Faithful Cycles: So whats the Difference – Bpatist vs. Catholics?

Real Life. Real Struggles. Real Truth.

Truth Cycle:

You hear people talk about the Pope, the Church, saints, confessions, and maybe you’ve wondered, ‘Aren’t we all just Christians?’ While we share some history, the way Baptists and Catholics understand the Bible, salvation, and leadership is very different. And it matters, because what you believe shapes how you live

Biblical Truth:

Biblical & Doctrinal Comparison (Simplified)

Authority

• Catholics: Authority is based on Scripture + Tradition + the Pope (Magisterium).
• Baptists: Authority comes from Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura).

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” _{2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)}

Church Leadership

• Catholics: The Pope is seen as the head of the global Church, in Peter’s succession.
• Baptists: Jesus Christ is the only head of the Church. Local churches are autonomous.

“And He is the head of the body, the church…” _{Colossians 1:18 (NKJV)}

Salvation

• Catholics: Salvation is by grace through faith, but often includes sacraments, penance, and works.
• Baptists: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—not by works.

“By grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast.” _{Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)}

Confession & Forgiveness

• Catholics: Confession is made to a priest.
• Baptists: We confess directly to God through Jesus, our High Priest.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” _{1 John 1:9 (NKJV)}

Prayer

• Catholics: May pray to saints or Mary for intercession.
• Baptists: Pray directly to God through Jesus.

“There is one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.” – _{1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV)}

Quick Word:

We don’t follow a religion of rituals, we follow a Savior who gives freedom through faith. It’s not about being better, it’s about being biblical. Know what you believe. Stand on the Word. And love others enough to speak truth with grace.