Scripture and tradition Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone   Catholic Protestant Authority Scripture and tradition Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone Bible Includes apocrypha Excludes apocrypha Results of Fall Corruption and tendency to sin Total depravity and guilt Free will Free to do good or evil Free only to do evil Predestination Related to God's foreknowledge Related to God's decrees Atonement Death of Christ created merit that is shared with sinners through sacraments Death of Christ was a substitutionary sacrifice that satisfied God's justice Divine grace Prevenient grace helps one believe; efficacious grace cooperates with the human will to do good Common grace enabling good works given to all; sufficient grace for salvation given to elect only Good works Meritorious Results of divine grace and unworthy of merit Salvation Received at baptism; may be lost by mortal sin; regained by penance. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved. (Catech 847) Result of divine grace; unconditional. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved. The Church The Catholic Church is "the place where humanity must rediscover its unity and salvation" (Catech 845) but those baptized in other Christian denominations are in communion with the Church (Catech 838). There is a distinction between the visible and invisible church. God saves anyone he chooses, or anyone with proper faith, regardless of church membership. Sacraments Convey grace by their operation (ex opere operato). Means of grace only if received with faith. Priests A special vocation for some believers; mediators between God and man Priesthood of all believers. Transubstantiation Affirmed Rejected Purgatory Denied Prayer to saints Accepted