Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 6/11/2007

Question
Dear Rev. Stuart,
I was wondering if you could outline the differences between the Baptist Church and the Church of Rome. For instance, how they were different hundreds of years ago and how that has changed.
Please and Thank you
-Jackie


Answer
Hello Jackie,
Thank you for your question. You have specifically asked me to point out the differences between the Church of Rome and Baptists and I will do that but I need to point out that we share much in common. We agree about who God is, who Jesus is and who the Holy Spirit is. We agree that Jesus died, rose, ascended and poured out His Spirit. We are agreed that Jesus is to return. We also agree that salvation in made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus. There is much more.
However we differ with regard to authority. The Church of Rome puts the authority of church tradition on a par with the scriptures. Baptists believe the scriptures to be our supreme authority in belief and practice.
We differ regarding how grace is administered. Baptists believe that salvation is by grace (the undeserved favour of God) through faith. The church of Rome teaches that salvation is by grace but that grace is administered sacramentally through baptism (regardless of the faith of the one baptised) and the Mass (again regardless of personal faith).
The Church of Rome believes that Mary the mother of Jesus did not die but was taken to heaven whilst alive. It also believes that she was sinless. Baptists believe that Mary was the most favoured of all women but was a sinner like the rest of us and that she died like the rest of us will.
The Church of Rome believes the true church to be that which accepts the authority of Rome which they see as being in succession to Peter, Baptists believe that the true church is made up of all those who have repented of sin, put their faith in Jesus Christ and so been born again by the Spirit. Roman Catholics see the rest of us separated brethren who God will be merciful to.
Baptists see each local church as independent administering its own affairs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Church of Rome sees all authority as central.
Baptists believe that Christian prayer is to the Father, through the Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church of Rome agrees but teaches that as it can be hard to get through to God this way we can pray to one of the saints who might be a little bit more sympathetic and they will put in a good word.
Baptists believe in the priesthood of all believers. Romans Catholics believe that priests are only those who have been duly ordained through the laying on of hands by a Bishop in direct line from Peter.
The Church of Rome believes that baptism is done to someone and grace is administered irrespective of faith. Baptists believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of those with personal faith in Jesus Christ.
There are other issues as well but the ones I have outlined ought to give you enough to consider.
I wish you well in those considerations and pray God's blessing on you.
Stuart Woodward