Replies

I cannot see inside a person's heart, only God can do that. But He does tell us that “by their fruits you shall know them.” So if a person says he/she has accepted Christ as savior yet continues to live their life as if nothing changed inside, continuing in sin, with no remorse, no conviction of the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors the Lord, I would say I see no evidence of their faith. I SEE NO EVIDENCE. It is still between that individual and God. I can only look on the outward appearance, God looks at the heart.

Perhaps this is why James pressed the BELIEVERS to not disgrace their profession of faith to the unbelievers. We love God because He first loved us and gave His son so that we may be with Him for eternity.

So if a person says he/she has accepted Christ as savior yet continues to live their life as if nothing changed inside, continuing in sin, with no remorse, no conviction of the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors the Lord, I would say I see no evidence of their faith.

Yes, that makes sense, and is consistent with Catholic soteriology, as far as I can tell. But you are placing the emphasis on other people -- on whether their works witness to their faith. But what about you? Doesn't your own practice of works -- your own actions in the world -- also provide evidence of your faith for yourself? Do they not reveal the grace of the Lord operating in you, as you become sanctified? Do you not see a transformation in your life as a result of being saved? Where does this process of sanctification in you, your life, play a part in the living expression of your faith? I'm not asking for personal details, per se, but theologically speaking...

Where does Satan come into play? What is the role of temptation in your life? Christ experienced temptations in the desert. What is at stake in temptation? If you are already saved, what does it mean to be tempted? What are the consequences of giving into temptation?

Also what is the role of the The Commandments? Why should a person follow them? What are the consequences if you do not follow them? Are there any consequences?

I'm not trying to give you the third degree here, I'm genuinely curious about how your soteriology is different than my Catholic soteriology. I don't feel I can provide an adequate response -- compare and contrast our views -- until I have a better understanding of your views. Your clarification on these points is appreciated, if you have a moment.