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All I know is that some journalist took quotes out of context.

So are you saying that Mother Teresa KNEW she was saved?

The reason I ask is because every Catholic I have asked the question "If you died right now, would you go to Heaven?" answers in the "I hope so." or "I don't know." fashion. When I dug into why that was so, I was pointed in the direction of "presumption." This was explained to me that it was a sin for a Catholic to "presume" to know that they were saved. From the verses I posted and many others, I find no support for that Catholic belief.

Now, maybe the Catholics around me are poorly trained in their own doctrine, but it sure fits with what was printed about Mother Teresa's apparent questions of salvation.

Paul said, “Work out your salvation in fear and trembling.”

I really don't have enough time right now to fully answer your above quote, but here is a quick answer...

When you read the whole context surrounding that verse (Philipians 2:12) you see that Paul is talking about people who 'talk the talk but don't walk the walk'.

The word that gets translated in the King James Version to "work out" is katergasomai. The modernized idea of "work out your salvation" is wrongly understood as "do it yourself" salvation. (Like when my son tells me his fishing line is fouled up and I tell him "work it out.") What katergasomai means is demonstrate or show.

So the verse you posted without context is simply saying..."12 Demonstrate or show your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure."

When you read the whole chapter you see the emphasis on "showing" the results of the work Christ has done inside of you (salvation) by "doing his good pleasure." What is "his good pleasure?" Verse 3 talks about esteeming others over yourself. That would be taking care of or looking out for the needs of others over your own needs.

To take that one verse out of context and believe that individuals work out or earn their salvation through works is to contradict the direct reading of Philipians and the other teachings of Paul and Christ.

Sincerely