How Can A Sinner Become Right With God? |
The only way a sinner, who is condemned under God's inflexible justice, can be made right with God is through faith alone in the substitutionary death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-28). Jesus Christ satisfied divine justice so that God could be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). The sinless Savior went to the cross as a substitute for His people. He endured the wrath of God in the place of sinners who would repent and believe the Gospel. This is the heart of the Gospel and the hinge upon which the gates of heaven open and close.
Catholicism Totally Rejects Biblical Justification
Roman Catholicism directly opposes God's Word on the doctrine of justification. At first, the papists obscured this core doctrine of the Gospel from its people, then later corrupted it with "infallible" dogmas at the 16th century Council of Trent. We must warn Catholics that if they get justification wrong, they cannot be right with God. Knowing that God's truth shines brightest against the darkness of religious deception, let us consider the following distortions of the doctrine of justification by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):
- Justification is by faith in what God accomplished in Christ (Rom. 5:1).
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Rome says justification is by the sacrament of water baptism (CCC, 1992).
- Justification is instantaneous and changes one’s legal status before God whereby a condemned sinner has been acquitted and declared righteous (Rom. 4:3; 5:12-21).
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Rome says justification is a process and changes the inner man, not his legal status (CCC, 2019).
- Justification is permanent and is never lost by sin. The legal status of a justified man is as unchangeable as the righteousness of Christ (Heb. 10:14).
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Rome says justification is temporal; it can be lost by sin and regained through the sacrament of penance and good works (CCC, 1446, 1861).
- God justifies the ungodly (Rom. 4:5).
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Rome teaches final justification is not for the ungodly but for those who become righteous (CCC, 2016, 2020).
- Justification is the imputation of the righteousness of Christ to the repentant sinner (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:5).
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Rome says justification is the infusion of righteousness which renews the interior man (CCC,1989).
- Justification is by grace apart from works. Christ’s righteousness is given as a gift (Titus 3:7; Rom. 5:17, 11:6).
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Rome says justification must include good works. Re-justification must be merited by making satisfaction for sins through penance, works of mercy, etc. (CCC, 1459, 1460, 2010, 2027). “If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone…let him be anathema” (Trent, Canon 24).
- God promises to glorify everyone He justifies because those justified can never be condemned (Rom. 8:1, 8:30).
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Rome says God will condemn to hell everyone who was justified by water baptism but who later dies in mortal sin (CCC, 1861).
One Verse Catholics Love to Quote
As we share the Gospel of grace with Roman Catholics, they will defend their dogma of justification by faith plus works with James 2:24 which says, "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." It appears that James is teaching something inconsistent with the rest of Scripture. However, when we study the context of chapter two, we see that James is not teaching "how to be justified", he is contrasting two kinds of faith - a genuine, God-given faith which is evidenced by good works, and a spurious, dead faith which shows no evidence of conversion.
Professors of Christ Who Do Not Possess Him
James is dealing with an issue that was prevalent in the first century church and even more widespread today. We have many professors of Christ who do not possess Christ because they have never been born again. They are victims of the worst kind of deception, believing they are Christians when they are not. The most terrifying words professing Christians could ever hear would be Jesus saying, "Depart from me, I never knew you" (Mat. 7:23). That's why James exhorts his readers to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas. 1:22).
Works Are the Evidence of an Invisible Faith
James says, "show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18). Since faith is an invisible relationship between God and man, its only visible evidence are the works produced by faith. James is declaring that genuine faith will be accompanied by good works. In other words, we are justified by faith alone, but faith that justifies is never alone! Those with God-given faith have been given a new heart and a new nature that produces a changed life which bears fruit for the glory of God (John 15:4-8).
Genuine Faith vs. Dead Faith
True believers may have times of unfruitfulness in their lives, but the pattern and direction of their lives will be characterized by an increasing pattern of righteousness and a decreasing pattern of sin. This process of sanctification is not about sinless perfection, but a righteous direction. Righteous behavior is what distinguishes dead faith from genuine faith. We enter into salvation by faith apart from works (Eph. 2:8-9), but after we are saved then we do the works God has prepared for us (Eph. 2:10).
