In first video message, Pope Francis stresses unity: 'We are all children of God' [CNA]

[JPUSC]

From the Christian confession that there can be only one path to salvation, however, it does not in any way follow that the Jews are excluded from God’s salvation because they do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah of Israel and the Son of God. Such a claim would find no support in the soteriological understanding of Saint Paul, who in the Letter to the Romans not only gives expression to his conviction that there can be no breach in the history of salvation, but that salvation comes from the Jews (cf. also Jn 4:22). God entrusted Israel with a unique mission, and He does not bring his mysterious plan of salvation for all peoples (cf. 1 Tim 2:4) to fulfilment without drawing into it his “first-born son” (Ex 4:22). From this it is self-evident that Paul in the Letter to the Romans definitively negates the question he himself has posed, whether God has repudiated his own people. Just as decisively he asserts: “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29). That the Jews are participants in God’s salvation is theologically unquestionable, but how that can be possible without confessing Christ explicitly, is and remains an unfathomable divine mystery. It is therefore no accident that Paul’s soteriological reflections in Romans 9-11 on the irrevocable redemption of Israel against the background of the Christ-mystery culminate in a magnificent doxology: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways” (Rom 11:33). Bernard of Clairvaux (De cons. III/I,3) says that for the Jews “a determined point in time has been fixed which cannot be anticipated”.

"THE GIFTS AND THE CALLING OF GOD ARE IRREVOCABLE" (Rom 11:29)
vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/relations-jews-docs/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_20151210_ebraismo-nostra-aetate_en.html#5._The_universality_of_salvation_in_Jesus_Christ_and_God%92s_unrevoked_covenant_with_Israel

And while the Gentiles, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted on to the olive tree, they must not boast against the Jews as they are the supporting root. Aquinas is quite harsh in his words to the Gentiles, reminding them of their humble origins (895), and their promotion to the dignity of the Jews. The Jewish race is the olive tree and has borne rich spiritual fruit. The Gentiles, promoted to a partnership with the patriarchs, apostles, and prophets, are warned not to boast against the Jews, and to remember that ―Judea did not receive salvation from the Gentiles, but just the reverse: Salvation is from the Jews‘ (Jn 4:22 (897).74 Gentiles are warned to be careful in their faith. It was God who permitted some branches to be broken off so that Gentiles might be grafted in (900); similarly God might permit the Gentiles to be broken off because of unbelief (902).

“Salvation is from the Jews” (Jn 4:22): Aquinas, God, and the People of God
Dr. Fáinche Ryan, Mater Dei Institute

Paul’s reference to the Church as the “Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16) has led many throughout Church history to conclude that the Church has replaced Israel in its mission. Is the Church the “new Israel,” and if so, where does that leave the Jewish people and the mission entrusted to them?

This is a mystery about which Catholics may hold differing views. I think in some ways the Church has replaced “Israel” and in others it has not. The same Paul who called the Church the “Israel of God” also said, speaking about the Jews, that “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29). A number of passages in Scripture imply that the Jews have a key role to play in the Second Coming. And the history of the Jews over the past 1,500 years seems to show that God is still involved with them in a very special way. Their very survival, despite almost continual persecution, is itself miraculous, and they certainly seem to exhibit special gifts and to play a disproportionately great role in the world. The final proof for me of their continued role is the otherwise inexplicable diabolical hatred focused on them century after century, as manifested most recently in the Holocaust.

catholic.com/magazine/articles/salvation-is-from-the-jews

 

[JPUSC]

[17] With its Declaration “Nostra aetate” (No.4) the Church unequivocally professes, within a new theological framework, the Jewish roots of Christianity. While affirming salvation through an explicit or even implicit faith in Christ, the Church does not question the continued love of God for the chosen people of Israel. A replacement or supersession theology which sets against one another two separate entities, a Church of the Gentiles and the rejected Synagogue whose place it takes, is deprived of its foundations.

[23] The Church does not replace the people of God of Israel, since as the community founded on Christ it represents in him the fulfilment of the promises made to Israel. This does not mean that Israel, not having achieved such a fulfilment, can no longer be considered to be the people of God.

[40] The Church is therefore obliged to view evangelisation to Jews, who believe in the one God, in a different manner from that to people of other religions and world views. In concrete terms this means that the Catholic Church neither conducts nor supports any specific institutional mission work directed towards Jews. While there is a principled rejection of an institutional Jewish mission, Christians are nonetheless called to bear witness to their faith in Jesus Christ also to Jews, although they should do so in a humble and sensitive manner, acknowledging that Jews are bearers of God’s Word …

"THE GIFTS AND THE CALLING OF GOD ARE IRREVOCABLE" (Rom 11:29)
vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/relations-jews-docs/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_20151210_ebraismo-nostra-aetate_en.html

 

[JosieN]

Thanks for the quotes and links. Here is a quote I found interesting and what amazes me is that it was written around 1907.

