Inside Christianity
These answers describe a disagreement inside Trinitarian churches. They do not pick a side.
Salvation and the Last Things
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Inside the churches
Once a person is truly saved, that person cannot lose salvation.
The Westminster Confession says those God has accepted in Christ can neither totally nor finally fall away, and the Baptist Faith and Message says true believers will never fall away from the state of grace. Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Assemblies of God texts teach a real fall. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- John 10:28John 10:28 · King James Version
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:28 · King James VersionOpen source - Romans 8:38Romans 8:38 · King James Version
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Romans 8:38 · King James VersionOpen source - Westminster Confession 17.1
- Baptist Faith and Message, Article V
- John 10:28John 10:28 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Baptism is necessary for salvation.
The Catechism says the Lord affirms that baptism is necessary for salvation, and that God is not bound by his sacraments. The Augsburg Confession says baptism is necessary. Westminster says salvation is not so annexed to baptism that no one can be saved without it. The Baptist Faith and Message calls baptism a symbol of faith. The article quotes them and does not decide.
- Mark 16:16Mark 16:16 · King James Version
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 2:38Acts 2:38 · King James Version
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Peter 3:211 Peter 3:21 · King James Version
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 3:21 · King James VersionOpen source - Luke 23:43Luke 23:43 · King James Version
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:43 · King James VersionOpen source
- Mark 16:16Mark 16:16 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Churches should baptize infants.
The Catechism, the Augsburg Confession, Westminster, and the Methodist Articles retain baptism for children. The Baptist Faith and Message and the Assemblies of God statement require a believer who repents. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Acts 2:39Acts 2:39 · King James Version
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Acts 2:39 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 16:15Acts 16:15 · King James Version
And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Acts 16:15 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 16:33Acts 16:33 · King James Version
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Acts 16:33 · King James VersionOpen source
- Acts 2:39Acts 2:39 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Christening and baptism are two different rites.
The Church of England Article XXVII uses “christened” for people marked by baptism. Catholic and Methodist texts on the same page say Baptism. They do not define a second sacrament called christening.
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source - Article XXVII
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
A Christian can fall from grace and lose salvation.
The Augsburg Confession condemns the claim that those once justified cannot lose the Holy Spirit, and the Catechism says mortal sin deprives a person of sanctifying grace. Reformed confessions deny a final fall. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Hebrews 6:4Hebrews 6:4 · King James Version
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Hebrews 6:4 · King James VersionOpen source - Hebrews 10:26Hebrews 10:26 · King James Version
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Hebrews 10:26 · King James VersionOpen source - Galatians 5:4Galatians 5:4 · King James Version
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Galatians 5:4 · King James VersionOpen source - Catechism of the Catholic Church 1861
- Hebrews 6:4Hebrews 6:4 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Believers have a right to health and wealth, and they obtain them by faith, by a positive confession, or by sowing a seed.
The Cape Town Commitment defines the prosperity gospel in those words and rejects its excesses, and it also affirms a biblical vision of human prospering. The Assemblies of God say faith receives healing and provision, and that a confession does not compel God. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- 3 John 23 John 1:2 · King James Version
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 John 1:2 · King James VersionOpen source - Mark 11:24Mark 11:24 · King James Version
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:24 · King James VersionOpen source - Cape Town Commitment II.E.5
- 3 John 23 John 1:2 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
What a believer says in faith determines what that believer receives.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries tells readers to speak to a situation and says Jesus said they can have whatever they say. The Assemblies of God 1980 paper says a positive confession does not replace the will of God or the rest of Scripture. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Mark 11:23Mark 11:23 · King James Version
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mark 11:23 · King James VersionOpen source - Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Faith Confessions
- Assemblies of God, The Believer and Positive Confession
- Mark 11:23Mark 11:23 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
A gift given in faith is a seed God multiplies back to the giver.
