Christ’s Church has always taught that salvation is possible for non-Christians.
How can this be possible if Christ’s atoning death makes our salvation possible?
If anyone is saved, it is through Christ.
Faith in Christ is one condition of salvation. True faith requires, and is reflected in, good works.
“But I say, ‘How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.’”
An atheist who does good for its own sake demonstrates an implicit faith in, and love of, God, who is Goodness Itself.
Similarly, if an atheist pursues truth to the best of his ability, then he pursues God, who is Truth Itself. If the atheist does not realize an explicit Faith, through no fault of his own, his salvation is still possible.
Nevertheless, explicit faith in Christ, and union with His Church, is the normative and most sure means of salvation. Atheism is obviously a dangerous road to travel.
What were the good works of those crucified with Jesus?
Nope...Faith is the ONLY condition of salvation...
True faith requires, and is reflected in, good works.
Nope again...Works are the result of Faith...It is given to us to do good works by the Holy Spirit after we have accepted Him...Those good works outside of Jesus are worthless...God calls them filthy rags...