How far this position is removed from that of Catholic teaching! We have already seen how its fallacies have been condemned by the Vatican Council. Later on, we shall see how these errors, combined with those which we have already mentioned, open wide the way to Atheism. Here it is well to note at once that, given this doctrine of experience united with that of symbolism, every religion, even that of paganism, must be held to be true. What is to prevent such experiences from being found in any religion? In fact, that they are so is maintained by not a few. On what grounds can Modernists deny the truth of an experience affirmed by a follower of Islam? Will they claim a monopoly of true experiences for Catholics alone? **Indeed, Modernists do not deny, but actually maintain, some confusedly, others frankly, that all religions are true. That they cannot feel otherwise is obvious. For on what ground, according to their theories, could falsity be predicated of any religion whatsoever? Certainly it would be either on account of the falsity of the religious .sense or on account of the falsity of the formula pronounced by the mind. Now the religious sense, although it maybe more perfect or less perfect, is always one and the same; and the intellectual formula, in order to be true, has but to respond to the religious sense and to the believer, whatever be the intellectual capacity of the latter. In the conflict between different religions, the most that Modernists can maintain is that the Catholic has more truth because it is more vivid, and that it deserves with more reason the name of Christian because it corresponds more fully with the origins of Christianity. No one will find it unreasonable that these consequences flow from the premises. But what is most amazing is that there are Catholics and priests, who, We would fain believe, abhor such enormities, and yet act as if they fully approved of them. **For they lavish such praise and bestow such public honor on the teachers of these errors as to convey the belief that their admiration is not meant merely for the persons, who are perhaps not devoid of a certain merit, but rather for the sake of the errors which these persons openly profess and which they do all in their power to propagate.

papalencyclicals.net/Pius10/p10pasce.htm

 

[Eric_Hyom]

I like the joke our priest told us. A Hindu goes up to heaven, and St Peter said, let me show you around, this is where all the Muslims live, and going further he said, and this is where all the Protestants live. Then St peter said, when we go past that next wall, we must duck down and be quiet, the Catholics live there, and they think they are the only ones.

We can read all the scripture we like, but none of us can judge in the way that Jesus will judge. We are better to be more forgiving and merciful.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

JPUSC:

Jesus’ own words: “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22)

Hello JPUSC, In response to the above,

The word “catholic” means universal. Jesus created one universal church for all of mankind. The Catholic Church was established by Jesus with his words spoken in Matthew 16. Jesus asked his disciples “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples then offered various answers - “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But the question that Jesus then asked was crucial: “But who do you say that I am?”

The answer provided by Simon Peter set in motion the formation of the Catholic Church by Jesus. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” With this answer, Jesus established the Catholic Church with Simon Peter designated the first Pope.

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

ourcatholicfaith.org/thechurch.html

 

[HolyCrusader007]

I like the joke our priest told us. A Hindu goes up to heaven, and St Peter said, let me show you around, this is where all the Muslims live, and going further he said, and this is where all the Protestants live. Then St peter said, when we go past that next wall, we must duck down and be quiet, the Catholics live there, and they think they are the only ones.

We can read all the scripture we like, but none of us can judge in the way that Jesus will judge. We are better to be more forgiving and merciful.

Well said by the Priest. Good post.

 

[JosieN]

I like the joke our priest told us. A Hindu goes up to heaven, and St Peter said, let me show you around, this is where all the Muslims live, and going further he said, and this is where all the Protestants live. Then St peter said, when we go past that next wall, we must duck down and be quiet, the Catholics live there, and they think they are the only ones.

We can read all the scripture we like, but none of us can judge in the way that Jesus will judge. We are better to be more forgiving and merciful.

For a priest to tell a joke like this, I am very confused. I think the modernists priests think this way. I believe there will be a division in the church one day between the modernists and the traditionalists. The modernists will believe we all go to heaven and that we need not worry about sin and repentance and what religion we choose, They will tell us to be kind and merciful to everyone, and that is all you need to do. If it is that easy to get to Heaven, then why did Jesus Christ die on the cross? Why did God send His Son into this world? Why do we call Him Lord and Savior? Why did the apostles preach to the whole world His message?

 

[TMC]

For a priest to tell a joke like this, I am very confused. I think the modernists priests think this way. I believe there will be a division in the church one day between the modernists and the traditionalists. The modernists will believe we all go to heaven and that we need not worry about sin and repentance and what religion we choose, They will tell us to be kind and merciful to everyone, and that is all you need to do. If it is that easy to get to Heaven, then why did Jesus Christ die on the cross? Why did God send His Son into this world? Why do we call Him Lord and Savior? Why did the apostles preach to the whole world His message?

Seriously? I have also heard this joke from a priest. There is nothing wrong with it. It is perfectly consistent with Church teaching. There is nothing “modernist” about it.

