To: rbosque
Think of the good thief on the cross
An excellent example, one that I often cite. I believe that example was provided to show what really was required for salvation. Simply, faith in Jesus. No works, no sacraments. If I'm understanding you correctly, you believe the RCC's myriad of "requirements" (baptism, weekly Mass, yearly confession, belief in Marian dogmas, etc., etc.) are "helpful" but not "essential". Ultimately, salvation is by the Grace of God through faith in Jesus. I think we have some common ground.
358 posted on
07/21/2007 8:32:51 AM PDT by
armydoc
To: armydoc
The Cathoic Church has declared that salvation is through grace. But the Sacraments such as Baptism, Reconcilliation, the Holy Eucharist are instituted by Jesus to help us in our journey so they are essential. Jesus was baptised by John, Jesus instituted the Mass at the last supper. They are not man-made. They provide the graces we need to withstand sin and keep us grounded to the laws of God. Good works are needed because they are ‘faith’ in action, they are acts of mercy and Jesus calls us- such as the parable of the good Samaritan. He commands us to “do likewise”. As St. James wrote, “not by faith alone”.
I am a terrible sinner and I fly to the mercy of God through His sacraments and I am grateful for them. They are gifts we need and should not reject them.
359 posted on
07/21/2007 8:50:39 PM PDT by
rbosque
("To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." - Teddy Roosevelt)
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