Can Protestants find salvation?

[PatThePoet]

If “Outside the Church there is no salvation” is dogma, then Protestants are doomed to Hell, right? So if a baptized Protestant who professes Jesus Christ as Lord lives out his life and dies, then will he be sent to Hell for not being Catholic? Then 1/2 billion people (protestants) who believe in Christ are going to Hell? I find that hard to swallow.

Please explain this, in simple terms.

 

[Reginald_Plum]

Pat,

What you are asking about is called extra ecclesiam nulla salus, or “outside the Church there is no salvation.” These links should help you understand the implications on Protestants and how they are able to be saved. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
Extra ecclesiam nulla salus
Salvation Outside of the Church
What is invincible ignorance?

How can the Church accept salvation for Protestants?
Are conservative Protestants Christians?
Should Catholics try to evangelize Protestants?
How to Interpret John 6:53?