Catholics: Am I, as a Protestant, saved?

[ffg]

Or if you will, am I in a state of sanctifying grace?

I may disagree with some doctrines of the Catholic Church (such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary), but I believe in the Trinity, the virgin birth, the Atonement, and Christ’s death and resurrection.

I may strongly hold to Sola Fide, but my faith is not the only part of my Christian life. I really try to live my life in obedience to God, and whenever I sin (however big or small) I confess my sins to God and strive to repent (1 John 1:9).

I may not believe that baptism is required for salvation, but I have been baptized (by immersion) in a Protestant Church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I may not believe in Transubstantiation, but I partake in communion in a Protestant Church.

I may not be a member of the Catholic Church and I may strongly hold to Sola Scriptura, but I am an active member of a non-denominational Church, doing what I can to edify the Body of Christ.

Christ is my Redeemer, my All-in-All, and I believe I am saved because Christ died for my sins. In Him, alone, I trust for my salvation.

So, based on what I said above, am I in a state of sanctifying grace? Or am I doomed to hell unless I repent of what I believe and/or convert to the Catholic Church?

Note: I know that Vatican II Degree on Ecumenism says that Protestants are considered brethren in imperfect communion with the Body of Christ. However, I also heard “from the grapevines” that Protestants who know Catholic doctrine and disagree with it will not be saved. I could not find a reference to verify the latter, so I am really confused…

Please note that I am NOT here to debate Catholic doctrine, or anything like that. I just want to know what the Catholic Church teaches. Do you, as a Catholic, believe that I’m going to hell if I am wrong and you are right?

Peace

You have 1 question in the title and a different question in the first line.

We can’t know the state of your soul for Question #2, we don’t know your sins.

Considering you are writing in this forum, I’ll guess you are not dead, or a spirit, and thus not in Heaven yet. This assumes being in Heaven is equal to being saved.

Edit, sorry, I forgot #3, your last question. It is not a CC teaching that those outside of the CC on earth automatically go to hell.

More importantly, I would like to note all the “I’s” in your post. Is it possible “Is true” is not equal to “I believe”?

I should also add that this mentality that the Catholic Church is somehow opposite of the non-Catholic Christian Church to the point of rejecting an old way to take on the new is NOT the case.

What is true, is true, thus the term “fullness of truth” is a favorite lately as describing what is housed in the CC. The expectation would be an expansion of knowledge and understanding of truth, not abandon a truth for truth.

 

[TK421]

You cannot reject the apostles and accept Christ. If you deny them, you deny him, because they were sent by him.

So yes, if you have the full knowledge of the truth of Christ’s Church and all the love that is offered, and you choose to reject her, you will go to Hell. It was never the model of Christ that “his church” be a chaotic conglomeration of thousands upon thousands of separate churches that are not able to fully agree with one another, and I think in your heart you intuitively know that as well. I hope you’ll continue to explore your faith.

God bless.

 

[jimmy]

Salvation is a daily thing. It is based on repentance, which is ‘an about face’ change. It is a return to God, which we do each day. Catholics, and all traditional Christians, believe occurs through a process of repentance. The Christian life is one of repentance, it is a life of change. It isn’t static, so no one can say ‘I am saved’ and just relax.

 

[ffg]

You cannot reject the apostles and accept Christ. If you deny them, you deny him, because they were sent by him.

So yes, if you have the full knowledge of the truth of Christ’s Church and all the love that is offered, and you choose to reject her, you will go to Hell. It was never the model of Christ that “his church” be a chaotic conglomeration of thousands upon thousands of separate churches that are not able to fully agree with one another, and I think in your heart you intuitively know that as well. I hope you’ll continue to explore your faith.

God bless.

I appreciate the expansion of your first post, was quoting the first and the rest popped up here.

If I was not Catholic and read what you wrote initially, I would have laughed off this CC thing.

It has already been argued that it is impossible to have the full knowledge of the truth of Christ’s Church and not be a participating member.

