Rachel Evans
Sharing the gospel with Catholics can be challenging, but it is possible to witness to them about Jesus Christ. One approach is to focus on what Christ has done and the commandment to trust and believe, rather than using expressions like accept Jesus into your heart. It is also beneficial to be aware of the differences between Catholic and Evangelical beliefs and to pray for God to open their minds to the gospel. Additionally, finding common ground and building relationships through vulnerability and friendship can create opportunities for faith-based conversations. Finally, studying and discussing biblical passages about Jesus Christ together can be a powerful way to share Christ with Catholics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pray | Ask God to open the minds of Catholics to see the light of the gospel |
| Familiarise yourself with Catholic beliefs | Understand the differences between Evangelical and Catholic beliefs |
| Be creative in making contact | Use personal contacts, organised events, and children's work to create opportunities to share the gospel |
| Read and study the Bible together | Focus on Jesus Christ as set forth in Scripture |
| Discuss biblical passages about Jesus Christ | Avoid arguments about Mary, the Pope, purgatory, and the rosary |
| Share the Person of Jesus Christ | Highlight the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith |
| Be open and vulnerable | Extend an offer of friendship and be willing to have a conversation about faith |
| Share the gospel | Proclaim Jesus Christ and salvation |
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What You'll Learn
Discuss biblical passages about Jesus Christ
The Bible contains many passages about Jesus Christ, his divinity, and his teachings. One of the key verses that highlights the divinity of Jesus Christ is John 8:58, where Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was, I am," claiming a transcendence over time that could only be attributed to God. This assertion of divinity is further emphasised in Colossians 1:15–20, where Paul affirms that Christ is the visible expression of God, and believers share in his power and authority through their union with him.
The Bible also records Jesus' teachings and interactions with his followers. One of his well-known teachings is found in Luke 11:9-10, where Jesus encourages his disciples to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will answer their prayers. Additionally, in Luke 12:49, Jesus acknowledges the purpose of his ministry, saying, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled."
Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's salvation is a central theme in the Bible. Isaiah 53:5 describes how Jesus was "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities," emphasising that the punishment he endured brought peace and healing to humanity. This idea of salvation through faith in Jesus is reiterated in Romans 10:9, where it says, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
The Bible also includes prophecies about Jesus, such as Micah 5:2, which prophesied the birthplace of Jesus as Bethlehem, and Zechariah 9:9, which foretold Jesus' arrival on a donkey. These prophecies, along with others, provide evidence of Jesus' significance and fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament.
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Share the assurance of salvation
The concept of assurance of salvation is a complex and multifaceted topic within the Christian faith, and it is approached differently by various denominations, including Catholicism and Protestantism.
According to Catholic doctrine, the assurance of salvation is not guaranteed. Catholics believe that salvation is a gift from God, received through Christ's Church, and that it is maintained through cooperation with God's grace. This cooperation involves ongoing repentance, confession of sins, and a turning back to Christ. While Catholics cannot be certain of their salvation, they possess a hope for salvation and trust in God's promises.
In contrast, some Protestant groups, such as Evangelicals and Pentecostals, emphasize the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that accepting Christ as one's personal savior is sufficient for salvation, and that living an exemplary life thereafter is not a requirement for maintaining salvation.
The Catholic perspective on assurance of salvation is characterized by humility and caution. Catholics recognize the possibility of losing salvation through mortal sin, which refers to deliberate and unrepentant sin. This belief underscores the importance of remaining in a state of grace through ongoing repentance and confession.
While Catholics do not claim infallible assurance, they can find signs of predestination that indicate a higher probability of salvation. These signs include practicing virtues, receiving Holy Communion, loving one's neighbor, loving Christ and the Church, and venerating the Mother of God.
Additionally, Catholics distinguish between “hope” and “assurance." St. Paul often used the phrase “hope of salvation” or "hope of eternal life," implying that salvation is something to be hoped for rather than taken for granted. Hope, in the Catholic understanding, involves both confident expectation and a fear of offending God, reflecting the belief that salvation is a gift from God that requires a response of faith and cooperation.
In conclusion, the Catholic approach to assurance of salvation emphasizes humility, caution, and ongoing repentance. While Catholics cannot claim infallible assurance, they possess a hope for salvation and strive to cooperate with God's grace through the Sacraments and repentance. This perspective reflects a deep respect for the mystery of God's grace and the understanding that salvation is ultimately a gift from God.
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Pray for God to open their minds
When sharing the Gospel with Catholics, it is important to pray for their minds to be opened to the truth of the Gospel. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that the "god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." This is true of many Catholics, who may be disillusioned with the Catholic Church and its scandals but are not interested in any other faith.
Praying for God to open their minds is a crucial first step in sharing Christ with Catholics. It is important to recognize that Catholics may have a different understanding of the Gospel and may need help seeing it from a different perspective. By praying for their minds to be opened, we are asking God to help them see the truth and glory of the Gospel, and to bring them to faith. This is a powerful way to start a conversation about faith and can be a great opportunity to share the Gospel with Catholics.