Oral Roberts, quoted by an Oral Roberts University journal, says you sow it, God will grow it, and you will reap it. The Cape Town Commitment names the sowing of seeds in its definition of the prosperity gospel and calls for generous giving that is not a technique. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Luke 6:38Luke 6:38 · King James Version
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:38 · King James VersionOpen source - Malachi 3:10Malachi 3:10 · King James Version
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3:10 · King James VersionOpen source - Thorpe, An Overview of the Theology of Oral Roberts
- Luke 6:38Luke 6:38 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Calvinism means God chooses who will believe, and people cannot resist that grace.
The Canons of Dort say election is not based on foreseen faith, and that faith is infused rather than merely offered. The Remonstrance says God saves those who believe and persevere, and that grace is not irresistible. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Ephesians 1:4Ephesians 1:4 · King James Version
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Ephesians 1:4 · King James VersionOpen source - John 3:16John 3:16 · King James Version
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 · King James VersionOpen source - Canons of Dort
- Ephesians 1:4Ephesians 1:4 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
The Bible says God predestined some people and passed by the rest.
Romans 8 and Ephesians 1 say God predestinated those he foreknew and chose. First Timothy 2 says God will have all people to be saved. Westminster teaches election and reprobation. The Catechism says God predestines no one to hell. The article quotes each and does not decide.
- Romans 8:29Romans 8:29 · King James Version
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29 · King James VersionOpen source - Ephesians 1:4Ephesians 1:4 · King James Version
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Ephesians 1:4 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Timothy 2:41 Timothy 2:4 · King James Version
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:4 · King James VersionOpen source - Catechism 1037
- Romans 8:29Romans 8:29 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
The rapture is a secret coming of Christ before a visible return.
The King James Version says living believers will be caught up. The Assemblies of God call that the rapture and then a visible thousand-year reign. Westminster and the Baptist Faith and Message describe one return and the judgment, and they do not use the word rapture. The article quotes each and does not decide.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:171 Thessalonians 4:17 · King James Version
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 24:29Matthew 24:29 · King James Version
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Matthew 24:29 · King James VersionOpen source - Revelation 1:7Revelation 1:7 · King James Version
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Revelation 1:7 · King James VersionOpen source
- 1 Thessalonians 4:171 Thessalonians 4:17 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Reformed theology is just another name for the five points of Calvinism.
The Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and Westminster confess one God in three persons and the comfort of belonging to Christ. The Canons of Dort answer the five points of the Remonstrance. The article quotes the wider confession and points to the Calvinism page for that dispute. It does not decide.
- Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 94–95 · Christian Reformed Church
Q. What does the Lord require in the first commandment?
A. That I, not wanting to endanger my own salvation, avoid and shun all idolatry, sorcery, superstitious rites, and prayer to saints or to other creatures. That I rightly know the only true God, trust him alone, and look to God for every good thing humbly and patiently, and love, fear, and honor God with all my heart. In short, that I give up anything rather than go against God’s will in any way.Q. What is idolatry?
Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 94–95 · Christian Reformed ChurchOpen source
A. Idolatry is having or inventing something in which one trusts in place of or alongside of the only true God, who has revealed himself in the Word. - Belgic Confession, Article 8
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
- Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 94–95 · Christian Reformed Church
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Inside the churches
The Bible says people are saved by grace through faith, not of works.
Ephesians 2:8–9 says that. Churches that confess the Trinity disagree about baptism and about whether a believer can fall away. Those pages quote both sides and do not decide.
- Ephesians 2:8Ephesians 2:8 · King James Version
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8 · King James VersionOpen source - John 3:16John 3:16 · King James Version
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 · King James VersionOpen source - Titus 3:5Titus 3:5 · King James Version
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:5 · King James VersionOpen source
- Ephesians 2:8Ephesians 2:8 · King James Version
The Churches
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Inside the churches
Methodists and Baptists teach the same thing about baptism and the church.
