saved from everlasting condemnation and given eternal life.
Salvation came to you through the Church, whether you realize it or not. That is why Augustine says, "He cannot have God for his father who does not have the Church for his mother." That does not mean that salvation did not come to you through Christ. But Christ is not greedy; He lets others participate in His saving work. Just as doing it unto the least of these is doing it unto Him, so he who listens to the Apostles (and bishops) listens to Christ, but who who rejects the Apostles (and bishops) rejects Christ and Him who sent Christ (Luke 10:16). Christ uses the Church (His body) to bring salvation to sinners. The visible Church is the body of the incarnate Christ now on Earth; we are His hands and feet. We continue His work with our hands and feet. To be saved one must be incorporated into Christ's body, to be made a part of His bride, the Church. That is why the Church is essential to our salvation.
-A8