Johnny, I'm following what you're saying in your discussion with allend and SD. A big part of the problem is semantics....and the sequence of events. You and I believe that to have eternal life we must receive, in faith, Christ as Lord and Saviour (Jn. 1:12 & 3:14-16 for example). We are adopted as sons...permanently. Our obedience (works) justify our claim to be His children. If there are no works to justify our claim, then our claim is hollow and we only possess "dead faith."
If I have learned from these Catholics correctly (they'll set me straight if I've got it wrong), the sequence for them is different. They "believe" in Christ, but that doesn't guarantee them eternal life/salvation. Their salvation is a work in progress...the works they engage in are progressively "saving" them. They don't know for certain that they have eternal life until they reach the end and God judges them....and the more I write, the more I feel that I have their view down all wrong....Somebody help me out here!
no, I think you hit the nail on the head. I have heard one say that he won't know he is saved until he is judged by our Lord in Heaven.
JM
What does focusing on whether you, personally, are assured of your own eternal salvation do for your spiritual life and practice?
Is this the purpose and goal? Should it be for each of us?