A research by Word Biblical Ministries The Africa Centre for Biblical Research copied from the Facebook wall of Michael Adeyemi Adegbola
From an evangelical theological perspective, the question of whether God is completely absent from Roman Catholicism due to its perceived apostasy is a weighty and complex issue. It involves not only the evaluation of Catholic doctrine in light of Scripture but also reflection on how God works within and beyond visible institutions. This inquiry touches on central concerns in ecclesiology, soteriology, and historical theology, and must be addressed with both theological precision and pastoral sensitivity.
I. Understanding Apostasy in Evangelical Theology
Apostasy is generally defined as a turning away from the revealed truth of God, particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ. The New Testament warns against doctrinal and moral apostasy, particularly in the latter days (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:3). Evangelicals view the gospel as the proclamation that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works or human mediation (Eph. 2:8–9; Gal. 2:16).
From this standard, many evangelicals regard the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) as having gradually deviated from biblical orthodoxy, especially in the areas of:
Authority: Elevating tradition and papal authority above or alongside Scripture (cf. Matt. 15:6; 2 Tim. 3:16–17).
Sacramentalism: Teaching that sacraments function ex opere operato (by the act itself), which, evangelicals argue, displaces the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work (Heb. 10:10–14).
Justification: Defining justification as the infusion of righteousness through the sacraments, not as the imputation of Christ’s righteousness received by faith (Rom. 4:5; Gal. 3:11).
Mariology and the Cult of the Saints: Prayers to and veneration of Mary and the saints, which appear to contradict the sole mediatorship of Christ (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25).
The Council of Trent (1545–63) formally codified these deviations, anathematizing the Protestant doctrines of sola fide and sola scriptura. For evangelicals, this represents a decisive institutional departure from the apostolic gospel. Reformers like Luther and Calvin used the language of a “false church” while still recognising that individual believers might be present within it.
II. Is God Completely Absent from the Roman Catholic Church?
The evangelical tradition distinguishes between institutional apostasy and personal regeneration. While affirming that the Roman Catholic system has introduced fatal doctrinal errors, evangelicals do not typically assert that God is completely absent from Catholicism. Instead, a more nuanced theological position recognises that God’s presence and saving work are not bound by ecclesiastical boundaries.
- God’s Sovereign Presence and the Doctrine of the Remnant
Throughout Scripture, God preserved a remnant of true believers even in times of corporate apostasy (e.g., Elijah’s time in 1 Kings 19:18). Evangelicals apply this pattern analogically to contemporary ecclesial contexts. Within the Roman Catholic Church, individuals may come to genuine saving faith in Christ in spite of their church’s official teaching.
These believers may be unaware of or uninformed about certain unbiblical doctrines. They may read the Scriptures, trust in the crucified and risen Christ, and rest in His mercy. In such cases, evangelicals affirm that regeneration occurs by the Holy Spirit, not by church membership or sacraments alone (John 3:5–8; Titus 3:5–6).
- Validity of the Gospel Witness in Catholicism
Despite serious doctrinal errors, the RCC has preserved certain core elements of the Christian faith:
The Nicene Creed.
The full deity and humanity of Christ.
The Trinitarian nature of God.
The historicity of the resurrection.
The inspiration of the Scriptures.
Evangelicals acknowledge that these truths may serve as a providential platform through which some are drawn to a saving knowledge of Christ. However, the gospel must be understood and believed in its biblical form—that is, as the good news of justification by faith apart from works (Rom. 3:28).
- Visible vs. Invisible Church Distinction
The invisible church, according to evangelical theology, comprises all regenerate believers across all denominations and eras (Eph. 4:4–6). The visible church, in contrast, includes both wheat and tares (Matt. 13:24–30). Evangelicals do not identify the true church solely by its institutional form but by its fidelity to the gospel and the presence of Spirit-born believers. Thus, it is possible for true believers to exist inside Catholicism while rejecting or misunderstanding certain Catholic teachings.
III. Theological Evaluation of Apostasy in the RCC
- The Gospel and Justification
At the heart of evangelical concerns is justification by faith alone (sola fide), apart from human merit. The Council of Trent condemned this doctrine in Session 6, Canon 9. Evangelicals view this as a direct contradiction of Paul’s teaching (Gal. 1:6–9; Phil. 3:9). This divergence marks, in evangelical eyes, the RCC as apostate in its official stance on the gospel.
Nevertheless, many individual Catholics may personally believe in Jesus Christ as their only hope for salvation, not resting on their works or the church’s sacraments. Such individuals, evangelicals argue, may be saved despite their church’s formal teaching, not because of it.
- Sacramentalism and Ecclesiology
The RCC claims that the sacraments are necessary instruments of grace. Evangelicals argue this contradicts the sufficiency of the cross (Heb. 9:12). Grace, in evangelical theology, is not tied to rituals but received by faith. Moreover, evangelicals reject the RCC’s claim to be the “one true church” and uphold that the true church is defined by the preaching of the gospel, right administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (symbolically), and discipline of believers.
- Idolatry and the Mediation of the Saints
Evangelicals view the veneration of Mary and the saints as a violation of biblical worship. While Catholics distinguish between latria (worship), dulia (veneration), and hyperdulia (special veneration for Mary), evangelicals contend that such practices practically blur into idolatry (Exod. 20:4–5; Isa. 42:8). They insist that Christ alone is the Mediator and Advocate (1 John 2:1; Heb. 4:14–16), and that prayer should be directed to God through Him alone.
IV. Evangelical Posture Toward Roman Catholicism: Truth and Grace
Evangelicals are called to a balanced response to Roman Catholicism: one of theological fidelity and gracious evangelistic urgency.
- Truth Matters
Doctrinal clarity is essential. Evangelicals must continue to affirm sola scriptura, sola fide, and solus Christus as non-negotiable marks of true Christianity.
- Grace Abounds
God is not limited by faulty ecclesiastical systems. He works in surprising ways to draw people to His Son. We must acknowledge that God may save some within Catholicism through His Word and Spirit.
- Discernment Is Necessary
The presence of genuine believers does not vindicate the institution’s doctrine. Evangelicals must discern between personal faith and systemic error.
- Evangelism Is Urgent
Roman Catholics, like all people, need the unadulterated gospel. Evangelicals are called to engage them with love, humility, and gospel clarity, pointing them to Christ as the all-sufficient Saviour.
Conclusion: God’s Presence Amidst Doctrinal Error
From an evangelical theological framework, Roman Catholicism, as a system, has deviated significantly from the gospel. Its official teachings on justification, authority, and sacraments represent forms of doctrinal apostasy. However, evangelicals maintain that God is not wholly absent from Roman Catholicism. Rather, He continues to call individuals to Himself by His Spirit through His Word, even amid ecclesiastical error.
While the institution may obscure the gospel, God’s grace is not hindered. The task of evangelicals is therefore clear: to discern the error, proclaim the truth, and extend grace, recognising that salvation is the sovereign work of God, not the preserve of any denomination.