The graces from participation are key contributors of knowledge and understanding.

Therefore, the consequence of hell does not fit the situation here with questions from a non-member.

 

[rinnie]

Or if you will, am I in a state of sanctifying grace?

I may disagree with some doctrines of the Catholic Church (such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary), but I believe in the Trinity, the virgin birth, the Atonement, and Christ’s death and resurrection.

I may strongly hold to Sola Fide, but my faith is not the only part of my Christian life. I really try to live my life in obedience to God, and whenever I sin (however big or small) I confess my sins to God and strive to repent (1 John 1:9).

I may not believe that baptism is required for salvation, but I have been baptized (by immersion) in a Protestant Church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I may not believe in Transubstantiation, but I partake in communion in a Protestant Church.

I may not be a member of the Catholic Church and I may strongly hold to Sola Scriptura, but I am an active member of a non-denominational Church, doing what I can to edify the Body of Christ.

Christ is my Redeemer, my All-in-All, and I believe I am saved because Christ died for my sins. In Him, alone, I trust for my salvation.

So, based on what I said above, am I in a state of sanctifying grace? Or am I doomed to hell unless I repent of what I believe and/or convert to the Catholic Church?

Note: I know that Vatican II Degree on Ecumenism says that Protestants are considered brethren in imperfect communion with the Body of Christ. However, I also heard “from the grapevines” that Protestants who know Catholic doctrine and disagree with it will not be saved. I could not find a reference to verify the latter, so I am really confused…

Please note that I am NOT here to debate Catholic doctrine, or anything like that. I just want to know what the Catholic Church teaches. Do you, as a Catholic, believe that I’m going to hell if I am wrong and you are right?

Peace

Maybe. See there is one thing you will learn as you learn the Catholic faith. We have the truth the FULLNESS of the truth. If you had the FULLNESS of the truth you would know the answer to that.

The RCC teaches Jesus will return on the last day and will judge the living and the dead.

Why do you feel we as Catholic’s can take the place of Jesus. We can’t.

Although many judge us. We cannot. We have the fullness of the truth revealed to us by God that he will make that call not us.

 

[ClearWater]

You were saying that the only reason why you came on this, a Catholic forum, was to ask a question and said you did NOT want a debate. However, if you had wanted to only ask a question, you would have simply asked it…“Do you, or why do you, believe other faiths can’t be saved?” and left it at that.

I think you raised all these other issues, the Eucharist, the solas, because you did want to talk about them.

 

[icamhif]

I think that this is a wonderful post - charitable and well expressed. Thanks for starting the thread.

Thank you

While we cannot say whether you are currently in a state of sanctifying grace or not…I think that most of us would agree that you are doing OK - believing on Christ - seeking and growing and loving God and your fellow man.

I cannot ask for a more clear answer. Thank you!

1. When you say things like you believe strongly in Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura - it doesn’t really define your beliefs all that well. These terms have acquired a rather broad usage and understanding over the years. IOW - they terms themselves don’t point to one specific definition.
   Further clarification would be needed to see if how you understand these terms is a serious impediment or not.

Before I tell you what I mean by “Sola Fide”, I must explain this:
I believe that a person is guaranteed entrance into heaven the moment they place their faith in Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). However, I believe that faith must be genuine; it must result in the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). I believe there are two kinds of faith: faith that saves (I’ll call it “good” faith) and faith that doesn’t save (James 2:14). The former speaks of Christ as Lord and Savior and lives its life as a living sacrifice in light of His mercy (Romans 12:1, Hebrews 12:28-29, 1 John 4:19). The latter merely affirms certain things about God and/or Christ, of which even the demons believe in (James 2:19).
When I say “Sola Fide,” I mean that we are saved by the “good” faith alone. I believe that the works you do as a result of that “good” faith are pleasing to God and reap heavenly rewards (1 Corinthians 3:13-14), but they do not merit entrance into heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Notice that I repeatedly used the phrase, “I believe.” I want to simply clarify what I believe, and NOT to fuel a debate.

