443. Roman Catholicism, Losing Salvation, & Church History W/James White
Aug 18, 2023
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Join Dr. James White and Pastor Jeff Durbin as they discuss the authority and interpretation in Roman Catholicism, the controversy surrounding predestination, understanding the atonement and Rome's perspective on mass, and the development of beliefs within Roman Catholicism. They also touch on topics such as the importance of self-attesting revelation, the ancient record and Jesus' stance on tradition, and upcoming debates and events in Houston.
The doctrine of salvation by faith alone and eternal security is rooted in clear teachings of Jesus and the apostles, not dependent on consensus of early church.
The sovereignty of God in salvation is a core issue, highlighting the distinction between 'once saved, always saved' and 'perseverance of the saints'.
Early church fathers had diverse and evolving beliefs on salvation and eternal security, challenging the notion of a unified and consistent view in the early church.
The need to ground apostolic truth in the authoritative and clear teachings of Scripture, rather than relying solely on church tradition, to ensure clarity and sufficiency of God's self-revealed word.
Deep dives
The Need for Clarity in Understanding Scripture
The podcast episode discusses the importance of properly understanding and interpreting scripture. It emphasizes that the early church fathers had vague, incomplete, and even contradictory views on the application of redemption. The argument is made that the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, and the assurance of eternal security, is rooted in the clear teachings of Jesus and the apostles, and is not dependent on the consensus of the early church. It highlights how the Roman Catholic Church's reliance on tradition, in addition to scripture, can lead to confusion and inconsistency.
The Focus on God's Sovereignty in Salvation
The podcast delves into the core issue of the sovereignty of God in salvation. It distinguishes between the concepts of 'once saved, always saved' and 'perseverance of the saints'. While 'once saved, always saved' proponents believe that no sin or apostasy can cause someone to lose salvation, 'perseverance of the saints' proponents argue that those who permanently abandon the faith were never truly saved. The focus is on God's power to preserve and keep His chosen people, leading them to ultimate salvation. This contrasts with views that emphasize human effort and cooperation with grace as evidence of faith.
The Historical Considerations of Early Church Views
The episode acknowledges that the early church fathers had diverse and evolving beliefs on the appropriation of salvation and eternal security. It highlights that early Christian writers, such as Tertullian, did not agree on these doctrines, which were not fully developed or well-integrated at the time. This challenges the idea that the early church held a unified and consistent view on eternal security. The importance of the finished work of Christ, the clarity of Scripture, and the reformational understanding of salvation are emphasized.
The Challenge of Church Tradition and Authority
The podcast addresses the challenge of church tradition and authority in interpreting Scripture. It raises questions about the reliability and uniformity of early church traditions and emphasizes the need for an objective revelation to filter out non-apostolic teachings. It critiques the Roman Catholic perspective that places church authority over Scripture and argues that this undermines the clarity and sufficiency of God's self-revealed word. The focus is on the need to ensure that apostolic truth is grounded in the authoritative and clear teachings of Scripture, rather than relying solely on church tradition.
The Importance of Solo Scriptura and the Perspicuity of Scripture
The podcast episode discusses the significance of solo scriptura and the perspicuity of scripture in Protestant theology. It is argued that solo scriptura is often misunderstood as solo scriptura, with Protestants claiming that the Bible is the only infallible rule of faith, but other rules like tradition and church history still have their place. However, when historical evidence contradicts a doctrine believed to be in scripture, some Protestants prioritize scripture over history. This distinction is criticized, with the podcast highlighting the need to recognize the sufficiency and clarity of scripture as the primary authority in the Christian faith.
The Role of Tradition and Roman Authority
The podcast episode also delves into the concept of tradition and the role it plays in Roman Catholicism. It argues that Rome's doctrine and authority become the basis for their gospel presentation, resulting in a lack of peace and assurance for believers. The discussion further explores the development of traditions and the priesthood, contending that they were not derived from scripture, but rather influenced by the practices of surrounding religions. The episode emphasizes the need for Christians to ground their knowledge and understanding in the revelation of God through scripture rather than external authority.
The Nature of Salvation and the Doctrine of Eternal Security
The podcast episode touches on the nature of salvation and the doctrine of eternal security. It contrasts the Roman Catholic perspective, which emphasizes ongoing works and uncertainties about one's standing before God, with the Protestant belief in the finished work of Christ and the assurance of salvation. The episode highlights key passages in scripture, such as Ephesians 1:13-14, which emphasize the sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. It further critiques the Roman Catholic teaching on post-baptismal sins and the necessity of priests for forgiveness, asserting that such doctrines undermine the sufficiency and sufficiency of Christ's work in salvation.
Join us for the newest episode of Apologia Radio in which Dr. James White and Pastor Jeff Durbin discuss a new video with Trent Horn. Trent is a Roman Catholic Apologist. His recent video attempts to refute the doctrine of Eternal Security.
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