Expert: Cooper P. Abrams III - 3/6/2006

Question
Hi I am a saved fundamental baptist teen and have alot of catholic friends living here in the Northeast.  Should i be witnessing to them or are they christians too? also when they invite me to their youth groups at their catholic churches should I go? i invite them to mine sometimes.

Answer
Hi Will,
   You are to be commended for being concerned about your RC friends.   It is encouraging to see a teenager concerned for others and living for the Lord Jesus Christ.   I am sure that at times it may be difficult, but be assured God is greatly pleased when young people honor Him.   I wish I had received Christ in my youth...it would have given me so many more years  to serve Him and I would have avoided a lot of problems.

   To answer your question.... The RCC is a false church teaching false doctrine.    Their greatest error is teaching a grace, plus works salvation which is a perversion of God's Plan of Salvation.  Believing in grace plus one's word does not save....  Further you do not find Maryology in God's word, or the Mass, sacraments which has saving properties, crossing once's self, popery, a priest giving absolution, confession to a priest or church official, a church hierarchy, a universal church, infant baptism, baptism by sprinkling, Purgatory, praying for the dead, etc.   Those things taught in God's word.   So if they truly believe in Catholic doctrine, they have believed a false Gospel, that cannot save.  
    So should you witness to them.  Yes, being very careful to do so reading them the word of God.    Showing them the verses and passages that teach what salvation truly is and asking them....is this what you church teaches and more importantly what you believe?
    Ask them on what basis should God allow them into heaven?   Explain how you know you will go to heaven and the scriptures that teach you this.   That question most times will show you what they are trusting in.   Catholics have not assurance of salvation, because they are working to go t heaven and never sure if they will do enough or will fail.
    You might ask them also if it is better to do things as God has instructed or to change it....to believe God's word...or to believe things that contradict God's word.   Of course you must be tackful and show them you really care for them and their salvation.
     As to going to their activities.....if it is a religious activity....it would not be correct to go and support it...   Non-religious things....maybe.... if you think it would not hurt your testimony as a Christian and your witness to them.
      Hope this helps....I wish you God's very best and if you have further questions or comments please write.
Cooper Abrams
Bible-truth.org