Question for Protestants - Salvation

[goodcatholicman]

Okay, here is a burning question I have had for a while and I hope someone can help clear it up for me. I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra. Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away. I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like. The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done! Nothing EVER can take away your salvation according to this tract. This is also discussed repeatedly on TV ministries. Am I reading this right? It appears on the surface to be supported by scripture but of course that view is dramatically different for Catholics. As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven? Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind? How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved? I can’t reconcile the position of the Catholic church with this type of doctrine. Any help is apreciated.

 

[inthecloud]

Well the Once Saved, Always Saved is a doctrine defended mainly by orthodox Calvinists, Baptists and some non-dem. It comes from Calvin’s Perceverance of the Saints/perpetual assurance doctrine.
It never have been the case for most christians. Neither Catholics, Orthodoxs, Lutherans, Anglicans; Methodists, and most Pentecostals believe in that. For a good reason, the scriptural fundaments are shaky at best, there is no evidence that anyone in the early christian church believed that, and is wildy ilogical.
There are lots of thread in this forum on the subjet. Some of the older members will guide to them.

 

[Asgaut]

Okay, here is a burning question I have had for a while and I hope someone can help clear it up for me. I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra. Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away. I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like. The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done! Nothing EVER can take away your salvation according to this tract. This is also discussed repeatedly on TV ministries. Am I reading this right? It appears on the surface to be supported by scripture but of course that view is dramatically different for Catholics. As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven? Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind? How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved? I can’t reconcile the position of the Catholic church with this type of doctrine. Any help is apreciated.

I in fact do believe that salvation can be taken away even if you have accepted Christ as your savior, if you blaspheme (the unforgivable sin, no questions asked on that) the name of God you show disbelief, and disbelief does not justify your faith… You can clearly see in James 2:18… “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”

In other words… if works of God do not come out naturally from your faith in Jesus, your faith is a dead faith… I don’t think you’d be saved… on the other hand, if good deeds come out of your faith your faith is alive in Christ… If you do works first and then say these works justify my faith and make it alive, that’s not real faith, however is the faith of the devils as is mentioned in the next verse…

Now Romans 6 has also provided information on why we should not sin just to sin- verses 12-15 “Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield your selves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the Law, but under Grace? God Forbid.”

Sure, you may sin every once in awhile… but the object is to control how much you sin, and if you try, you aren’t letting it take dominion over you, and it will not reign over you… confessing to one another won’t be necessary because of this… because we are under Grace.

 

[Fisher]

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

9 And he spake this parable unto **certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: **

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 **And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. **

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

"Do we then make void the law through faith? God Forbid: Yea, We Establish the Law." -Romans 3:31

1 Thessalonians
004:006 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
004:007 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
004:008 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
004:009 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Romans012:019 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, **Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. **

The truth is that God holds believers much more accountable for their words and actions than He does the unsaved (1st Peter 4:17).

Repentance is a turn-around. When you turn to Christ for forgiveness, you have just turned your back on sin. The only thing you need to give up to be saved is your unbelief!

 

[look3467]

goodcatholicman, hi

I take it by your handle (name) that you believe you are a good Catholic man, and I tend to believe you are.
Because you are brave enough to say so and because it shows determination to your faith.

Having said that let me explain a few things from a non Catholic perception concerning your questions.

As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven?>>>goodcatholicman

Jesus said: Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

It’s that simple! Born again simply identifies you as a child of God born of a second birth.

Jesus did not place to much emphasis on that because He again said: Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The first step is for our hearts and minds to change from thinking that we are to work in the physical in order to attain eternal life, to accepting Jesus’ work in the physical in order for us to attain eternal life.

See the difference?

Once we can see that, God will then give us guidance by His Holy Spirit to decrease the importance of the lusts of the flesh to those lusts of heaven.

Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Now your desires change from this country (world) to that of another country. (Heaven)

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

OK, if we become a new creature and the old things pass away, how then can we return to that, which has already passed away?

The only way to become unborn physically is to die.
But spiritually, being born again,having life, eternal life, there is no more death, so once your born again, you never shall die again.

1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Your salvation is bought and paid for by Christ, that a freebie.

Your behavior however, is still accountable to you, whether your born again or not.

Your choice.

Peace>>>AJ

 

[Lampo]

goodcatholicman, hi

I take it by your handle (name) that you believe you are a good Catholic man, and I tend to believe you are.
Because you are brave enough to say so and because it shows determination to your faith.

Having said that let me explain a few things from a non Catholic perception concerning your questions.

Jesus said: Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

It’s that simple! Born again simply identifies you as a child of God born of a second birth.

