Doctrinal Differences with the Protestants

General Message of the Lecture

The lecture addresses the essence of the dispute between the Coptic Orthodox tradition and the Protestant tradition, focusing on three main points: the Protestants’ rejection of ecclesiastical mediations (intercessions, priesthood, and sacraments), the concept of salvation by faith alone versus the role of works and grace, and the Church’s role as a mediator and as the instrument through which the Holy Spirit conveys sacraments and grace to people.

Detailed Summary (in English, literal translation)

Historical introduction: Protestantism began as a reaction to Catholicism in the 15th and 16th centuries led by Luther and then Calvin and Zwingli. The speaker said the most dangerous thing about Protestantism is their rejection of any mediator between man and God.

Mediation, intercession, and priesthood: The speaker discusses the Protestants’ rejection of intercessions and the role of priests as mediators. He clarifies that the Church is not merely a human institution but the instrument Christ entrusted to spread the faith, citing passages such as Mark 16, Matthew 28, and John 20 to affirm that the Church was sent to baptize, teach, and grant forgiveness of sins.

The role of the priesthood and the apostles: He affirmed that the existence of apostles, teachers, and bishops represents a legitimate mediation; and that laying on of hands was the Church’s means to ordain ministers and act as a channel for the Holy Spirit’s activity (as in the example of Barnabas and Saul in Acts).

Works versus faith: The speaker distinguished between kinds of works: (1) works of the law which do not save by themselves, (2) works without faith which do not benefit, and (3) works that proceed from faith and communion with the Holy Spirit which possess true spiritual value. He referenced Gospel scenes in Matthew 25 and the teachings of James, explaining that judgment is according to works.

The sacraments and grace: He explained that the sacraments (baptism, chrismation, confession, the Eucharist) are not merely human acts but works of the Holy Spirit performed through the Church and the priests as servants of the mysteries. The Church is the vessel and instrument in which the Holy Spirit works.

Spiritual conclusion: Salvation is based on God’s grace and a living faith that bears fruit in works in which the Holy Spirit participates. Rejecting ecclesiastical mediations is a denial of God’s action through the instruments He chose.

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الوساطة Mediation

الأعمال Works