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.
Well put. Thx.
Truly, Christ came to fulfill the religion that He established, not to destroy it.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. – John 3:6-7
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. - John 1:12-13
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: - Romans 8:15-16
There is only One Great Commandment. We must love God surpassingly above all else. Nothing else must even come close, including love of neighbor, religion, etc.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! INDEED.
Thanks for your affirmations of Biblical Truths.
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Praise God!!!
LOL
"secrets of deposit of faith" sure sounds gnostic. Those folks believed understanding the "secret knowledge" would bring salvation. None of it make sense when you take a look at the larger picture. Though, I do appreciate those few RC's that understand their church and it's teachings that are willing to explain what they are. My experience has been the vast majority have no idea about half of these beliefs they are commanded to believe.
Thanks for your kind words . . . I think! LOL.
So, it seems. So, I’ve heard.
That’s my experience, too.
Amen, excellent. My pastor says this to us all the time. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.
I thought the exact same thing. :)
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
AMEN, Lord C.
Fear and trembling: But that doesn’t mean a person isn’t saved by faith at some point in their lives. We don’t have to work out until death and then wonder even at that point if we’ll make it to heaven. No. IMHO, dear Annalex, we work out the besetting sins in our lives, confessing them when necessary, work out the bad attitudes, the junk/baggage brought into our faith from childhood on, become more and more righteous and holy as we do these things; more like Christ. But we still know we’re saved.
Just think of what He could accomplish if we would just get the heck out of the way....
Amen and amen. Molehills-LOL!
Thanks for your kind affirmation.
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
Excellent, Quix.
God, and God alone, is fit to take the Universe’s Throne. Let everything that lives reserve its truest praise for God and God alone.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
Thanks thanks.
I love that song. Steve Green?
You quote scripture more than almost anyone, Dr. E. I’m thankful that you do. Even protestants can learn from your posts. Thank you.
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