Purified, You Go to Heaven, or do you | Salvation is a Free Gift, What God Begins He Finishes, His work, not yours. |
If You Commit a Mortal Sin, You Start Over in Unrighteousness and try harder not to sin. If it's a venial sin, you must keep the sacraments to be forgiven, or confess it to a priest (a sinful, unregenerated man). When Jesus forgave sins, the religious leaders wanted to stone Him. | Assurance or Eternal Security (Romans 8:26-38), for God's purposes, He foreknew, predestined, called, justified, glorified you, God chose you, and then gave you the faith to respond |
You are In Real Danger of Going to Hell | Eternity in Heaven with God |
Roman Catholic Jesus Does Not Purify All Sin
Another big problem with the Roman Catholic church is the belief that Jesus does not purify all sins. Roman Catholics believe that Jesus’ death redeems humanity and makes salvation possible for all, but each person must freely accept God’s grace (which is dispensed or infused by the church based on works of the flesh) and still undergo purification through keeping the sacraments, and lastly, Purgatory before entering heaven.
"All who die in God's grace, but still imperfectly purified, are assured of salvation, but after death, they undergo purification through a purifying fire in purgatory, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter heaven" (ccc 1030-31)
If Jesus is not the sacrificial Lamb of God who died for the redemption of mankind, who takes sins away completely, and gives eternal life, then who does? Well, for the Roman Catholic church, the saints' sinful men, the pope without Jesus unregenerated, historical man-made traditions, keeping the sacraments, confession to Priests (only God forgives sin), even Mary, and then needing to undergo purification through fire in purgatory, to achieve the holiness necessary to enter heaven" (ccc 1030-31). Purgatory purifies all sin, not the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why even call yourself a Christian?
Catholics are purified from sin primarily through the sacraments of Baptism and confession, sincere contrition, participation in the Eucharist, and living a life of good works leading to grace and virtue.
What Does Scripture Say About Purification
"And He (Jesus) is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature (Father God) and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3). "(Jesus) who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds" (Titus 2:14). "...but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
Jesus said to him (Apostle Thomas),
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes
to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).
I Have 7 Posts Revealing the Differences Between Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity!
Roman Catholics Are Heretics!
This is a seven-part series entitled, "ARE ROMAN CATHOLICS CHRISTIANS OR HERETICS". There are seven (7) major differences between Roman Catholic Doctrine and Christianity. They are a different Church, Authority, Jesus, Gospel, Mary, View of Sin, and a different Path to Eternity.
JESUS PLUS NOTHING SAVES YOU
This is a detailed discussion on who Jesus is and how you get saved!
We All Have the Same Dilemma, We're Dead in Sin
Every human being, ethnic group, race, or gender finds themselves in this same dilemma. Therefore, there are three questions you would be wise to ask yourself and extremely prudent to answer.
One, why do I need to be saved?
Two, what does it mean for me to be saved?
Three, how am I saved?
I believe Only Jesus plus nothing not only saves you but answers these three questions.
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