The Methodist Articles retain infant baptism and say a person may fall from grace and rise again. The Baptist Faith and Message requires believer’s immersion and says true believers will not fall away. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source - Baptist Faith and Message
- Articles of Religion
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Baptists and Catholics differ on Scripture, baptism, and the Supper.
The Baptist Faith and Message makes Scripture the supreme standard and baptism the immersion of a believer, a symbol. The Catechism says certainty is not from Scripture alone and that baptism, including infant baptism, is necessary for salvation. The article quotes both and points to the longer Catholic and Protestant comparison. It does not decide.
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 2:38Acts 2:38 · King James Version
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38 · King James VersionOpen source - Baptist Faith and Message
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Protestants are one denomination, with one list of beliefs.
The confessions agree that Jesus is God and that Scripture is the rule of faith, and they disagree about falling away, the sacraments, and the pope. The article quotes them and does not decide.
- Westminster Confession 2.3
- Augsburg Confession IV
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
Catholics are not Christians.
The Catechism and the Westminster Confession both confess one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and Jesus as truly God. This site counts that confession as Christianity. The article quotes where they still disagree and does not decide those points.
- Catechism, Nicene Creed
- Westminster Confession 25.6
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source - Ephesians 2:8Ephesians 2:8 · King James Version
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
Catholics do not believe that Jesus is God.
The Catechism prints the Nicene sentence that Jesus is true God from true God. Protestant confessions print the same confession and reject the papacy, the longer Old Testament, and purgatory. The article quotes both and does not decide those disagreements.
- Catechism, Nicene Creed
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source - John 20:28John 20:28 · King James Version
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
Constantine started the Catholic Church.
The Catechism says Jesus inaugurated the Church and made Peter its rock. Westminster says Christ is the only head. The fetched texts do not say Constantine founded the church. The article does not decide the papacy.
- Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 · King James Version
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18 · King James VersionOpen source - Catechism 881
- Westminster Confession 25.6
- Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a separate religion from Christianity.
The Orthodox Church in America catechism prints the Nicene confession that the Son is true God of true God. A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese essay rejects the filioque, a universal pope, the immaculate conception, and purgatory. The article quotes both and does not decide those differences.
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source - OCA Nicene Creed
- Catechism 247Catechism of the Catholic Church 253 · English, Holy See
The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the "consubstantial Trinity".
Catechism of the Catholic Church 253 · English, Holy SeeOpen source
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches teach the same things.
Both confess that Jesus is true God. A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese essay rejects the filioque, papal primacy, the immaculate conception, and purgatory. The Catechism teaches the filioque and the pope’s universal power. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- John 15:26John 15:26 · King James Version
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 15:26 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 · King James Version
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18 · King James VersionOpen source - Catechism 881
- John 15:26John 15:26 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Eastern Orthodox churches are Protestant.
An Orthodox catechism says the Bible holds first place inside Holy Tradition. Westminster says nothing is to be added to Scripture by traditions of men. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Ephesians 2:8Ephesians 2:8 · King James Version
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8 · King James VersionOpen source - Galatians 5:6Galatians 5:6 · King James Version
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Galatians 5:6 · King James VersionOpen source - Westminster Confession 1.6
- Ephesians 2:8Ephesians 2:8 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Speaking in tongues is the Bible’s required sign of the Holy Spirit.
The Assemblies of God say Spirit baptism is witnessed by speaking in tongues. Acts 2 says the hearers understood their own languages. First Corinthians 14 speaks of an unknown tongue and asks whether all speak with tongues. Westminster says vocal prayer is in a known tongue. The article quotes each and does not decide.
- Acts 2:4Acts 2:4 · King James Version
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Corinthians 14:21 Corinthians 14:2 · King James Version
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Corinthians 14:2 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Corinthians 12:301 Corinthians 12:30 · King James Version
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 12:30 · King James VersionOpen source
- Acts 2:4Acts 2:4 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
All Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on January 7.
A Greek Orthodox Archdiocese essay says New Calendar churches keep Christmas on December 25 and Old Calendar churches keep it on January 7. The essay is not a synod. The article quotes it and does not decide the calendar.