When I say Sola Scriptura, I mean that a doctrine should not be considered essential to the Christian faith unless it is taught in Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6). It also means that it is sufficient, not only to tell one what they need for salvation, but also to equip them for every good works (1 Timothy 3:16-17). It doesn’t mean that the Bible contains all knowledge (John 21:25). I believe that the Church has the authority to teach God’s truth and discipline its members, but what they teach must be derived from Scripture.

1. Of greater concern - in what you write above - is the issue of the real presence. Scripture is quite clear both in John 6 and 1 Cor 11:27-29 that a proper discernment of and participation in the eating of the body and blood are essential to having (eternal) life in you. Getting this right then is of salvific importance.

My interpretations of John 6 and 1 Cor. 11 are different from yours, but I really do not want to debate about this…
What I think Paul means when he says “discerning the body”, he is talking about the body of Christ (i.e. the Church). I think he means this because the Corinthian church needed to stop partaking in communion while eating their own meal, causing discrimination in the Church between the poor-and-hungry and the rich-and-fulfilled.
Notice that I repeatedly used the phrase, “I think”, so as to simply clarify what I believe, and NOT to fuel a debate.

all of that said…You have come to a very good place for discussion on these and many other matters. I hope to hear more from you.

I only responded to your reply because you said that, because you sounded one of the most friendly to me, and because I don’t have a lot of time.

As for the rest, thank you all for your answers! I will be moving on in my Christian walk.

Peace

 

[CalCatholic]

Or if you will, am I in a state of sanctifying grace?

I may disagree with some doctrines of the Catholic Church (such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary), but I believe in the Trinity, the virgin birth, the Atonement, and Christ’s death and resurrection.

I may strongly hold to Sola Fide, but my faith is not the only part of my Christian life. I really try to live my life in obedience to God, and whenever I sin (however big or small) I confess my sins to God and strive to repent (1 John 1:9).

I may not believe that baptism is required for salvation, but I have been baptized (by immersion) in a Protestant Church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I may not believe in Transubstantiation, but I partake in communion in a Protestant Church.

I may not be a member of the Catholic Church and I may strongly hold to Sola Scriptura, but I am an active member of a non-denominational Church, doing what I can to edify the Body of Christ.

Christ is my Redeemer, my All-in-All, and I believe I am saved because Christ died for my sins. In Him, alone, I trust for my salvation.

So, based on what I said above, am I in a state of sanctifying grace? Or am I doomed to hell unless I repent of what I believe and/or convert to the Catholic Church?

Note: I know that Vatican II Degree on Ecumenism says that Protestants are considered brethren in imperfect communion with the Body of Christ. However, I also heard “from the grapevines” that Protestants who know Catholic doctrine and disagree with it will not be saved. I could not find a reference to verify the latter, so I am really confused…

Please note that I am NOT here to debate Catholic doctrine, or anything like that. I just want to know what the Catholic Church teaches. Do you, as a Catholic, believe that I’m going to hell if I am wrong and you are right?

Peace

I think if you would have asked your initial question a little differently; Can I, as a Protestant be saved? Then the answer would be yes. **

Vatican II, ‘Decree on Ecumenism’, Chapter 1 (3) states: ‘Our separated brothers and sisters also carry out many liturgical actions of the Christian religion. In ways that vary according to the condition of each church or community, these liturgical actions most certainly can truly engender a life of grace, and, one must say, are capable of giving access to that communion in which is salvation.’**

 

[JRKH]

My interpretations of John 6 and 1 Cor. 11 are different from yours, but I really do not want to debate about this…

I appreciate your clarifications and that you are not seeking debate on these issues so do not feel that you need to reply further, but I just thought I would share with you something that I discovered on my own journey - while away from the Church.

