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What are the major differences between conservative Protestant beliefs and Roman Catholic beliefs?

Although there are differing opinions within Christianity on many theological issues, the one belief that unites all of us, is our belief in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Below are a few of the differences between conservative Protestant beliefs and Roman Catholic beliefs. This list is not exhaustive.

The Roman Catholic Church believes that they are the true Church of Christ Jesus, whereas, conservative Protestants believe that the Christian Church consists of all true believers in Christ Jesus; no matter what denomination.

The Roman Catholic Church believes that the Pope is Christ's Vicar on earth and that his word, as to faith and practices, is infallible.  Conservative Protestants, however, believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God and our authority as to faith and practices.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that un-baptized children, and others, who die without grievous personal sin, go to a place known as Limbo.  Conservative Protestants, however, believe that those who die having never reached the age of accountability (the point in one's life whereby they are held accountable for sin by God) immediately go to be with the Lord Christ Jesus, in heaven, upon death.  The same is true of those who have turned to God in repentance through faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that when a Christian dies in God's grace, yet are not entirely free from non-grievous sin (venial sin), or have not fully paid the satisfaction due their sin, that they go to a place known as Purgatory and then to heaven (Purgatory is a place of purification by suffering.)  Conservative Protestants, however, believe that when a true believer in Christ Jesus dies, or one who has not reached the age of accountability dies, they immediately go to be with the Lord Christ Jesus in heaven.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that praying to "saints" in heaven (asking them to intercede on behalf of one's prayers) is OK, whereas, conservative Protestants believe that believers should go directly to God the Father in prayer, through Christ Jesus, as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that baptism washes away original sin and is essential to one's salvation, whereas, conservative Protestants believe that baptism is not essential to one's salvation, but, rather, is a testimony of one's salvation.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that baptism precedes salvation, whereas, conservative Protestants believe that baptism follows one's salvation.

The Roman Catholic Church believes in the immaculate conception of Jesus' mother Mary, whereas, conservative Protestants believe that only Jesus is without sin.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that a person is saved by baptism, faith in Christ Jesus, plus good works; conservative Protestants believe that we are saved by turning to God in repentance through faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior.   

Conservative Protestants believe that Christ Jesus' death on Calvary paid our sin debt (once and for all) and that whosoever will truly turn to God in repentance through faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior will be saved.  Both the Roman Catholic Church and conservative Protestants believe that true faith will produce good works in the life of a believer (one who is saved.)

The Roman Catholic Church believes in the miracle of transubstantiation during the Mass, whereas, conservative Protestants reject this belief;  transubstantiation is the belief that the elements, the bread and wine, become the actual body and blood of Christ Jesus during the Mass.

The Roman Catholic Church believes that there is still a need for a priesthood (one who is a mediator between God and man), whereas, conservative Protestants believe that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is the Lord Christ Jesus.

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