Galesburg, IL churches include many different denominational groups. For those looking for a new church in Galesburg, denominational differences are an important starting point in the process. Understanding what makes one group different from another can help you narrow your search and
choose a church home that teaches biblical doctrines.
Baptists and Catholics are two groups with a significant presence in many American communities, and they’ve established several churches in the Galesburg area. When comparing these two denominations, it’s helpful to start with the basics. A great question to ask about any denomination is, “what does this group teach about salvation?” Salvation is at the heart of the Bible and the gospel itself, so a church’s teachings on how a person can know for sure they have eternal life are all-important. There are a few key differences between the Baptist and Catholic positions on salvation, including what a person must do to be saved and the effects of salvation in the afterlife. Let’s look more closely at some of these key differences.
Catholics: Salvation By Faith and Works
The Catholic church teaches that salvation requires faith. However, Catholics also teach that additional activities are required. One of these is baptism. The Catholic Church Catechism clearly states that baptism is necessary to erase original sin, and that “the Church does not know of any means other than Baptism” (Catholic Church Catechism 1257) to receive salvation.
The Catholic Church Catechism further clarifies that the only people who are required to be baptized for salvation are those who have heard the gospel and had the opportunity to be baptized (CCC 1257). What about people who’ve never had the chance to hear the gospel? The church teaches that they, too, can attain salvation, if they follow the voice of their conscience and sincerely seek God’s will as it’s revealed to them in general revelation (for example, by observing the beauty and power of nature or seeking God’s image reflected in human beings, CCC 847).
The Catholic church also teaches that faith must be accompanied by good works in order to merit salvation. In Roman Catholic theology, faith alone is not sufficient to save a person. Official church writings, including the foundational Council of Trent, promote this view (Council of Trent, Session 6 CANON XXIV).
If you speak with many Catholic church members, they’ll often discuss their hopes of being saved by making the right choices throughout life. By participating in sacraments, reciting prayers, confessing sins to church leaders, or attending mass, many Catholics view their religious activities as as way to merit eternal life in heaven.
Baptists: Salvation by Faith Alone
Baptist church teachings about salvation are very different, emphasizing that faith alone is necessary. The only thing that can “pay” for sins and “earn” salvation is Jesus’ finished work on the cross, not any thing we can do or avoid as human beings. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that we are saved by grace alone, and our salvation is a gift freely given from God to us. This means we have no reason to brag about our good works; we can boast about God’s goodness, but not our own merits.
Baptists also teach that Jesus commands new believers to be baptized. Throughout the New Testament, baptism is typically the first step of obedience taken by those who put their faith in Jesus for salvation. However, Baptists do not believe that baptism “earns” salvation, or that failure to be baptized can prevent a person from going to heaven. Rather, they believe that Jesus ordained baptism as an outward sign of salvation; a way to publicly proclaim one’s decision to follow Christ and “die” to self as they seek to do God’s will.
Baptists also take the Great Commission very seriously. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells his followers to go into every nation and preach the good news of salvation. Romans 10 makes it clear that unreached people need to hear about Jesus in order to be saved. While Catholics teach that people who haven’t heard about Jesus can still achieve salvation, Baptists understand that only faith in Jesus Himself can save a person. In Acts 16:31, new believers are invited to believe on Jesus Christ and thus be saved. Vague faith in a higher power is not enough; there is saving power only in the person of Jesus. Baptists place great emphasis on missionary efforts, because we who have heard the gospel are responsible to share it with those who have not.
What Happens to Saved People After Death?
Baptists and Catholics differ in their beliefs about what happens after death. Baptists teach that all saved people will one day be resurrected to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus Himself. First Corinthians 15 explains how we will one day be given permanent, imperishable bodies to replace our earthly ones, and that Jesus is the only source of this victory over death.
Catholics, on the other hand, believe there are multiple paths a believer might take after death. One of these paths involves going to purgatory, a place of suffering for the purpose of spiritual refinement. The Catholic Church Catechism describes purgatory as a place where saved people who “still have need of purification” (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church 210; see also CCC 1030-1031, 1054) must go before they can enter into heaven. The Catechism also states that Catholics who are still alive can help souls in purgatory make their way to heaven by praying and doing good works, including donating money to the church (CCC 1479).
This teaching directly contradicts Scripture, which never mentions purgatory and makes it clear that only faith allows a person to enter heaven. The prayers and good works of others are never mentioned. Historically, teachings about purgatory have been used in manipulative ways. When the church needed more money, telling church members that donations could help their dead loved ones leave purgatory and enter heaven was an excellent motivator. However, the Bible contains stern warnings against adding or subtracting anything from the gospel, and the doctrine of purgatory is not part of the gospel as found in Scripture.
How Can I Learn More?
If you’re wondering about these and other doctrinal differences among Galesburg churches, we’re happy to help. At Harmony Baptist Church, our desire is to help you grow in Christ and discover the simple yet profound truths of Scripture. Visit our Contact page to reach out to us with any questions or requests!
