Chapter 15: Jesus is the Way

Chapter 15: Jesus is the Way At the time when the Catholic Church was amassing wealth by selling indulgences, the Augustinian monk, Martin Luther, confessed publicly: “The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.”252 The church should cherish and fervently protect the gospel because it is our only hope of salvation. We need not be surprised, then, when we discover how Satan, throughout history, has endeavoured to twist and distort the gospel of God. In fact, even in the time of the apostles, a fierce attack against the gospel had already been launched. The apostle Paul had preached the good news in the regions of Galatia. He taught how man is reckoned as righteous before God through believing in His Son, Jesus Christ. God does not justify us on account of our good works; rather, justification is His free gift, purchased for us by the obedience and blood of Christ. As soon as Paul left the area, false teachers crept in, posing as Christian brethren, and stealthily attempted to overturn the apostolic gospel. They dared not deny the cross of Christ directly; again, they still said that believing in Him is quite necessary, but, alongside faith, they added the ritual of circumcision and the deeds of the law. At first glance, these changes in the gospel message do not appear to be fatal. However, Scripture pronounces a curse on all those who pervert the gospel as preached by the apostles. Paul writes: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”253

Why so sharp and uncompromising? Simply because the addition of works as a means of salvation denies faith, grace and the cross of Christ. A nutritious and attractive dish will hardly do you any good if even a few drops of cyanide are mixed with it. Even so, whatever is added to faith in Christ negates and poisons the gospel. The modern Catholic Church has amended a good number of abuses so prevalent in the Middle Ages. The crusades, the inquisition, the gross immorality and intrigues of many popes, and the trafficking in indulgences are largely shameful episodes buried within history books, but this is not our main interest. The question, so relevant and urgent, is: “What must I do to be saved? What is God’s answer to our predicament?” In this book we have searched for the Scriptural answer and having found it, compared it to the Roman Catholic official position. Does Rome uphold the apostolic gospel, or does she promote “another gospel”? We have to admit that she has forsaken the right way and embraced a gospel that is no gospel at all. We have proved how she adds works to faith; she adds human merit to grace. She is still intent in teaching the mediation of Mary, the saints and her priests. In addition to the sacrifice of Christ, Rome prescribes penances and purgatory. All this practically and effectively hides Christ from the devotion and faith of the people.

Now if Scripture calls the addition of circumcision and the Law to faith in Christ “another gospel,” how much more does the Roman Catholic gospel stand condemned! Before God, I am constrained in my conscience to warn you that the message of Roman Catholicism is false. If you continue depending upon it, nothing will deliver you from the wrath and righteous judgement of God at the Last Day.

I Am the Way

Fifteen years ago I stood at the crossroads of my life. For two years I had been studying the Bible, especially the Gospel according to John, and the epistles of Paul to the Romans and Galatians. By God’s grace I realized my guilt and I was terrified of the danger of eternal punishment in hell. I knew how helpless I was and I lost all confidence in myself. The glory and majesty of Christ, in His sufferings and resurrection, dawned upon my soul; and by the enablement of the Holy Spirit I entrusted my soul’s well-being and salvation completely to Him. At that time I compared Catholic doctrine with the message of Scripture and discovered a gaping chasm between the two positions. I could no longer be identified as a member in a church that has twisted the gospel. I neither had any desire to disappoint my parents nor was I seeking my friends’ criticism and rejection. My choice was as clear as daylight: it was either the Word of God or human teaching; either be faithful to Christ, my Lord and Redeemer, or else be a man-pleaser.

Today you stand in a similar situation. You must choose for yourself. Will you continue professing a religion founded upon a false gospel? Or will you forsake the Roman religion and embrace the biblical gospel, and so be united to Christ, the all-sufficient Saviour? In the Lord Jesus Christ’s Name I appeal to you, be reconciled to God! Abandon all confidence in your own efforts, your merits and penances, in a fake sacrifice and an imaginary purgatory. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died and rose again the third day, and who is reigning in glory. Do not dare any longer to approach God through Mary, or the saints, or Catholic priests. Approach God through His beloved Son, the High Priest and sole Mediator. He Himself said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”254