Posted on 07/07/2008 10:39:05 PM PDT by Gamecock
A caller to our weekly radio program asked a question that has come up before: Are Roman Catholics saved? Let me respond to this as best I can. But I need to offer a qualifier because I think this is going to be somewhat dissatisfying for some because I am not going to say a simple "aye" or "nay." My answer is: It kind of depends. The reason I'm saying that is because of certain ambiguities.
My point is this, I think that in the area of the doctrine of salvation, Roman Catholic theology, as I understand it, is unbiblical because salvation depends on faith and works, not just faith alone. This was the specific problem Paul addressed in the book of Galatians and was the subject of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15: Is simple faith in Jesus adequate, or must gentile followers of Christ now keep the Law as a standard of acceptance before God?
I know not all Catholics would agree that this is a fair way of putting it, but I think that most Catholics would actually say the faith/works equation is accurate. Your faith and your works are what save you. I was raised Catholic and that’s what I was taught. (For my take on the biblical relationship between faith and works, see “Faith & Works: Paul vs. James.”)
Now, I need to add this too. Many Protestants feel the same way. Many Protestants are confused on this issue, so this is not a Catholic vs. Protestant concern so much. It's just that Catholicism across the board has more of an official position that amounts this, where Protestants have a more diversity of views, some that don't even seem to be consistent with Protestantism.
But the fact that one believes Jesus is the Messiah and that He is the savior, not our own efforts, is critical. If you reject this notion, like the Jews do, then as far as I can tell from the biblical revelation, there is no hope for you. That seems to be clear. But when somebody says they believe in Jesus and He is their Savior, but somehow works are mingled in with the picture, then I can't really say to you how much faith that person is putting in Jesus and how much faith that person is putting in their own efforts to satisfy God. If a person has all their faith in their own efforts, then they are going to be judged by their own efforts. It's as simple as that. If they have their faith in Jesus, they will be judged by the merits of Jesus. Anyone judged by their own merits is going to be found wanting. Anyone who is judged by the merits of Jesus is not going to be found wanting because Jesus is not wanting.
What if you are kind of a mixture? I think most Catholics are, frankly. Many Protestants are, as well.
I reflect often on a comment that was made by a friend of mine named Dennis. He was a Roman Catholic brother in Christ that I knew when I was a brand new Christian. He asked me this: "Greg, how much faith does it take to be saved?" I said, "A mustard seed." And he said, "There you go."
And so, it seems to me, there are many Christians—Protestant and Catholic—who believe in Jesus as their savior and have a mustard seed of faith, but are confused about the role of works. I think that Jesus is still Savior in those cases.
Hmmmm, seems like God didn’t keep us from Himself so how can a church do it? Arrogantly, I’d say.
He’s said the same thing to me. Is affection a problem here?
And their rationalizations, denials, blamings are endless, typically.
***2) Old Reggie, are you surprised to hear you’re now considered a Calvinist to Mark? 8~)
Not at all. I’d be surprised if he got it right.***
I’ve never considered you a Calvinist.
If you were, I think that you’d increase the net IQ of the Unitarians significantly.
***”Who are they? Where is this list...”
He’s got a point Dr. E. After all he was quick to list the Calvinists wasn’t he?***
I asked for the list. I did not ask for their denomination or religious affiliation. I would ask you to get it right at least for once.
I (along with all Bible-believing Christians) believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and therefore I have confidence in my salvation because Christ's sacrifice on the cross paid for every one of my sins.
It's a pity the RCC apparently teaches you otherwise regarding your own salvation.
You keep asking the same question, Mark, and the answer doesn't change.
You tout the four Gospels but amazingly the verses you provided proved my point and not yours. "Thy faith hath made thee whole."
And when I give you Christ's words in Mark, ""Be not afraid; only believe," you mock them. Not wise.
"He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." -- John 6:27"He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life." -- John 5:24
Again, it's a shame Rome adds so much confusion to the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." -- Ephesians 3:11-12"According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Was Paul wrong to be confident and preach our confidence?
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." -- Romans 10:9
Was Paul wrong when he repeated Christ's words?
These are the questions the reformers asked of Rome and Rome had no response other than destruction.
But God's word abides forever.
How idiotic.
You insult one of the finest posters on FreeRepublic. She knows her scripture, putting most of us to shame. Try reading it sometime and then you can speak out against one who loves the Word of God. Sickening.
I’m not sure some of our RC brethren understand truth and light as it’s written in His Word to us. They have no assurance of salvation in this life and wander around in the darkness, always hoping they’ll make it somehow. Very sad.
You’re funny.
Exactly. They are then forced to make up their own beliefs.
Do you believe ALL the world will be saved? Uhuh. Only those who believeth in him. Not everyone in the world WILL believe in Him. God knows who those people will be.
I don’t believe any born again Christian would say that, Mark. Stupid thing to say. Nobody wants anyone here to go to hell. We wish all could be saved but we know many won’t be.
A Catholic talking about delusion? What a joke.
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I only know of two here on these threads myself.
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