- Luke 2:11Luke 2:11 · King James Version
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 · King James VersionOpen source - The Calendar of the Orthodox Church
- Luke 2:11Luke 2:11 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
The Council of Nicaea invented the Trinity and chose the books of the Bible.
The 325 creed confesses the Son as true God from true God, of one substance with the Father, and rejects the claim that there once was when he was not. Its twenty canons are about church order. They do not list biblical books. The article quotes the creed and does not decide the papacy from canon 6.
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source - Council of Nicaea, 325
- John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Catholics do not really celebrate Easter, or Christmas matters more.
The Catechism calls Easter the Feast of feasts. Canon 920 requires communion at least once a year, during the Easter season unless there is a just cause. The article quotes those texts and does not rank the churches.
- Luke 24:6Luke 24:6 · King James Version
He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Luke 24:6 · King James VersionOpen source - Catechism 1169
- Canon 920
- Luke 24:6Luke 24:6 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Peter was the first pope, and the bishops of Rome succeed him in that office.
The Catechism and Vatican I say Peter received the primacy and that the Roman Pontiff succeeds him. An Orthodox clergy answer says first among equals is not supremacy of jurisdiction. Westminster says the pope of Rome cannot be head of the church. The article quotes each and does not decide.
- Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 · King James Version
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18 · King James VersionOpen source - Catechism 881
- Westminster 25.6
- Matthew 16:18Matthew 16:18 · King James Version
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What you will hear
Jesus was a Christian, or he was a Muslim, rather than a Jew of his own time.
The Gospels place him under the law, in the synagogue, and at Passover. A Samaritan woman calls him a Jew. The name Christian is first used at Antioch. The Qur’an reading is a different page.
- John 4:9John 4:9 · King James Version
Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.
John 4:9 · King James VersionOpen source - Luke 2:21Luke 2:21 · King James Version
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2:21 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 5:17Matthew 5:17 · King James Version
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew 5:17 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 11:26Acts 11:26 · King James Version
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 11:26 · King James VersionOpen source
- John 4:9John 4:9 · King James Version
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What you will hear
Christianity was created long after Jesus, at Nicaea or by Paul.
Acts places the Spirit on the disciples at Pentecost and the name Christian at Antioch. Nicaea is 325. The claim that Paul invented the faith is a different page.
- Acts 2:1Acts 2:1 · King James Version
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:1 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 11:26Acts 11:26 · King James Version
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 11:26 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source
- Acts 2:1Acts 2:1 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Anglicans confess the Trinity, Scripture as sufficient for salvation, and two sacraments of the Gospel.
Article I says three Persons, one substance. Article XI says justification is by faith in Christ, not by our works. Article XXV names Baptism and the Supper. The page also quotes the Catholic Catechism and does not decide.
- Articles of Religion
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
Henry VIII founded the Anglican church as a new religion.
The Church of England dates a British church to the Roman period and says it accepted the pope until the Reformation. The catalyst they name is the annulment and a Tudor claim about royal authority. Elizabeth I became queen in 1558. The Articles page dates the ratification to 1571.
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Inside the churches
Anglicans and Catholics believe the same things about the pope, the sacraments, and authority.
Both confess the Trinity. The Articles and the Catechism differ on Scripture and Tradition, the number of gospel sacraments, the pope’s jurisdiction, and purgatory. The page quotes both and does not decide.
- Articles of Religion
- Catechism 82Catechism of the Catholic Church 82 · English, Holy See
As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honoured with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence."
Catechism of the Catholic Church 82 · English, Holy SeeOpen source - Catechism 881
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Inside the churches
The Coptic Orthodox Church is Eastern Orthodox, or it denies that Jesus is God.
Their site says Mark founded the church in Egypt about 48, and that Christ is perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity. They accept three councils. Chalcedon’s definition says two natures. The page quotes both and does not decide.
