Rome Undermines the Protestant Foundations

THE second, and more effective, weapon Rome used against the Reformation was “higher criticism,” in an effort to undermine the very foundation of Protestantism.FAFA 26.1

The strongest appeal of the Roman Catholic Church lies in its claim to “apostolic succession,” that is, that its popes descended in direct line from the apostles. Protestants, originating in the sixteenth century, have no such appeal. Their strong argument lies in their exact conformity with the Bible in faith and morals. “The Bible, and the Bible only” is their battle cry. The Bible reveals man’s utter inability to attain justification by his own works, and offers it as a “free gift,” obtained by faith in the merits of Jesus Christ alone. The Bible presents good works only as the natural fruit of genuine faith. On this foundation was Protestantism built. Before going further we shall let Catholics and Protestants state their foundations.FAFA 26.2