Why Protestant Doctrine Is Unbiblical

Summary

In a radio conversation, Andre, a conservative Evangelical, discusses his concerns about Catholicism's man-made doctrines with Tim Staples, a former Assembly of God youth pastor. Andre questions the biblical basis for Catholic teachings compared to his Protestant beliefs. Staples counters by asserting that nondenominational Protestantism lacks biblical foundation, citing biblical verses that contradict the doctrine of 'justification by faith alone.' He emphasizes the Church's role as Jesus' authority, referencing Matthew 18:15-18 and Acts 15, to argue that Catholicism aligns more closely with the Bible's teachings.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Andre, a conservative Evangelical, calls in to discuss his concerns about Catholicism's biblical basis compared to his current beliefs.
• 📚 Andre appreciates the Catholic Church's stances on issues like abortion and family but sees a disconnect with what he finds in the Bible.
• 🔍 The caller, a former Assembly of God youth pastor, and the respondent, raised Evangelical and later Pentecostal, discuss the biblical justification for Catholic doctrines.
• ❌ The respondent argues that nondenominational Protestantism lacks biblical foundation, pointing out that justification by faith alone was not taught by Christians for 1,500 years.
• 📖 The conversation highlights biblical verses such as James 2:24, Matthew 12:36-37, and Romans 2:6-7 to counter the idea of salvation by faith alone.
• 🤝 The respondent emphasizes that Jesus established the Church as His authority, as seen in Matthew 18:15-18, to resolve disputes and maintain teachings.
• 🏛️ The script references Acts 15, where the early Church held a council to address and settle a heresy, demonstrating the Church's role in interpreting and declaring doctrine.
• 📚 The respondent asserts that Catholicism is the original Church founded by Jesus in 33 AD, as confirmed by historical sources like the Encyclopedia Britannica.
• 🚫 The discussion points out that some Protestant reformers, like Martin Luther and John Calvin, introduced doctrines that contradicted biblical teachings.
• 🔄 The conversation suggests that while some Protestant sects have moved away from justification by faith alone, many still hold to this unbiblical doctrine.

Q & A

What is Andre's religious background mentioned in the script?

Andre is described as a conservative Evangelical and a non-denominational Christian, having been influenced by Catholic training during his high school and college years.

What is the main concern Andre expresses regarding Catholicism?

Andre's concern is the disconnect he perceives between Church-made doctrines and what he finds in the Bible, suggesting that Catholicism includes many man-made doctrines that depart from Scripture.

What is the biblical basis for the doctrine of 'justification by faith alone' as discussed in the script?

The doctrine of 'justification by faith alone' is critiqued as having no foundation in Sacred Scripture. The script references James 2:24 and other biblical passages to argue that faith alone is not sufficient for justification, and that good works are also necessary.

How does the script suggest that the Catholic Church views its authority in relation to the Bible?

The script implies that the Catholic Church sees itself as the authority established by Jesus, not just the Bible. It points to Matthew 18:15-18 and Acts 15 as evidence of the Church's role in interpreting and applying Scripture.

What historical figure's doctrine is critiqued in the script as being unbiblical?

The script critiques Martin Luther's doctrine of 'justification by faith alone' as being unbiblical and contrary to the teachings of the early Christian Church.

What does the script suggest about the origins of Protestantism?

The script suggests that Protestantism, particularly nondenominational Protestantism, has no foundation in Sacred Scripture and originated from Martin Luther's teachings, which are portrayed as contradicting the Bible.

What does the script argue about the role of the Church in Christian belief?

The script argues that the Church, as established by Jesus, is the authority that speaks for Him, and that it is more important than individual Bible interpretation, as seen in the way the early Church handled disputes.

What biblical passage does the script use to argue against the idea of 'justification by faith alone'?

The script uses James 2:24, which states, 'You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone,' to argue against the idea of 'justification by faith alone.'

How does the script characterize the relationship between faith and works in Christian salvation?

The script characterizes the relationship as one where faith is essential but not sufficient on its own for salvation; good works are also necessary, as supported by various biblical passages.

What does the script suggest about the historical continuity of the Catholic Church?

The script suggests that the Catholic Church has a historical continuity dating back to 33 AD, established by Jesus, and that it functioned as the authoritative interpreter of Scripture for 1,500 years before the Reformation.