Question: What are the main differences between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Church?
Answer: The chart below lists the main differences on several points of doctrine. The definitions are admittedly over-simplified; so we invite you to contact us if you need more detailed information.
Romanism Protestantism
Authority Scripture, sacred tradition, and Magisterium Scripture alone is the final authority
Scripture Apocrypha included in canon Apocrypha excluded
Justification Received by faith and good works Received by faith alone
Sanctification Leads to justification A result of justification
Good Works Meritorious for salvation Evidence of salvation
Priests Human mediators between God and man Christ is the only mediator, Priesthood of all believers
The Church Absolutely necessary for salvation Ordinarily necessary for salvation
The Pope Vicar (substitute) of Christ and Head of the church Christ alone is Head of his church
Infallibility Ex cathedra teachings are without error Only scripture is without error
Sacraments Convey grace by their very operation Convey grace when received with faith
Baptism Regenerates at the moment of administration Initiates one into the visible church
Lord’s Supper Christ is physically present (transubstantiation) Christ is spiritually present to worthy partakers
Assurance Ordinarily unavailable during this lifetime Received at the point of conversion
Perseverance Salvation may be lost Salvation is eternally secure
Mary Venerated, forever virgin, co-redemptrix with Christ Highly honored, had other children, cannot save us
Purgatory A place to have sins purged after death Denied
Indulgences May be paid by the living to benefit the dead Denied
Prayer to Saints Affirmed Denied
Answered by Pastor Christian McShaffrey