One way to pray for God to open their minds is to familiarize yourself with Catholic beliefs and practices. This can help you understand where they are coming from and what they may need to hear. It is important to remember that not all Catholics may be fully aware of all the aspects of their faith. By understanding their beliefs, you can pray specifically for their minds to be opened to the truths of the Gospel that may be contrary to their Catholic upbringing.
Additionally, it is helpful to focus on Jesus Christ as he is presented in Scripture. Reading and studying the Bible together with Catholics can be a powerful way to share the Gospel. By discussing biblical passages about Jesus Christ, you can help Catholics see who He is and what He has done for them. This can be a more effective approach than getting into arguments about Catholic practices and beliefs.
Finally, it is important to be creative and find ways to make contact and build relationships with Catholics. This could be through organized events, personal contacts, or simply being open and vulnerable enough to extend an offer of friendship and conversation about faith. By taking the time to invest in relationships, you can show love and respect while also sharing the Gospel. Remember, evangelization is a ministry of presence that takes place through listening, befriending, proclaiming the Gospel, and inviting others to faith.
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Familiarise yourself with Catholic beliefs
To share Christ with a Catholic, it is important to familiarise yourself with Catholic beliefs. The Catholic Church has a rich theological history and tradition, and understanding their beliefs can help you communicate your faith in a way that resonates with them. Here are some key aspects to consider:
The Authority of the Church
Catholics generally view the Church as the final authority on matters of faith and morals. They look to the Church's teachings, traditions, and interpretations of Scripture to guide their spiritual lives. This includes the belief in apostolic succession, where the Pope and bishops are seen as successors to the apostles, carrying on the authority and teachings of the early Church.
Sacraments
The seven sacraments are central to Catholic life and were instituted by Christ to convey grace to the recipient. These include Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders (ordination of priests), and Matrimony. Understanding the significance of these rituals and how they differ from other Christian denominations is essential.
Scripture and Tradition
Catholics interpret Scripture within the context of Sacred Tradition, which includes the teachings of the Church Fathers, ecumenical councils, and papal pronouncements. They believe that Scripture should be interpreted through the lens of tradition and the teaching authority of the Church. This differs from some Protestant traditions that emphasise "sola scriptura," or Scripture alone, as the primary source of authority.
The Virgin Mary and Saints
Devotion to the Virgin Mary and the saints is a distinctive feature of Catholic spirituality. Catholics honour Mary as the Mother of God and believe that she intercedes for them. They also believe that the saints in heaven can intercede on their behalf and serve as models of Christian virtue. This devotion is often expressed through prayers, statues, and feast days.
Purgatory and Salvation
Catholics believe in purgatory, a state or place of purification after death where those who die in a state of grace are prepared for heaven. This belief is related to their understanding of salvation, which includes the idea of sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ and being purified of the effects of sin.
The Mass and the Eucharist
The Mass is the central liturgical ritual in the Catholic Church, and it includes the celebration of the Eucharist. Catholics believe that during the Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ—a sacrifice that makes Christ truly present and offers salvation to those who receive it worthily.
By understanding these core beliefs and practices, you can better navigate conversations about faith with Catholics and find common ground to share your own experiences of Christ.
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Focus on Christ's commandment to trust and believe
Trust and belief are central to Christ's commandments. Jesus himself said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (Jn 14:15). The Bible also states that "we must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us." (1 John 3:23).
Christ's commandment to trust and believe is a call to have faith and confidence in God. The Bible is filled with verses that encourage believers to trust in God and his promises. For instance, Psalm 28:7 (NIV) states, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me." Similarly, Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) assures believers, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Trusting in God brings confidence in approaching Him. As Psalm 20:7 (NIV) says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." When we trust in God, we can be assured that He hears our prayers and provides for us according to His will. Additionally, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8, ESV). His power and promises remain constant, and we can trust that He will fulfil His word.
Believers are also called to trust in God's plan and guidance. Joshua 1:9 (ESV) says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." This verse encourages believers to have faith in God's presence and power, even in uncertain times.
When sharing Christ with Catholics, it is important to focus on these commandments to trust and believe. It is beneficial to emphasise the assurance of salvation found in the Bible, which may be a new concept for Catholics who are uncertain about their eternal destiny. By focusing on Christ's commandment to trust and believe, we can help others experience the joy and freedom that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Frequently asked questions
Sharing Christ with a Catholic can be done by reading and studying the Bible together. You can also invite them to special events where you can share the gospel. It is important to be aware of the differences between what Evangelicals believe and what the Catholic Church believes.
A good starting point is to find common ground and build a personal connection. You can then bring up God and the Bible, sharing relevant Bible verses and stories. It is important to keep the conversation respectful and gentle, focusing on the love of God and His offer of salvation and friendship.
It is important to avoid using expressions such as "Accept Jesus into your heart" or "Give your life to Christ", as these messages may not resonate with Catholics and could be detrimental to true evangelization. Instead, focus on what Christ has done and the commandment to trust and believe in Him.
