— “True faith rests not on tradition, but on the Word of God.”
📖 Summary
The core difference between Christianity (Protestantism) and Catholicism lies in the source of authority.
Protestants affirm Sola Scriptura — Scripture alone — as the final authority,
while Catholics regard Scripture + Church Tradition + Papal Authority as equal sources of truth.
This distinction shapes their doctrines of salvation, moral standards, and daily ethics.
Catholicism allows moderate drinking and smoking because it defines sin based on personal restraint and conscience, not solely by Scriptural command.
1️⃣ Introduction | “Aren’t both Christian?”
Outwardly, both confess Jesus Christ,
but Christianity’s foundation is submission to the Word,
while Catholicism’s is submission to the Church’s interpretation of the Word.
Thus, Christianity stands on biblical revelation,
whereas Catholicism stands on institutional tradition.
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation | Scripture Alone Is the Final Authority
📘 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) — “All Scripture is breathed out by God… that the man of God may be complete.”
📘 Matthew 15:9 (ESV) — “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
📘 Revelation 22:18–19 (ESV) — “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”
→ God’s Word alone is sufficient, inspired, and final.
Human tradition cannot be placed beside it.
3️⃣ Theological Insights | Key Doctrinal Differences
📜 John MacArthur — The Gospel According to Rome
“Rome replaced grace with sacrament and faith with ritual.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — Faith Alone (Sola Fide)
“The Reformation reclaimed the truth that justification is by faith alone, not faith plus works.”
📜 John Piper — The Future of Justification
“Righteousness is not achieved within us but imputed from Christ.”
📜 Martin Luther — 95 Theses
“Scripture alone, not papal decrees, defines truth.”
📜 Westminster Confession of Faith I.VI
“The whole counsel of God necessary for salvation is contained in Scripture.”
4️⃣ Ethical Divergence | Why Catholicism Permits Alcohol and Tobacco
| Category | Protestant Christianity | Catholicism |
|---|---|---|
| Moral Basis | God’s Word as standard | Human conscience & moderation |
| Alcohol | Warned as contrast to being Spirit-filled (Eph 5:18) | Allowed in moderation |
| Smoking | Viewed as defiling the temple (1 Cor 6:19–20) | Tolerated with self-control |
| Ultimate Issue | God’s glory-centered ethics | Man-centered restraint |
📘 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) — “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Thus, the issue isn’t drinking or smoking themselves,
but whether those acts honor or obscure God’s glory.
5️⃣ Application | Build Faith on Truth, Not Tradition
1️⃣ Hold Scripture as final authority.
2️⃣ Trust in Christ’s finished work, not human merit.
3️⃣ Let God’s glory define your conduct.
4️⃣ Engage with love, but never compromise truth.
6️⃣ Conclusion |
Christianity and Catholicism may share the name “Christian,”
but only one stands fully on the Word alone.
“Faith founded on tradition wavers;
faith founded on Scripture stands forever.” — Revito
The Word, not the institution, defines truth.
Faith. Truth. Renewal. — Revito
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#ChristianityVsCatholicism #SolaScriptura #FaithAlone #BiblicalAuthority #2Timothy316 #Matthew159 #Revelation2218 #1Corinthians1031 #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #MartinLuther #WestminsterConfession #ReformedTheology #FaithTruthRenewal #Revito