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Inside the churches
The Catholic Church forbids evolution, or it has replaced Adam with evolution.
Humani Generis does not forbid research into the human body as coming from living matter, and it says souls are immediately created by God. It says the faithful cannot hold that true men after Adam did not come from him. The page quotes Genesis beside those paragraphs and does not decide the scientific question.
- Humani Generis
- Genesis 2:7Genesis 2:7 · King James Version
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Genesis 2:7 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
The Catholic Church forbids cremation, or it treats cremation and burial as the same.
Canon 1176 recommends burial and does not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen against Christian doctrine. Ad resurgendum cum Christo prefers burial, says cremation does not prevent the resurrection, and forbids scattering ashes or keeping them in jewelry. The page quotes those texts and does not add a rule they do not state.
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Inside the churches
Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox are the same church, or one of them denies that Jesus is God.
Both confess the Trinity and that Christ is perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity. Chalcedon says two natures in one person. The Coptic Church keeps one nature of the incarnate Logos. A 1990 agreed statement says each side may keep its formula. It did not restore communion. The page does not decide.
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Inside the churches
Eastern Orthodox priests must marry, or they may not marry at all.
An Orthodox clergy answer says a married man may be ordained deacon or priest, once, and may not marry after ordination, and that bishops are celibate. Canon 277 binds Catholic clerics to celibacy. Article XXXII says Anglican bishops, priests, and deacons may marry. The page quotes them and does not decide.
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Inside the churches
The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church are two religions, or every church called Episcopal is the same province.
The Episcopal Church says it is the only U.S.-based member of the Anglican Communion, descended from the Church of England and established in 1785. The Anglican Church in North America is a separate province with its own constitution. The page quotes both and does not decide which province a reader should join.
Mary and the Saints
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Inside the churches
Catholics worship Mary.
The Catechism says devotion to Mary differs essentially from the adoration given to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Augsburg Confession says the Scriptures do not teach calling on the saints. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Catechism 971
- Augsburg Confession XXI
- Luke 1:46Luke 1:46 · King James Version
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
Luke 1:46 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Timothy 2:51 Timothy 2:5 · King James Version
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 Timothy 2:5 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
Purgatory is a biblical doctrine.
The Catechism names a purification after death for those who die in God’s grace but are still imperfectly purified. Westminster says Scripture acknowledges no place for souls besides heaven and hell. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Catechism 1030
- 1 Corinthians 3:151 Corinthians 3:15 · King James Version
If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
1 Corinthians 3:15 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 12:32Matthew 12:32 · King James Version
And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.
Matthew 12:32 · King James VersionOpen source - Westminster Confession 32.1
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Inside the churches
Catholics believe Mary was conceived without original sin and never sinned.
Ineffabilis Deus defines that preservation at her conception. The Catechism says she remained free of every personal sin. An Orthodox clergy answer calls the Immaculate Conception foreign. Augsburg and Article IX teach original sin in everyone naturally born. The page quotes them and does not decide.
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Inside the churches
Praying to saints is in the Bible, or it is forbidden by the Bible.
Trent says it is good and useful to invoke the saints. The Catechism says their honour is veneration, not the adoration due to God alone. Augsburg and Article XXII refuse calling on the saints. The page sets 1 Timothy 2:5 beside those texts and does not decide.
- Council of Trent, Session 25
- 1 Timothy 2:51 Timothy 2:5 · King James Version
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 Timothy 2:5 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
Catholics worship the saints, or they only ask the saints to pray.
Trent says the saints are venerated and Christ is adored, and that denying invocation is impious. The Catechism calls image honour respectful veneration, not the adoration due to God alone. Article XXII calls invocation of saints a fond thing. The fetched English does not use the words latria or dulia. The page does not decide.
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Inside the churches
The bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, or they remain bread and wine.