Jesus did not place to much emphasis on that because He again said: Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The first step is for our hearts and minds to change from thinking that we are to work in the physical in order to attain eternal life, to accepting Jesus’ work in the physical in order for us to attain eternal life.

See the difference?

Once we can see that, God will then give us guidance by His Holy Spirit to decrease the importance of the lusts of the flesh to those lusts of heaven.

Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Now your desires change from this country (world) to that of another country. (Heaven)

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

OK, if we become a new creature and the old things pass away, how then can we return to that, which has already passed away?

The only way to become unborn physically is to die.
But spiritually, being born again,having life, eternal life, there is no more death, so once your born again, you never shall die again.

1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Your salvation is bought and paid for by Christ, that a freebie.

Your behavior however, is still accountable to you, whether your born again or not.

Your choice.

Peace>>>AJ

Are there any men who were directly taught by the Apostles of Jesus that believe this? If so, please provide some proof for me.

 

[goodcatholicman]

Your salvation is bought and paid for by Christ, that a freebie.

Your behavior however, is still accountable to you, whether your born again or not.

Your choice.

Here is where I have the issue. You have already been saved by Jesus but the only person you are accountable to is yourself? So if I sin, Jesus cares not but I should care? It sounds like the epitome of self indulgence, which in my opinion constitues a grave moral sin. There are so many preachers on TV that espouse this type of thinking including, Joel Osteen, John Hagee, Bishop Charles Blake and the list goes on and on. I have also heard so many of my friends in this area following this same belief from all walks of faith from Baptists to Southern Methodists and many non-denominational types. The formula is always the same, pray a simple prayer, accept Jesus and you are thus a Christian for ever and ever Amen. This is straight of the TBN web site:

Jesus said:
“I am the door, if anyone enters by me, he will be saved…” John 10:9.

The Bible says:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Prayer of Salvation
“Dear Jesus, I believe in You. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that You were buried and rose again as written in the Bible. I’m sorry for the things I’ve done that hurt You. Forgive me for all my sins. Come into my heart, take charge of my life and make me the way You want me to be. With Your ever present help, I renounce all my sinful practices of the past. Cleanse my heart with Your precious blood. Write my name in Your Book of Life. I confess You now as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

If you prayed the Prayer of Salvation, we would love to hear from you! (They always want to hear from you. Congratulations, now send us your money.)
CALL a Prayer Partner at: 000-000-0000

FAIT ACCOMPLI! You are now a CHRISTIAN!? REALLY? IS IT REALLY THAT SIMPLE?


Mother Mary Pray for Us

 

[mozart-250]

The formula is always the same, pray a simple prayer, accept Jesus and you are thus a Christian for ever and ever Amen. This is straight of the TBN web site:

Not that I am a big fan of TBN, but I see nothing in that prayer per se that supports OSAS against say versus the classic Wesleyan position (which is not OSAS).

 

[goodcatholicman]

Not that I am a big fan of TBN, but I see nothing in that prayer per se that supports OSAS against say versus the classic Wesleyan position (which is not OSAS).

The point is, in their eyes, this prayer is it. Once you have said it, you are saved. Period. Forever and all time. I don’t know the Wesleyan version of salvation of how closely it relates. In their eyes, the ONLY requirement to being Christian is this prayer. Nothing can ever take away your salvation once offered.

 

[mozart-250]

The point is, in their eyes, this prayer is it. Once you have said it, you are saved. Period. Forever and all time. I don’t know the Wesleyan version of salvation of how closely it relates. In their eyes, the ONLY requirement to being Christian is this prayer. Nothing can ever take away your salvation once offered.

Maybe I am very much reading comprehension challenged, but I just don’t we where you can conclude from the text below (which is what you quoted) that “nothing can ever take away your salvation once offered”

Jesus said:
“I am the door, if anyone enters by me, he will be saved…” John 10:9.

The Bible says:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Prayer of Salvation
“Dear Jesus, I believe in You. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that You were buried and rose again as written in the Bible. I’m sorry for the things I’ve done that hurt You. Forgive me for all my sins. Come into my heart, take charge of my life and make me the way You want me to be. With Your ever present help, I renounce all my sinful practices of the past. Cleanse my heart with Your precious blood. Write my name in Your Book of Life. I confess You now as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Jesus! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

[goodcatholicman]

Maybe I am very much reading comprehension challenged, but I just don’t we where you can conclude from the text below (which is what you quoted) that “nothing can ever take away your salvation once offered”

You are not challenged, my good man. There is nothing quoted that suggests OSAS, you would have to listen to them preach on the topic to get the full context. Thanks for getting clarification. Nonetheless, as they preach it, the prayer quoted above is where salvation begins and ends. Unless, I am way out of line and clearly don’t understand which is entirely possible. Hence the reason for starting this post. I am confused on the topic.