Justification and Vindication
It is also important to know that the Greek word for "justified" has two meanings. One is a legal or forensic declaration by God to those who have faith. Paul wrote: "having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1). The other meaning is "to vindicate" or "to show" that someone is righteous. Abraham was justified (vindicated) "when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar" (James 2:21). Abraham did not need to be justified again because God had justified him by faith alone many years before (Gen. 12:1-7, 15:6). His obedience to God vindicated his genuine faith. James is using Abraham as an example of believers who have been justified; their faith is also vindicated by their works.
Is James Contradicting Paul?
Some will ask why does James appear to contradict Paul, who wrote: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). Clearly, Paul is dealing with the means of salvation, whereas James is dealing with the outcome of salvation. Paul is dealing with the nature of justification, while James is dealing with the nature of faith.
Witnessing to Catholics
May we all be ready to defend this vitally important doctrine of justification when we witness to Roman Catholics. We must boldly proclaim that the only way repenting sinners can be justified by our Holy God is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone!
You can listen to Mike's message on Evangelizing Catholics God's Way here.
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Letters to Edify and Encourage the Saints |
Mr. Gendron, You work for John MacArthur, a Jewish Freemason financed by Lorena Jaeb. How could you be supported by the Satanic CNP unless you are also an antichristian slimeball? You NEVER tell the truth about the RCC. Too bad so few Christians realize you are a Satanic agent. M.S., Internet
It was so refreshing to hear you on Jan Markell‘s program, and to know there are other ministries helping set captives free from Roman Catholicism. My dad came to Columbia to preach the gospel to Roman Catholics, who were deeply in bondage to the yoke of heavy works and fear of judgment. He faced spiritual warfare everywhere he planted churches. He was attacked physically, poisoned, stoned, and run out of town many times, all because he was sharing the hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. I grew up realizing that Satan fights hard to keep people deceived in the religion of Catholicism. I have been a missionary in Columbia with Wycliffe Bible Translators. We pray God will continue to use you mightily in the battle. P.T., Minnesota
Hi Mike, I listened to your interview with Justin Peters on Catholicism. I grew up in a Catholic School where I was scared to death by the nuns and priests, all dressed in black, telling me I'm going to Hell if I didn't follow Catholic teachings. Years later, I went to see my new neighbour who just happened to be reading her Bible. She told me things so wonderful and so amazing. I was crying because I heard the truth for the first time in my life. Now, I have assurance of heaven from my sweet Saviour Jesus. Thanks for your ministry! Marie, Internet
Mike, I'm closing in on the finish of Preparing for Eternity. This is without a doubt the absolute best read for everybody. It is easy to read, clear, and concise, with plenty of proof, both in Scripture and "their" literature. I'm ordering two other copies to open a dialogue with two friends I've known for many years. I'm praying they will be open to the truth. Thank you for your insight and book. M.K., Hereford, AZ
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Why Must We Be Born Again? |
How is a sinner, who is dead in his trespasses and sins, able to come to Christ? Pastor Tom Pennington of Countryside Bible Church explains God's amazing work of regeneration from John 3. The blessings of regeneration include: 1) God cleanses the defilement of our hearts; 2) God enables us to enter His kingdom by faith; 3) God enables us to believe in Christ; 4) God enables us to obey Him and to avoid a life of sin; and 5) God enables us to love others. You can watch Tom's encouraging message here.
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The Pope and His Church in the Last Days |
Mike's recent message at Truth Bible Church in Hollywood, Maryland, looks at the false prophet of Revelation 13 and the global religion that will worship a false Christ. Mike gives evidence that Pope Francis is the most powerful and influential false teacher in the world today. He also has an aggressive agenda to unite the religions of the world under his papal throne.
Any pope who flaunts his own authority, boasts of his own holiness and steals the titles given to God alone, defies imagination. Yet so many are deluded by Pope Francis. This information may offend some people but the truth must be told and the evil deeds of darkness must be exposed (Eph. 5:11). Watch the message here.
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Military Sends Rosaries to Ukrainian Soldiers |
Participants in an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, for U.S. active-duty military personnel and veterans assembled 3,000 prayer kits for Ukrainian soldiers. U.S. military personnel visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, which is where Mary appeared in 1858. The prayer kits were blessed by Archbishop Broglio and were shipped to Ukraine for distribution to active-duty Ukrainian soldiers. Each kit included a rosary, an Our Lady of Lourdes prayer card, a vial of Lourdes holy water and a prayer card. Read more.
