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.
Indeed. Good point.
So what? What the hell is the rc edifice and who cares what happens to it?
The very gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Catholic Church, as He promised.
That is precisely why I've been praying for the salvation of your soul.
Not even close. It's a clever smear, I'll give you that. But the answer is no.
Christ’s Church Universal
is a mess.
The 1600 year old RC edifice is in worse shape on a list of measures.
Thankfully, He IS IN THE PROCESS of cleaning up His Church Universal. Those earnestly desiring to be cleansed by Him, by His Blood, by His Fire of His Spirit . . . shall make up His Bride.
Some may be Johnny come latelies by martyrdom.
He WILL HAVE A BRIDE WITHOUT SPOT OR WRINKLE
BY HIS GRACE, SPIRIT AND BLOOD AND by NO AGENCY OF MAN.
FWIW, I have been told by Presbyterians that infant baptism does impart Grace. Thus they call it a sacrament. It is one of the few areas I find myself in disagreement with them.
I pinged a couple Presbyterians to clarify.
As a Baptist I follow the two ordinances of the Lord's Supper and Baptism. I do not believe either imparts Grace.
Who cares? I don't. You obviously don't either. What is it, anyway?
The Catholic Church, founded by Christ Himself circa AD 32, is the Bride of Christ.
Wow. The two positions are mutually exclusive, yet each of you believes the other is wrong.
That is yet another powerful indictment of the poison called sola scriptura.
Thank You Brother.
No, I’ve never believed that they imparted Grace either.
AMEN, Quix.
I don’t deny myself anything, Petronski. God, through His only begotten Son, has provided everything I need for salvation and eternal life.
Me, too! The writings of the church fathers and many others will burn, baby, burn, and only the Word of God will survive.
What he’s saying is true, Mom. I’ve read it too.
May The Lord God Almighty rebuke such outrageously false assertions.
1. The RC edifice began several hundred years after AD32--as the NONRUBBERIZED histories attest.
2. Christ's point about faith in Him; His being the Chief Cornerstone compared to the little pebble Peter has been well explained.
The RC edifice if FAR, FAR, FAR, FAR in many respects, aspects and facets, from being anything near the Bride of Christ. It is CERTAINLY NOT remotely identically equal to THE BRIDE OF CHRIST. Believers of all clusters of all Bible believing groups all over the planet make up His Bride. Thankfully, there are SOME RC's in that number.
However, ONLY RC's (& others) who have Biblically dealt with their bitterness, resentments, unhealed anger, unforgiveness, vengeance, hatred, carnal critical judgments . . . shall be in that number.
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Likewise back at you for your affirmations of Biblical Truths.
Now I have to hate you because I love broccoli, the Christmas Tree Shop and, gasp, the NY Yankees. See what you’ve done? LOL.
Betty, dear one, you MUST get out more (LOL).
Amen Sister. I believe it is an area where we differ. If, IIRC, they hold that the timing of the Grace that is imparted is that of the Holy Spirit. The RC's believe the Grace is infused at the moment of Baptism.
I'm sure those I pinged will explain it.
NO church is the Bride of Christ. Every believer is the Bride awaiting her Bridegroom. But no church has that designation, not even your ‘one true church.’
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.