 

[mozart-250]

You are not challenged, my good man. There is nothing quoted that suggests OSAS, you would have to listen to them preach on the topic to get the full context. Thanks for getting clarification. Nonetheless, as they preach it, the prayer quoted above is where salvation begins and ends. Unless, I am way out of line and clearly don’t understand which is entirely possible. Hence the reason for starting this post. I am confused on the topic.

OK.

Well not to defend TBN, but I would be surprised to learn that they believed OSAS. You see TBN is from Pentecostal / Charismatic wing of Christianity, and as a rule-of-thumb (there being exceptions) are not OSAS. As well as Methodists btw.

I think it would be wise to keep two concepts separate here:
(1) You quoted what is often called “sinner’s prayer”. Behind this prayer is the concept of the starting point of becoming Christianity (how does Christianity begin). We could discuss the contents of said prayer (not all evangelicals use this), but when you read and hear this type of prayer usually it is in the context of conversion or initiating Christianity as it were.

(2) OSAS. Is this prayer all there is to Christianity? Upon saying this prayer do you receive fire insurance no matter what tranpires between days 2 - end-of-life.

From my vantage point (2) is a definite minority position and arguably heterodox. Calvinists for example (who do believe in “Perseverance of ths Saints”) do not believe that saying a “sinner’s prayer” is all there is to Christianity.

That being said, in evangelical contexts I have heard the sinners prayer presented in such a way that it could easily be understood as free fire insurance. And that by preachers who I know do not believe the theological implications of what they are saying. So maybe there is a third issue of misleading marketing at play here…

 

[look3467]

Are there any men who were directly taught by the Apostles of Jesus that believe this? If so, please provide some proof for me.>>>Lampo

Paul spoke of it considerably.
Jesus spoke those verses to His Apostles, for everywhere Jesus went, the Apostles followed Him.
But they could not understand what Jesus was speaking about, so they recorded it to memory.
When at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit which was in them recalled those words of Jesus in their memory, (Brought them to remembrance) and they begin to understand what Jesus was talking about.
It became real to them then.

By Paul, teaching of the new creature, meaning that the old man died (The old way) and the new man emerged.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Old man is crucified, and of it, is born a new creature.

That kind of information was foreign to the people of that time due to the belief structure that had been in place for so long under the laws of Moses.

Paul knew more than he led us to believe and struggled to simplify the message. He understood that concept of the new birth.
There was so much opposition to this new gospel that he wrote: 1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

How much more simpler could one get?.

But as time and knowledge increased, so did the soul proper.

3Jo 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Turning that around would read: As thy soul prospers, so shall your health, and your mental fortitude.

If you tie those scriptures together to form along with many more, one will begin to see the picture of a new creature, where the old man dies to the old world, and becomes alive to the new world.
One begins to see the same picture Paul saw.

To get a grasp of that picture, one must not only have studied the New Testament but the old one as well.
The Old Testament sets the foundation by which the new one is to emerge from.

Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

If Christ made all things new, then it is only reasonable to believe that the old has passed away.

Note: Because we recieve and or accept so great a salvation, does not mean that we stop striving to do good, but we work to bring our body’s into subjection of the spirits guidenance.

The Prodical Son took his riches that belonged to him as given by his father, squandered it all in fast living, yet the father never ceased to call him his son, but rather forgave him and rejoiced when the son came back to him.

Yoou and I have been granted those same riches in Christ, so what shall we choose to do then with them?
If you squander it in fast living, yes, you will pay the consequences of it, and eventually, turn back to your Father God.

Peace>>>AJ

Peace>>>AJ

 

[war_eagle]

Okay, here is a burning question I have had for a while and I hope someone can help clear it up for me. I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra. Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away.

Not exactly, but close enough for the purposes of this thread.

I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like.

I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but Baptists and some Methodists are Evangelicals.

[quoet]The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done!

I didn’t see the tract, so I can’t comment on it, specifically, but we don’t believe that anybody is saved by saying a prayer. I’ve got to assume that, unless it was just some bad theology, there was something else to it.

As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven?

If you repented of your sins and were born again, why would you keep on sinning?

Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind? How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved?

Was he born again?

 

[Metaron]

Jesus said: Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

It’s that simple! Born again simply identifies you as a child of God born of a second birth.

He said, “Born of water, and of the Spirit.”

“Born of water” odviously means baptism.