When we say that “our interpretations” of scripture are different - especially on something that is seen by at least one of the discussion participants as a matter of salvific importance - we acknowledge two things.
First - that Scripture is not sufficient. If it were, such deep differences on important matters should not occur.
Second - where such differences do occur, Jesus Himself tells us to, after discussion, to tell it to the Church and to listen to the Church (Mt 18:15-18). We see the Apostles act on these instructions in a dispute between two distant church locations and who had rather different “traditions” - the Jewish Christians from Jerusalem and the Gentile Christians in Antioch. We find the dispute and the actions recorded in Acts 15.

So when Christians who revere the Scriptures say to one another - “my interpretation is different than yours” - that should not necessarily end the matter. Nowhere in the NT Scriptures do I find the rule “agree to disagree”…I do find repeated references and exhortations to unity of mind.

Review the Scriptures and see if what I am saying is not true.

May God bless you on your journey.

Peace
James

 

[Jon_S_1]

I appreciate your clarifications and that you are not seeking debate on these issues so do not feel that you need to reply further, but I just thought I would share with you something that I discovered on my own journey - while away from the Church.

When we say that “our interpretations” of scripture are different - especially on something that is seen by at least one of the discussion participants as a matter of salvific importance - we acknowledge two things.
First - that Scripture is not sufficient. If it were, such deep differences on important matters should not occur.
Second - where such differences do occur, Jesus Himself tells us to, after discussion, to tell it to the Church and to listen to the Church (Mt 18:15-18). We see the Apostles act on these instructions in a dispute between two distant church locations and who had rather different “traditions” - the Jewish Christians from Jerusalem and the Gentile Christians in Antioch. We find the dispute and the actions recorded in Acts 15.

So when Christians who revere the Scriptures say to one another - “my interpretation is different than yours” - that should not necessarily end the matter. Nowhere in the NT Scriptures do I find the rule “agree to disagree”…I do find repeated references and exhortations to unity of mind.

Review the Scriptures and see if what I am saying is not true.

May God bless you on your journey.

Peace
James

 

[Adamski]

Or if you will, am I in a state of sanctifying grace?

I may disagree with some doctrines of the Catholic Church (such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary), but I believe in the Trinity, the virgin birth, the Atonement, and Christ’s death and resurrection.

I may strongly hold to Sola Fide, but my faith is not the only part of my Christian life. I really try to live my life in obedience to God, and whenever I sin (however big or small) I confess my sins to God and strive to repent (1 John 1:9).

I may not believe that baptism is required for salvation, but I have been baptized (by immersion) in a Protestant Church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I may not believe in Transubstantiation, but I partake in communion in a Protestant Church.

I may not be a member of the Catholic Church and I may strongly hold to Sola Scriptura, but I am an active member of a non-denominational Church, doing what I can to edify the Body of Christ.

Christ is my Redeemer, my All-in-All, and I believe I am saved because Christ died for my sins. In Him, alone, I trust for my salvation.

So, based on what I said above, am I in a state of sanctifying grace? Or am I doomed to hell unless I repent of what I believe and/or convert to the Catholic Church?

Note: I know that Vatican II Degree on Ecumenism says that Protestants are considered brethren in imperfect communion with the Body of Christ. However, I also heard “from the grapevines” that Protestants who know Catholic doctrine and disagree with it will not be saved. I could not find a reference to verify the latter, so I am really confused…

Please note that I am NOT here to debate Catholic doctrine, or anything like that. I just want to know what the Catholic Church teaches. Do you, as a Catholic, believe that I’m going to hell if I am wrong and you are right?

Peace

As a priest I respect a lot once told me regarding someone’s salvation

“I don’t know I’m not God”
“But the church jesus founded would be the ideal tool to reach salvation”

 

[JRKH]

As a priest I respect a lot once told me regarding someone’s salvation

“I don’t know I’m not God”
“But the church jesus founded would be the ideal tool to reach salvation”

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Did you realize there are actually FIVE solas?!