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Pope Urges Visible Unity With Anglicans |
Pope Francis has reiterated his call for union with Anglicans, despite irreconcilable differences on women's ordination and same-sex marriage. The pontiff told members of the Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission on Friday that "visible unity between us" was the goal Jesus "desires and indicates to us," and such unity "is a unity to be welcomed with humility" and "as a grace of the Spirit." Read more.
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Let us glorify our Lord Jesus Christ by faithfully sharing His glorious Gospel of grace!
Mike and Jane Gendron
(817) 379-5300
2829 Veranda Lane, Southlake, TX 76092
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Mike's Speaking
Engagements
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By The Word Baptist Church
Azle, TX
June 3-4
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Mike will join two other speakers at a 2-day conference on Evangelizing Pro-Life Roman Catholics. Pastors Randall Easter and Jon Speed will kick off the conference Friday night from 7 pm until 9 pm. Mike will speak three times Saturday morning at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15. His messages titles will be: Catholics and Evangelicals - How Different Are We?,
How Do Catholics Deny the Sufficiency of Christ?, and Evangelizing Catholics God’s Way. After lunch, those who would like to evangelize at the Ft. Worth Stockyards will meet at 2 pm. For more information click here.
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The Church at Pecan Creek
Denton, TX
June 18
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Mike will teach a seminar on Reaching Catholics for Christ on Saturday from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm. The seminar is free and will include the following messages: Why Do Catholics Need To Be Evangelized?, Which Jesus Do Catholics Worship and Trust?, and How Can We Evangelize Catholics Effectively?
The Church at Pecan Creek is located at 1811 Shady Oaks Drive in Denton. For additional information click here.
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IFCA Annual Convention
Albuquerque, NM
June 27-30
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Mike will speak at the Independent Fundamental Churches of America (IFCA) national conference on the theme Christ Our Hope in Life and Death. Mike will also participate in a panel discussion with other speakers. The conference will be held at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid Hotel. For more information click here.
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Voice of Faith Bible Church
Green Bay, WI
July 23-24
Mike Gendron and Justin Peters will teach the 2022 Rooted Conference on Deception, Discernment and Deliverance in Green Bay at the Cup of Joy music center. Justin's messages will include: The Duty of Discernment, Dangerous Doctrines and Hearing from Heaven. Mike's messages will include: Delivering Catholics from Religious Deception, Beware of False Prophets, and The Death of Discernment. To register click here.
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All Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and contend for it earnestly. These two books will equip and encourage you to be effective witnesses for Christ, while contending for the Gospel against the relentless attacks on its purity and exclusivity. Save $3 when you buy both books together.
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20 Video Messages on One Flash Drive |
Twenty of Mike Gendron's most popular Keynote presentations are available on one flash drive for $55. These flash drives can easily be inserted into your computer, iPad or smart TV.
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Ambassador Pack of Seven Gospel Tracts |
The pack includes packages of all seven of our Gospel Tracts plus one set of twelve Gospel Cards to equip and encourage you to sow the imperishable seed of God's Word. Carry some with you and give them to people wherever you go.
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This set of 12 full color Gospel Cards was created to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ clear, complete and biblically accurate. Each card explains the most important words in any Gospel presentation, using four bullet points with corresponding Scripture references. Order here.
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This set of three DVDs contains 5 Keynote messages including Contending for the Faith and Death of Discernment will equip you to earnestly contend for the faith and defend the exclusivity and purity of God's Gospel against the many agents of compromise.
The message I'm a Christian, You're a Catholic, So What's the Difference? looks through the lens of Scripture to see the primary differences between Christians and Roman Catholics.
The message I Will Make You Fishers of Men will encourage you to proclaim God's glorious Gospel to those who are perishing. From Darkness to Light is a testimony of God’s amazing grace that enabled Mike Gendron to exchange his Catholic religion for an eternal relationship with God.
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Archived Monthly Newsletters
Most of our past monthly newsletters can be accessed here.
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