Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 10/25/2003

Question
Dear Rev. Woods,

I realize that my previous e-mail was offensive and for that I am truly sorry.  As a Roman Catholic, I obviously don't agree with the Baptist church on several issues.  However, we are all Christians and should try to get along, although I realize that most Baptists probably don't consider Catholics Christians.  I have a few questions for you.  Don't you believe private interpretation of the Bible is dangerous?  For example, many Protestants cite Romans 3:10 and 3:23 as proof Mary was not without sin.  However, infants who die very young are without sin, Jesus was without sin, those who are severely mentally incapacitated cannot commit sin, etc.  Obviously, 'all' refers only to those who can commit sin.  Furthermore, 'all' can be considered a form of hyperbole.  So I see no reason why Mary can't be an exception. My second question concerns Baptism.  I know that Baptists believe that once we are baptized, we are saved forever.  However, isn't such a belief dangerous?  Isn't that what Satan wants?  If we believe we are saved, why bother to go to church, or perform any good works whatsoever?  Personally, I believe the depth of our works and the strength of our faith determines how close we will be to God in the afterlife, how much we will feel the presence of God.  However, I also believe that salvation is an ongoing process and that Baptism does not absolve us of the responsibility of pleasing God.  Anyway, before I conclude, let me just say that Baptists have a tremendous respect for the Bible and have done wonderful missionary activity around the world, but I think all the divisions within Christianity are displeasing to God, so Christians of the world should get together and cooperature more fully.

God bless you,

Les

Answer
Blessings, no offense taken.  

1.  Don't you believe private interpretation of the Bible is dangerous? No I don't.  In John 16, Jesus said he was going to send the Holy Spirit to us.  The Spirit would reveal all truth.  Also in 1 John 2:20 & 27, John assured the "little children" to whom he wrote that they were not bound to any human teacher for thier understanding of God's truth.  Each Believer has the anointing and unction of the Holy One, the Spirit of God, to teach, lead, guide, comfort, and convict him.  
2.  For example, many Protestants cite Romans 3:10 and 3:23 as proof Mary was not without sin. However, infants who die very young are without sin, Jesus was without sin, those who are severely mentally incapacitated cannot commit sin, etc. Obviously, 'all' refers only to those who can commit sin. Furthermore, 'all' can be considered a form of hyperbole. So I see no reason why Mary can't be an exception.
Scripture clearly says that Jesus was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15). However, since the fall of man, everyone has a sinful nature.  You would be right that infants and those who may be insane would be "sinless." But we all sin.  1 John 1:8 says "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."  I think when we say that Mary or anyone else is without sin, we are really saying God is a liar.  You see God holds us accountable for the sins of are country, race, and parents.  In the Bible, when the leader or King of Israel sinned, all of the nation was held accountable.  When an soldier of Israel took an idol from Jerico, the whole nation was held responsible for his sin (see Joshua 7).  Only Jesus, who was not conceived of man and woman but of God, was born into this world without the fallen sinful nature.

3. I personally have never heard those arguments used against Mary.  I do believe Mary sinned though (see above).  Also Mary clearly had other children   "JN 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days." and Galatians 1:19 "I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother."  (see also Matthew 12:46-49; Mark 3:31-34; Luke 8:19-21)
4. My second question concerns Baptism. I know that Baptists believe that once we are baptized, we are saved forever. However, isn't such a belief dangerous? Isn't that what Satan wants? If we believe we are saved, why bother to go to church, or perform any good works whatsoever? Personally, I believe the depth of our works and the strength of our faith determines how close we will be to God in the afterlife, how much we will feel the presence of God. However, I also believe that salvation is an ongoing process and that Baptism does not absolve us of the responsibility of pleasing God.
Remember, Baptists do not believe that baptism saves only being born again saves.  If a person is TRULY born again then they will not turn from God, they will not stop going to church, and they will continue to do good works.  I would say that those who do where most likely never saved to begin with.  Yes, you could say that it such an easy grace would be dangerous.  There are those out there who believe that they are saved and have stopped in good works and lifestyle.  They are sadly mistaken.  

Anyway, before I conclude, let me just say that Baptists have a tremendous respect for the Bible and have done wonderful missionary activity around the world, but I think all the divisions within Christianity are displeasing to God, so Christians of the world should get together and cooperature more fully.

I agree.  The problem goes back to where do we get are authority for what is right and wrong.  If we could all agree to just use the Bible, then most of the divisions would be eliminated.  As long as we say that we use the Bible and something else, I do not see the church ever reuniting.

I pray the Lord's blessing over you.  AMEN