1. Faith alone
2. Scripture alone
3. Grace alone
4. Christ alone
5. Glory to God, alone

See: catholicbible101.com/thefivesolas.htm

So yes, can people of other faiths make it to heaven? Yes. However, without the benefits of ALL the sacraments, it is so difficult that it borders on impossibility.

Five Solas would make it a ***Quintam ***then, not alone, no no no.

 

[SteveVH]

So yes, can people of other faiths make it to heaven? Yes. However, without the benefits of ALL the sacraments, it is so difficult that it borders on impossibility.

Even with them, its tough enough. I cannot imagine my life without the sacraments. Truthfully, I think I would be going straight to hell.

 

[believerdoc]

Or if you will, am I in a state of sanctifying grace?

I may disagree with some doctrines of the Catholic Church (such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary), but I believe in the Trinity, the virgin birth, the Atonement, and Christ’s death and resurrection.

I may strongly hold to Sola Fide, but my faith is not the only part of my Christian life. I really try to live my life in obedience to God, and whenever I sin (however big or small) I confess my sins to God and strive to repent (1 John 1:9).

I may not believe that baptism is required for salvation, but I have been baptized (by immersion) in a Protestant Church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

I may not believe in Transubstantiation, but I partake in communion in a Protestant Church.

I may not be a member of the Catholic Church and I may strongly hold to Sola Scriptura, but I am an active member of a non-denominational Church, doing what I can to edify the Body of Christ.

Christ is my Redeemer, my All-in-All, and I believe I am saved because Christ died for my sins. In Him, alone, I trust for my salvation.

So, based on what I said above, am I in a state of sanctifying grace? Or am I doomed to hell unless I repent of what I believe and/or convert to the Catholic Church?

Note: I know that Vatican II Degree on Ecumenism says that Protestants are considered brethren in imperfect communion with the Body of Christ. However, I also heard “from the grapevines” that Protestants who know Catholic doctrine and disagree with it will not be saved. I could not find a reference to verify the latter, so I am really confused…

Please note that I am NOT here to debate Catholic doctrine, or anything like that. I just want to know what the Catholic Church teaches. Do you, as a Catholic, believe that I’m going to hell if I am wrong and you are right?

Peace

No church can save you." For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."Christ alone, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, has saved you; salvation is a gift purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 

[Jon_S_1]

No church can save you." For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."Christ alone, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, has saved you; salvation is a gift purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

No one ever claimed the church saves. It is Christ that saves. Christ saves us through his death on the cross. We receive instruction and grace in answering the call to discipleship through the church that Christ founded. The Roman Catholic Church.

Protestantism is simply following man’s traditions over the traditions given to us by Jesus Christ and his apostles.

 

[cath4alltime]

We hae been saved, are being saved, and will be saved. Salvation is not an instant thing and that’s it but a life long process and we must work it out with fear and trembling. We start the salvation process with Baptism as Scripture and Holy Tradition dictates

 

[Cathoholic]

believerdoc you stated:

No church can save you." For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."Christ alone, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, has saved you; salvation is a gift purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Does anybody today have any authority to teach and interpret Apostolic Teachings authoritatively? Who?

 

[believerdoc]

No one ever claimed the church saves. It is Christ that saves. Christ saves us through his death on the cross. We receive instruction and grace in answering the call to discipleship through the church that Christ founded. The Roman Catholic Church.

Protestantism is simply following man’s traditions over the traditions given to us by Jesus Christ and his apostles.

Strange! That is exactly what Protestants would say: That Catholicism is simply following man’s traditions over the Word of God.

 

[SteveVH]

Strange! That is exactly what Protestants would say: That Catholicism is simply following man’s traditions over the Word of God.

Every Protestant faith tradition can historically be traced back to a man. That is why Lutherans are called Lutherans. They followed Luther. The Catholic Church can historically be traced back to Christ himself. There is simply no other faith tradition that can make that claim (I include the EO under the term “Catholic”).