Catholics - Are they brothers in Christ or a mission field? 

Christians need to make a decision:  Either Catholics are Brothers in Christ or they are not.  If they are Brothers, then it would be our obligation to set aside our theological differences to work the mission field hand-in-hand.  If they are not Brothers, the Christian obligation is to present the Gospel to them, lead them into Truth and pray for their Salvation.  The only way a Christian can decide whether another denomination is Christian is to apply the basic litmus test - do they preach the Biblical Gospel?  

There are many different denominations of Protestant/Evangelical Churches.  Although theology separates these denominations, there is an uncompromising clear standard about Salvation:

We are all sinners. 

We need a Savior. 

Jesus is God.  

Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and paid for our sin debt. 

If we repent, we can place our faith in Jesus to Save us.

It is by Faith that we are Saved not by works.

Salvation is given to us as free gift from God.  It cannot be earned.

This is considered the Biblical Gospel.   The many different Protestant/Evangelical Churches that proclaim this Gospel have differences among them that are not related to Salvation.  These differences are preferences to Biblical interpretation or differences in style of presentation.   Both can have a profound affect on the ability to spread the Gospel and/or to strengthen a Christian (edification of the saints).  

What if a church proclaims a different gospel?  Paul writes, “If any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!” Gal 1:9  A different gospel results in a separation God’s loving Grace by leading the believer of the false gospel into eternal separation from God - a terrible and awful situation.

Is it fair to say that the following is a false gospel?

We are all sinners except Mary the mother of Jesus.

We need a Savior but must be saved through the Church.

Jesus is God.

Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and paid for our sin debt but we pay for our
                        sins burning in Purgatory before we can go to heaven.

If we repent, we can place our faith in Jesus to Save us
                        but we must fulfill the Sacraments.

It is by Faith that we are Saved AND by works.

Salvation is given to us as free gift from God.  It is conferred (created like
                        flowers and air) not imputed.

Any these statements, except "Jesus is God," disqualifies the true Gospel.  Yet, all of these statements refer to Catholic Doctrine. 

Unless Protestant/Evangelicals are willing to embrace this false gospel and disregard to true one, Catholics must be seen as a mission field.  It is necessary that the Protestants and Evangelicals become active to educate one another and prevent discouragement among the missionaries trying to reach out to Catholics. 

 This mission field is over one-billion people who need to hear the Gospel.  Will you help?

New-Light Ministries
www.new-light.org

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Updated December 22, 2001