Launch International 2025 Peru Field Guide

BAPTISM TO SAVE The Roman Catholic Church teaches baptismal regeneration of infants, a practice never found in Scripture. The only possible hint of infant baptism in the Bible that the Roman Catholic Church can point to is that the whole household of the Philippian jailer was baptized in Acts 16:33. However, the context nowhere mentions infants. Acts 16:31 declares that salvation is by faith. Paul spoke to all of the household in verse 32, and the whole household believed (verse 34). This passage only supports the baptism of those who have already believed, not of infants.

BAPTISM AS PUBLIC DECLARATION ONLY In the New Testament baptism is ALWAYS practiced AFTER saving faith in Christ. Baptism is not the means of salvation; it is faith in the Gospel that saves (1 Corinthians 1:14-18; Romans 10:13-17).

PRAYER TO GOD and OTHERS Catholics not only pray to God, but also to petition Mary and the saints for their prayers

PRAYER TO GOD ALONE We are taught in Scripture to only pray to God (Matthew 6:9; Luke 18:1-7).

PURGATORY Catholics believe in Purgatory, a temporary state of purification for souls who have died in a state of grace but still need to be purified before entering heaven. Catholics believe that prayers for the dead, such as the Mass or prayers to saints, can help shorten their time in Purgatory.

PURGATORY - NOPE! Evangelicals reject the doctrine of Purgatory, believing that when a person dies, their soul immediately goes to either heaven or hell, depending on whether they had faith in Jesus Christ. There is no intermediate state of purification

THE POPE The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, the earthly

THE POPE HAS NO POWER We believe that all Christians are equal in Christ and that no human leader holds supreme authority over the entire Church. Leadership is provided by pastors or elders, and authority is based on Scripture, not a single, central leader. All Christians should have access to the Bible and interpret it for themselves, guided by the Holy Spirit. JESUS IS THE ONLY MEDIATOR Acts 4:12 declares that Jesus is the only redeemer. 1 Timothy 2:5 proclaims that Jesus is the only mediator between God and men. The Holy Spirit is already interceding on our behalf! (Romans 8:26-27 and Hebrews 7:25)

representative of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. The Pope, seen as the successor to Peter, has the authority to interpret Scripture and define doctrine.

MARY Mary is the Queen of Heaven, a perpetual virgin, and the co-redemptress who ascended into heaven. In Scripture, she is portrayed as an obedient, believing servant of God, who became the mother of Jesus. None of the other attributes mentioned by the Roman Catholic Church have any basis in the Bible. The idea of Mary being the co-redemptress and another mediator between God and man is not only extra biblical (found only outside of Scripture), but is also unbiblical (contrary to Scripture).

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