A Devilish Lie That Deceives Catholics – Pastor Mike Gendron

Of all the deceptive doctrines and dogmas of Roman Catholicism, there is one that is more paralyzing and potentially fatal than the others. It is the falsification of all the spiritual benefits that are purported to be received with the sacrament of water baptism. This distortion of biblical teaching is paralyzing for Catholics because it discourages them from examining their dead, spurious and misplaced faith.

The Falsification of Spiritual Blessings

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), many spiritual blessings flow out of water baptism. It is said to be the sacrament of regeneration which causes people to be freed from sin, and reborn as sons of God (CCC, 1213). By water baptism, all sins are forgiven, as well as all punishment for sin. Nothing remains in those who have been reborn that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God (CCC, 1263). The horrible deception continues. “Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte a new creature, an adopted son of God, who has become a partaker of the divine nature, member of Christ, co-heir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit” (CCC, 1265). But that is not all! Rome declares “Justification is conferred in Baptism…It conforms us to the righteousness of God” (CCC, 1992). Catholics need to know that absolutely none of these spiritual blessings are received as a result of water baptism. The only way they will know they have been so woefully deceived is when they abide in God’s Word and the truth sets them free from religious deception.

Scripture Exposes Rome’s Deceptive Teaching

Only when we examine this Catholic teaching through the lens of God’s inspired Word can we know how cunningly deceptive it is. Scripture is used for reproof, that is, to expose and to unmask the fatal errors of every false religion (2 Tim. 3:16). Rome’s deceitful teaching on water baptism violates and blasphemes the sovereign regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Regeneration results in the new birth, being born again as a child of God. It is solely and completely the work of God. Man has absolutely nothing to do with the new birth as it is irrefutably stated in John’s Gospel. Children of God “were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13). Our rebirth is necessary because fallen man is spiritually “dead in trespasses and sins” until he is “made alive” (regenerated) by God (Eph. 2:4-5).

The Timing and Purpose of Water Baptism

Water baptism is an act of obedience and a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ after one has been born again of the Spirit. There is irrefutable evidence for this in Scripture. When the Gentiles heard and believed the Gospel, Peter declared, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did.” Then “he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:47-48). In spite of this clear teaching from God’s Word, most Catholics are baptized as infants before they can believe anything. Rome makes a fraudulent attempt to overcome this by declaring it is the faith of the infant’s parents that validates the baptism. They need to know that God does not have any grandchildren, only children of faith.

Water Baptism Cannot Cause Spiritual Rebirth

Catholics insist that their doctrine of water baptism is supported by the words of Jesus: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit” (John 3:5). Yet, Christian baptism is not mentioned here. In fact, the ordinance had not been introduced yet. The Lord Jesus was explaining that the new birth was entirely a spiritual one, which, like the wind, no man can control. Several places in the Bible “water” is used figuratively as the Spirit of God (John 4:14 and 7:37). The words in John 3:5, “of water and of the Spirit,” could be correctly interpreted, “of water, even of the Spirit.” Such a rendering is in full accord with Ezekiel 36:25-27, where the water is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit causing spiritual cleansing and rebirth. Jesus chided Nicodemus for not knowing this when He asked, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?” (John 3:10).

Only God and His Word Can Cause Spiritual Life

The two necessary agents to bring about the new birth are the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Peter declared, “you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Pet. 1:23). James wrote: “in the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth” (Jas. 1:18). The new birth is a spiritual, holy and heavenly birth that results in our being made alive spiritually. Almighty God, not man, is the sole source of this radical transformation (Eph. 2:1, 8). It is not the priest and his water; it is the Spirit and the Word of God.

Let us speak the truth in love to Catholics who do not know they have been deceived about life’s most important issues. Pray for God to give us open doors of opportunity and for open hearts to receive His Word with humility and repentance. This is a message that will encourage you to evangelize Catholics God’s Way.

Mike’s timely book Contending for the Gospel is now on audio. The book is an urgent response to the relentless and widespread assault on the exclusivity and purity of God’s Gospel. Churches are compromising the Gospel to gain larger followings. Ecumenically minded leaders are ignoring the essentials of the Gospel for the sake of unity with apostate Roman Catholicism. We must get the Gospel right because many are being misled and deceived by distorted gospels that have no power to save anyone.

Rich with God’s Word, this book will provide truth where there is deception, knowledge where there is ignorance, confidence where there is doubt, certainty where there is confusion, light where there is darkness, and life where there is death. Each of the twelve chapters are dedicated to defining, explaining, clarifying, defending, protecting, and proclaiming the Gospel. You can listen to a 4-minute audio sample of Contending for the Gospel here. You can place your order for the audio book here.

A 4-minute audio sample of Mike’s other audio book Preparing for Eternity can be heard here. This is an excellent book to sharpen your effectiveness in witnessing to Catholics. Order the audio book Preparing for Eternity here.

