DEFINITION CHART

 Terms that mean different things to Christians and Catholics

Note: Every Catholic will not have exactly the same definition

BORN AGAIN

Christian: A regenerative work accomplished by the Holy Spirit which makes a person a Christian, and thereby guarantees eternal life. (John 3:1-16)

Catholic: Baptism is the new birth and makes a person a child of God. Some charismatic RCs have post-baptismal experiences they refer to as new births

SAVED BY GRACE

Christian: Given salvation as a result of God's unmerited favor, without respect to our works (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Catholic: Given the ability by God (Grace) to do works necessary for salvation

"JESUS DIED FOR ME"

Christian: He completed a substitutionary work on my behalf that brings me to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

Catholic: He opened the gate to Heaven to make it possible for me to get to God.

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

Christian: Our standing before God is due to His judicial decree that, because we have faith in the finished work of Christ. we are fully justified. (Romans 5:1)

Catholic: By faith in the operation of God in the sacraments, we are made God's friends and therefore are enabled to accomplish all that is necessary for salvation.

HEAVEN IS A GIFT

Christian: God has paid in full for the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

Catholic: Not only does God give Heaven as a free gift, He gives us the extra blessing of allowing us to work for it.

PAST SALVATION

Christian: We were saved from the penalty of sin by the death of the Lord Jesus Christ for us (Galatians 3:13).

Catholic: We were saved by our Baptism and the sacraments.

PRESENT SALVATION

Christian: We are being saved from the power of sin by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 6:14).

Catholic: We are being saved by taking advantage of the graces offered by the Church.

FUTURE SALVATION

Christian: We will be saved from the very presence of sin when we go to Heaven (Revelation 21:27).

Catholic: We hope to be saved when we stand before God in the Last Judgment.

ASSURANCE

Christian: We are sure we are going to Heaven because we have a perfect Saviour (1 John 5:13).

Catholic: (1) Because God is doing wonderful things in my life, or (2) God is too loving to send anyone to Hell, or (3) I'll get to Heaven via Purgatory, or (4) It is not possible to commit a mortal sin.

TRUSTING CHRIST

Christian: Relying on His sacrifice as payment for sin (Ephesians 1:13)

Catholic: We trust Him to help us do whatever is necessary for us to get to Heaven.

RECEIVE CHRIST

Christian: Consciously invite Christ into you life as your Saviour (John 1:12)

Catholic: Take the Host in your mouth at Mass

REAL PRESENCE

Christian: A fulfillment of Matthew 28:20

Catholic: Christ abides with you 10-15 minutes after you have received Him (until the Host is digested).