There are many differences between Catholic and Protestant Theology. But I think the main difference is this.
Catholic Theology is consistent with Old Testament. Protestant Theology is not.
Old Testament Theology teaches that only those merit salvation, in the eyes of God, who keep the Commandments of God. But Protestants have dispensed with the idea of merit. They think it means earning salvation. And they have also dispensed with the idea of God as judge. Essentially they have dispensed with God as Judge and replaced Him with themselves.
Let's go through the Scriptures.
Protestants like to claim that Abraham did nothing to merit the favor of God. Yet, if we follow Abraham's life from the time he is introduced in Scripture, Gen 15, we find that he is extraordinarily obedient to God. This is noted in the New Testament when St. Paul says of Abraham:
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
And it didn't stop there, but continued the rest of his life.
Catholic Theology is consistent with Old Testament. Protestant Theology is not.
Old Testament Theology teaches that only those merit salvation, in the eyes of God, who keep the Commandments of God. But Protestants have dispensed with the idea of merit. They think it means earning salvation. And they have also dispensed with the idea of God as judge. Essentially they have dispensed with God as Judge and replaced Him with themselves.
Let's go through the Scriptures.
Genesis 26:4-6
King James Version (KJV)
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
Protestants like to claim that Abraham did nothing to merit the favor of God. Yet, if we follow Abraham's life from the time he is introduced in Scripture, Gen 15, we find that he is extraordinarily obedient to God. This is noted in the New Testament when St. Paul says of Abraham:
Hebrews 11:8-9
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
And it didn't stop there, but continued the rest of his life.
Hebrews 11:17-19
King James Version (KJV)
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Note the play on words. In Gen 15:6, Scripture says:
The underlying word in all four instances is "logizomai". Accounted. This is more than a legal pronouncement which covers over the defect with another's reighteousness. It is an observation of fact.
Abraham knew that God could bring anyone back even from death.
And God knew that Abraham was thoroughly righteous.
Did God merit Abraham's trust? Yes.
Do just men merit salvation? Yes.
In either case, it is the one who gives the merit who is the Judge. Abraham judged God trustworthy. And God judged God righteous.
Protestants, however, have supplanted God and merit themselves worthy of salvation by their faith alone.
And this is the main difference between Protestantism and Catholicism. We still await God's judgement to know whether we merit salvation or not.
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Note the play on words. In Gen 15:6, Scripture says:
Genesis 15:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
St. Paul records this in Rom 4:3.
St. Paul records this in Rom 4:3.
Romans 4:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
James records it thus:
James records it thus:
James 2
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.The underlying word in all four instances is "logizomai". Accounted. This is more than a legal pronouncement which covers over the defect with another's reighteousness. It is an observation of fact.
Abraham knew that God could bring anyone back even from death.
And God knew that Abraham was thoroughly righteous.
Did God merit Abraham's trust? Yes.
Do just men merit salvation? Yes.
In either case, it is the one who gives the merit who is the Judge. Abraham judged God trustworthy. And God judged God righteous.
Protestants, however, have supplanted God and merit themselves worthy of salvation by their faith alone.
And this is the main difference between Protestantism and Catholicism. We still await God's judgement to know whether we merit salvation or not.
Luke 17:10
King James Version (KJV)
10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Sincerely,
De Maria
Sincerely,
De Maria
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