Hi Mike, I am a 21 year old Christian but I was dating a girl who was a very devout Catholic for about three months. We broke up because neither of us were willing to convert. Before we said our goodbyes, I gave her your book Preparing for Eternity. She was flat out insulted and saddened that I truly believed teachings from the Bible. She said her allegiance was to her “faith” and Mother Mary and said your book was “passive aggressive and offensive” yet I know all the book really talks about is God’s grace. Was that a smart move to give her your book? I would love some reassurance and some advice. D.G., McKinleyville, CA

Hi D.G., My book was written out of love and compassion for Catholics who do not know the true Gospel and as a result are on the wide road to destruction. You did the right thing by giving her my book. She was offended by it because the truth of God’s Word reproves, exposes and unmasks the lies that are holding her in religious bondage (2 Tim. 3:16). Pray that she will turn to Christ so the veil of blindness can be removed from her heart (2 Cor. 3:16). You were biblically correct in breaking up with her (2 Cor. 6:14-18). May God raise up a godly woman for you!

Mike, I have a burden for my many Catholic friends and I wondered why this religion of false hope was not addressed by more evangelicals. So, I am greatly encouraged by your messages. I played college football 3 years with Brett Favre, who was born and raised Catholic and has given tons of money to the local Catholic church to build a huge facility near Hattiesburg, MS. Please pray as I share the Gospel with him and include your podcast with Justin Peters. T.P., MS

Mike, I was a cradle Catholic! Not anymore! Your message made a deep impact on me. The burden of guilt and shame is going away and I want to replace it with Scriptures. Now I need to tell other Catholics the truth. L.M., Wichita, KS

Mr. Gendron, I’m proud to be a Roman Catholic. You offer so much trash it is sickening. I’d like to be a fly on the wall when your time on this earth is over. You have drank the kool-aid. I would ask you to stop being this ignorant so-called apologist. Repent and come back to the Catholic Church. G.A., VA

G.A., Perhaps you have not read in your Bible that “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (Jas. 4:6). “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished” (Prov.16:5).

Dear Mike, Concerning the letters from people who accuse you of bashing the Catholic Church; they appear to have no knowledge of the Bible. I am reminded of this verse: “Have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16). Thank you for your heart for Catholics and wanting them to know the truth to be set free. L.T., Yreka, CA

The recent Reaching Catholics for Christ conference hosted by Countryside Bible Church was a huge success! Our Lord Jesus was glorified, the saints were edified and encouraged and Catholics were lovingly confronted with the Gospel. You can listen to the three messages here and view the Keynote slides that accompany the messages here.

In a special way, Pope Francis recalled the Blessed Virgin Mary’s presence during these days, and throughout history. He especially recalled his time praying to her in Fatima, and her effectiveness whenever we speak to her. “Mary is everyone’s mother; she never makes us wait,” he said.

The pope said, “We renewed the consecration of ourselves, of Europe, of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Read more.

Mike’s Comment: This is pure idolatry and a grave offense to God. His inspired Word warns us: “Let no one be found among you…who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).

DeForest Evangelical Free Church

DeForest, WI

Sept. 16-17

Mike will teach a three hour conference Saturday morning from 9 am until noon. The conference will contrast the seven major differences between Roman Catholicism and Biblical Christianity. Mike will also teach the two Sunday morning messages at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. For more information click here.

Biblelands Cruise

Sept. 30 – Oct. 17

The Mediterranean and Israel

Mike and Jane will lead a group through a three dimensional Bible Study and missions trip as they walk in the footsteps of the apostle Paul in Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus, and study the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout Israel.

Shiloh Church

Jacksonville, FL

Oct. 24-26

Mike will be the guest speaker for the Shiloh Lecture Series that will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. His focus will be on Roman Catholicism and the huge mission field that it represents.

For information click here.

Grace Bible Church

Redwood City, CA

Nov. 10-12

Mike will do a three-day seminar on Reaching Catholics for Christ at Grace Bible Church located at 2225 Euclid Avenue in Redwood City, CA. For more information click here.

Community Bible Church

Beaufort, SC

Nov. 19

Mike will preach the two Sunday morning services at 9:45 and 11:00 am. Click here for more information.

The Gospel tract offers 13 clear contrasts between God’s Word and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, including authority, regeneration, justification, salvation and the Lord’s Supper. The tract not only exposes the errors of the Catholic religion, but also forces Catholics to make a decision – should I trust Christ and His Word or the teachings and traditions of my religion.

Order here.

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.

Order here.

Mike Gendron’s most popular Keynote messages are available on one flash drive. They cover a range of biblical topics including Bible prophecy, Catholicism, Discernment, Contending for the Faith, Evangelism, and Apologetics. To order click here.