The Catechism quotes Trent: the whole substance is changed, and that change is called transubstantiation. Article XXVIII says that change cannot be proved by holy Writ. An Orthodox essay does not use the word and denies that the gifts are mere symbols. Augsburg says the body and blood are truly present. The page does not decide.
The Bible
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Inside the churches
The Catholic Bible added books, or the Protestant Bible removed them.
Trent receives the longer Old Testament and anathematizes a knowing refusal. Westminster says the books called Apocrypha are no part of the canon. The article quotes both lists and does not decide.
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Inside the churches
The Apocrypha are either all Scripture or of no use, and one vote closed the canon.
Trent receives the longer list. Westminster excludes the books called Apocrypha. Jude quotes Enoch, which is in neither list. The article quotes the decisions and does not decide.
- Catechism 120
- Westminster Confession 1.3
- Jude 1:14Jude 1:14 · King James Version
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude 1:14 · King James VersionOpen source
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Inside the churches
One English translation is the only accurate Bible.
Young’s Literal Translation keeps more of the Hebrew shape than the King James Version. The Legacy Standard Bible’s publisher describes a word-for-word revision of the New American Standard Bible. Churches that confess the same gospel read more than one English edition. The article quotes those descriptions and does not crown one.
- Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source - John 1:1John 1:1 · King James Version
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 17:21Matthew 17:21 · King James Version
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:21 · King James VersionOpen source
- Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:1 · King James Version
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What you will hear
Paul wrote Hebrews, or the unknown author makes the book unusable.
The book names no author. Clement of Alexandria said Paul, with Luke as translator. Origen said the thoughts are the apostle’s and that God knows the writer. Tertullian names Barnabas.
- Hebrews 2:3Hebrews 2:3 · King James Version
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Hebrews 2:3 · King James VersionOpen source - Eusebius, Church History 6
- Tertullian, On Modesty 20
- Hebrews 2:3Hebrews 2:3 · King James Version
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A Christian objection
The Bible tells what God said beforehand, including a ruler from Bethlehem and the temple’s fall.
Micah 5:2 names Bethlehem. Daniel 9:26 says Messiah is cut off and the city and sanctuary are destroyed. Matthew 24:2 says not one stone will be left on another. The page does not date those lines to 2026 or 2033.
- Micah 5:2Micah 5:2 · King James Version
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2 · King James VersionOpen source - Daniel 9:26Daniel 9:26 · King James Version
And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Daniel 9:26 · King James VersionOpen source - Matthew 24:2Matthew 24:2 · King James Version
And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Matthew 24:2 · King James VersionOpen source
- Micah 5:2Micah 5:2 · King James Version
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A Christian objection
A prophecy that does not happen is not from the LORD, and Ezekiel’s words about Tyre have to be read with both chapters.
Deuteronomy 18:22 says that if the word does not come to pass, the LORD has not spoken it. Ezekiel 26 says Tyre will be scraped like a rock and built no more. Ezekiel 29 says Nebuchadnezzar’s army took no wages from Tyre. The page states both.
- Deuteronomy 18:22Deuteronomy 18:22 · King James Version
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 18:22 · King James VersionOpen source - Ezekiel 26:14Ezekiel 26:14 · King James Version
And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 26:14 · King James VersionOpen source - Ezekiel 29:18Ezekiel 29:18 · King James Version
Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:
Ezekiel 29:18 · King James VersionOpen source
- Deuteronomy 18:22Deuteronomy 18:22 · King James Version
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A Christian objection
The Gospels were written centuries after Jesus.
Irenaeus places Matthew while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, Mark after their departure, Luke with Paul, and John later at Ephesus. He gives no year. A fragment of John was copied in the second century.
- Against Heresies 3.1.1Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1 · Ante-Nicene Fathers, New Advent
Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.
Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1 · Ante-Nicene Fathers, New AdventOpen source - Greek Papyrus 457
- Luke 1:1Luke 1:1 · King James Version
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Luke 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source
- Against Heresies 3.1.1Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1 · Ante-Nicene Fathers, New Advent
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Inside the churches
Eastern Orthodox Christians use the Protestant Bible, or the same Old Testament list as the Catholic Church.
