Catholics do not believe in works salvation. From “Iesu Domini,” the definitive statement on salvation written by Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict) and John Paul II. Iesu Domini, written in 2000, was an attempt by the Pope to put to rest, once and for all, the claim that Catholicism teaches works salvation.
“It must therefore be firmly believed as a truth of Catholic faith that the universal salvific will of the One and Triune God is offered and accomplished once for all in the mystery of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of the Son of God.”
It is an elegant treatise by two eminent Christian theologians, and quite worthwhile reading for any Christian.
Yes. I understand. But that is the way the Protestants put it. I think historically that way of putting it was so Luther could break free of the need of the Catholic Sacraments.
Mormons don’t believe we are saved by works either. But you can’t tell the Evangelicals that.