 

[JosieN]

Seriously? I have also heard this joke from a priest. There is nothing wrong with it. It is perfectly consistent with Church teaching. There is nothing “modernist” about it.

How is it consistent with church teaching? I was taught by the church you must confess your sins, receive the sacraments, pray, do penance and above all believe in God and Jesus. I guess to make the joke even funnier the Hindu’s that are in heaven could say that we who obeyed the churches teaching were very silly, all we needed to do was to believe in their false gods.

 

[TMC]

How is it consistent with church teaching? I was taught by the church you must confess your sins, receive the sacraments, pray, do penance and above all believe in God and Jesus. I guess to make the joke even funnier the Hindu’s that are in heaven could say that we who obeyed the churches teaching were very silly, all we needed to do was to believe in their false gods.

The Church teaches the possibility of salvation for all, and that those of any religion or no religion at all may be saved.

 

[JosieN]

The Church teaches the possibility of salvation for all, and that those of any religion or no religion at all may be saved.

Here is what Jesus taught

“And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.” Gospel of St. Mark 16:15-16

 

[Eric_Hyom]

Here is what Jesus taught

“And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.” Gospel of St. Mark 16:15-16

Jesus commanded us to do many things, and I am very aware that we are commanded to spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. But this is not the greatest thing we are commanded to do, The expert in the law asks Jesus, what must I do to find salvation? He could not ask a greater question.

Jesus gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan in reply, as a means to explain the greatest commandments, Now it does not say that the Samaritan ever became a Jew or a Christian. Why would Jesus give us that parable about finding salvation, if it was not possible for the Good Samaritan to have salvation?

 

[JosieN]

Jesus commanded us to do many things, and I am very aware that we are commanded to spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. But this is not the greatest thing we are commanded to do, The expert in the law asks Jesus, what must I do to find salvation? He could not ask a greater question.

Jesus gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan in reply, as a means to explain the greatest commandments, Now it does not say that the Samaritan ever became a Jew or a Christian. Why would Jesus give us that parable about finding salvation, if it was not possible for the Good Samaritan to have salvation?

How does God Save?

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

 

[TMC]

How does God Save?

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

Are you trying to describe Catholic teaching, or fundamentalist evangelical teaching? Catholic teaching is that all may be saved, Christians, non-Christians, atheists. That is what the Church teaches. I understand you may disagree, but that is what the Church teaches.

 

[Eric_Hyom]

How does God Save?

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

Thank you for your response, But how do you suppose someone like the Good Samaritan could achieve salvation, sfter reading these passages? The Samaritan is clearly not one of God’s chosen people, but the lawyer is told to be like the Samaritan.

 

[JPUSC]

How does God Save?

In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

Ironically, your source is an anti-Catholic website that says Catholics are not saved and Catholicism is a false religion lol.

gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html
gotquestions.org/catholicism.html

 

[ringil]

Ironically, your source is an anti-Catholic website that says Catholics are not saved and Catholicism is a false religion lol.

gotquestions.org/Christian-doctrine-salvation.html
gotquestions.org/catholicism.html

lol- good job spotting that.

 

[JosieN]

lol- good job spotting that.

I will be honest, I should have looked closer at the website. It was very late. May God forgive me for my error.

 

[zz912]

I like the joke our priest told us. A Hindu goes up to heaven, and St Peter said, let me show you around, this is where all the Muslims live, and going further he said, and this is where all the Protestants live. Then St peter said, when we go past that next wall, we must duck down and be quiet, the Catholics live there, and they think they are the only ones.

We can read all the scripture we like, but none of us can judge in the way that Jesus will judge. We are better to be more forgiving and merciful.

What a horrible “joke” for a priest to even utter. Shameful.

Seriously? I have also heard this joke from a priest. There is nothing wrong with it. It is perfectly consistent with Church teaching. There is nothing “modernist” about it.

Of course there is something wrong with it. It contradicts Church teaching. While those of other faiths or no faith MAY end up being saved, if they are saved, it is through the Church. If they make it to Heaven, they will become Catholic first and be Catholic in Heaven.

The Church teaches the possibility of salvation for all, and that those of any religion or no religion at all may be saved.

They MAY be saved, but if they are, they become Catholic through the Church. It’s a horrific “joke” that no priest should ever utter.

 

[JPUSC]

What a horrible “joke” for a priest to even utter. Shameful.

Of course there is something wrong with it. It contradicts Church teaching. While those of other faiths or no faith MAY end up being saved, if they are saved, it is through the Church. If they make it to Heaven, they will become Catholic first and be Catholic in Heaven.

They MAY be saved, but if they are, they become Catholic through the Church. It’s a horrific “joke” that no priest should ever utter.

“I believe in God - not in a Catholic God; there is no Catholic God. There is God, and I believe in Jesus Christ, his incarnation. Jesus is my teacher and my pastor, but God, the Father, Abba, is the light and the Creator. This is my Being.”

Pope Francis