An Orthodox clergy answer calls Tobit, Judith, additions to Esther and Daniel, Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and the Prayer of Manasseh the longer canon, from the Septuagint, and accepts them as canonical scripture. The Catholic list is similar and does not name the Prayer of Manasseh. The page does not decide the canon.
The Holy Spirit
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Inside the churches
The Father, the Son, and the Spirit were present when Jesus was baptized.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke narrate Jesus, John, the Spirit descending like a dove, and a voice from heaven. Luke times it when all the people were baptized. John’s Gospel is John’s report that he saw the Spirit remain on Jesus.
- Matthew 3:16Matthew 3:16 · King James Version
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Matthew 3:16 · King James VersionOpen source - Mark 1:10Mark 1:10 · King James Version
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
Mark 1:10 · King James VersionOpen source - Luke 3:22Luke 3:22 · King James Version
And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Luke 3:22 · King James VersionOpen source - John 1:32John 1:32 · King James Version
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
John 1:32 · King James VersionOpen source
- Matthew 3:16Matthew 3:16 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke say John baptized Jesus. Matthew adds that John objected and that Jesus said this fulfills all righteousness. The Catechism and an Orthodox essay read that line as the reason the sinless Jesus was baptized.
- Matthew 3:13Matthew 3:13 · King James Version
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Matthew 3:13 · King James VersionOpen source - Mark 1:9Mark 1:9 · King James Version
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
Mark 1:9 · King James VersionOpen source - John 1:28John 1:28 · King James Version
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
John 1:28 · King James VersionOpen source
- Matthew 3:13Matthew 3:13 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke say that, after a charge that Jesus works by Beelzebub. The Catechism reads it as a deliberate refusal of mercy that can end in final impenitence. The LCMS FAQ reads it as a settled refusal to repent. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- Matthew 12:31Matthew 12:31 · King James Version
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
Matthew 12:31 · King James VersionOpen source - Mark 3:29Mark 3:29 · King James Version
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
Mark 3:29 · King James VersionOpen source - Luke 12:10Luke 12:10 · King James Version
And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
Luke 12:10 · King James VersionOpen source
- Matthew 12:31Matthew 12:31 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Speaking in tongues is the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit, or the gift has ceased.
Acts 2 says the hearers recognized their own languages. First Corinthians 12 asks whether all speak with tongues. The Assemblies of God say Spirit baptism is witnessed by tongues. Westminster says former ways of revealing God’s will have ceased, and that vocal prayer is in a known tongue. The article quotes them and does not decide.
- Acts 2:4Acts 2:4 · King James Version
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Corinthians 12:301 Corinthians 12:30 · King James Version
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Corinthians 12:30 · King James VersionOpen source - 1 Corinthians 14:21 Corinthians 14:2 · King James Version
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
1 Corinthians 14:2 · King James VersionOpen source
- Acts 2:4Acts 2:4 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
The Holy Spirit is God, a person of the Trinity.
The Nicene confession says the Spirit is Lord and giver of life, worshipped with the Father and the Son. Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal texts say the Spirit is fully divine. Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that the Spirit is a person. That reading is on their page.
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 5:3Acts 5:3 · King James Version
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:3 · King James VersionOpen source - Acts 5:4Acts 5:4 · King James Version
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
Acts 5:4 · King James VersionOpen source
- Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19 · King James Version
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Inside the churches
Christians pray to the Holy Spirit.
The Catechism asks how the Church could not pray to the Spirit, and it prints “Come, Holy Spirit.” The Westminster Larger Catechism says prayer is offered to God only, by the help of his Spirit. The article quotes both and does not decide.
- John 14:16John 14:16 · King James Version
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:16 · King James VersionOpen source - Romans 8:26Romans 8:26 · King James Version
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 · King James VersionOpen source
- John 14:16John 14:16 · King James Version