The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 70-23, titled "Questions and Answers--Part 51."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. Copyright 2001 by John MacArthur Jr., All Rights Reserved.

Question

I’d like to know how to respond to a Catholic who, when asked why they’re going to heaven, whether it’s their relationship or because of religion or good works, they say because of their relationship with Jesus Christ, yet they choose to participate in the sacraments. I’d like to know how to respond to that--if they’re in sin and what should I say?

Answer

Well, I think the thing you want to do, is just to say to them, “Define for me”--you know, just keep probing. “Define for me--what do mean by ‘your relationship with Jesus Christ’? What do you mean by that? Explain what you mean. Is there anything that you are doing that contributes to that salvation?” I think you just have to poke and probe that. Don’t let them get away with saying, “Well, it’s because of my relationship to Christ.” OK, define that. Don’t put words in their mouth; let them define that.

“What is your relationship with Christ? What do you mean by that?” and explain--what I like to do with people like that is say “Explain to me the gospel. Explain to me your relationship with Christ and how you got that relationship. How did you get that relationship?” I mean, just keep probing until you get to the core reality of whether or not they are truly believing that they are saved by grace and faith alone or whether there’s any contributing work that they have done. I think the only way to get there is don’t let them get away with a superficial answer.

Question (continued)

And do you think that they’re in sin if they do participate in the sacraments?

Answer (continued)

I think people could be truly saved in a Catholic environment and still participate in the sacraments occasionally. I think it’s possible to be a Christian and do that. I think it’s ignorant to do that if you really understood Catholic theology. But you know, one of the unstated tenets of Catholicism is make sure the people don’t understand anything. You know, you keep them “in the mystery” all the time; only the elite at the top understand the stuff.

It’s possible that people could be well-intentioned in doing what they’re doing. You know, it all depends on what they see in it. It’s wrong to see in that the real body and blood of Jesus Christ. As to whether or not it’s an overt sin against God, if someone is ignorant about what’s going on, I wouldn’t want to press that issue.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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