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So it is faith that erases the distinction between a Jew and a Gentile as either one can believe the same thing. It is the faith that they share that brings salvation to both Jew and Greek. But does it say that it is faith as opposed to good works of charity? Not at all: it goes on to say "But all do not obey the gospel" and later, "if thou abide in goodness, otherwise thou also shalt be cut off" (Rom 11:22). These two chapters teach what the Catholic Church teaches: that faith is necessary for salvation, but the faith must result in obedience of the gospel, -- the works.

Gosh, this sounds sooooo familiar... Tell me, if the "works of the Law" are not salvific, but the "works of charity" along with faith are, then you must also say that since "The Law" included the ten commandments, you must conclude that obeying the Ten Commandments is not necessary for salvation. Come to think of it, the last time we spoke about this, I never really got an answer. IS there one now?

Great question. Please ping me if and when you ever get an answer.

Tell me, if the "works of the Law" are not salvific, but the "works of charity" along with faith are, then you must also say that since "The Law" included the ten commandments, you must conclude that obeying the Ten Commandments is not necessary for salvation

Ten Commandments are works of charity. Love God, love your neighbor, love your parents, etc. If one obeys the Ten Commandments as law then he perhaps avoids condemnation of the law, but he does not advance his salvation. If, on the other hand, he obeys the Ten Commandments because he loves God and the neighbor, then he is doing works of love and advances his salvation greatly. He doesn't even need to know what is in them.

It is sometimes said that we obey the Ten Commandments not because they are in the Old Testament (so is a lot of stuff we do not intend to obey) but because a reasoning loving person would not wish to break them. Note that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus expands them but He does not repeat the prohibition on making of images -- which has nothignn to do with love, -- and makes the other commandments sort of fuzzy around the edges. You can have a law against murder. You cannot have a law against getting angry (see Mt 5:22).

Good question, and often asked.