The first step is for our hearts and minds to change from thinking that we are to work in the physical in order to attain eternal life, to accepting Jesus’ work in the physical in order for us to attain eternal life.

The first step makes us a part of Christ’s Church, either explicitly (as a Catholic) or implicitly (as a non-Catholic, or Protestant).

OK, if we become a new creature and the old things pass away, how then can we return to that, which has already passed away?

One word: reversion.

The only way to become unborn physically is to die.
But spiritually, being born again,having life, eternal life, there is no more death, so once your born again, you never shall die again.

Being “born again” or “re-born”, is baptism. Not every one that is baptized goes to Heaven, unfortunately.

1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Your salvation is bought and paid for by Christ, that a freebie.

Yep, just like when Paul said, “…baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you.”

Your behavior however, is still accountable to you, whether your born again or not.

Your choice.

Yep. And you can still end up in Hell if you live inordinately and do not repent.

 

[Singinbeauty]

Okay, here is a burning question I have had for a while and I hope someone can help clear it up for me. I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra. Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away.

True, your salvation can never be TAKEN away. You can give it away for sure, but it can’t be TAKEN away…

I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like. The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done! Nothing EVER can take away your salvation according to this tract.

Again, it can’t be TAKEN away but you can GIVE it away.

This is also discussed repeatedly on TV ministries. Am I reading this right? It appears on the surface to be supported by scripture but of course that view is dramatically different for Catholics. As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven? Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind? How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved? I can’t reconcile the position of the Catholic church with this type of doctrine. Any help is apreciated.

From my understanding there is no specific prayer. The idea is to admit to God that you are a sinner, you know it - He knows it and you are now willing to do something about it. It’s not all a bed of roses and you will sin, but as long as you are willing to go to God about it and confess it and do what you need to do to make it right, God will make your path straight again. A person who has salvation is a person who has a heart for God. That person will not and can not go out and sin continuously without feeling guilt and sadness. Such a person will go to God and admit when they have been wrong and will go get help from the church to bring themselves back to Him.

I do not believe that if you have blemishes on your record that God will automatically disqualify you from Heaven. That is not the God I know. BUT a person can admit they don’t believe in Him and forfeit their salvation.

Christ says to believe in Him and we will be saved… Nothing more, nothing less. It is the belief that gets you there. That belief will bear the fruit of good works. You can’t have a True Faith and no works. It just simply doesn’t happen. That faith without works is DEAD. So if a person says the prayer their fruit will show whether that was a profession of Faith or a profession of just doing what felt right at the time.

I hope I answered your question… I tend to rattle on… Let me know!

 

[TeresaElizabeth]

Okay, here is a burning question I have had for a while and I hope someone can help clear it up for me. I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra. Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away. I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like. The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done! Nothing EVER can take away your salvation according to this tract. This is also discussed repeatedly on TV ministries. Am I reading this right? It appears on the surface to be supported by scripture but of course that view is dramatically different for Catholics. As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven? Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind? How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved? I can’t reconcile the position of the Catholic church with this type of doctrine. Any help is apreciated.

Ok, you posted this as a question for Protestants, and I’ve stopped protesting (which is to say, I’m a convert in RCIA), but I may be able to offer some insight.

The denomination in which I grew up did indeed believe that faith expressed in a prayer stating true repentence and belief was sufficient to put a person into a permanent state of friendship with God. They termed this “being saved” or “accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.” I believe that this is what you are referencing.

According to this “eternal security,” the person could theoretically do anything and still gain entrance into Heaven upon death. Of course, sin was not encouraged and was seen as damaging a person’s relationship with God (much like the Catholic view of venial sin).

However, this view is unbiblical–it ignores much of the New Testament. Ultimately, it ignores God’s beautiful plan of salvation as a plan of healing, beginning at baptism and continuing as Christ’s grace works in us to create good works.

Instead, people are seen as rotten worms that get adopted after an intangible act of faith and are still powerless to make any headway against their concupiscence, even with God’s grace.

Let me bear witness to the ancient power of the Catholic doctrine of salvation, substantiated by Sacred Scripture read in context.

Satan loves to dilute the fact that Jesus’ death is powerful enough to heal, not just conceal.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit! As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end!

 

[Atemi]

I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra.

Belief?

Yes.

Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away.

The key word there being decided.

I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like. The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done! Nothing EVER can take away your salvation according to this tract. This is also discussed repeatedly on TV ministries. Am I reading this right?

Not quite.

There is no magic spell or prayer one can recite that results in God saving them.

No.

One need not any special prayer at all.

It is the content of one’s intent that matters: faith in the Gospel and repentance.

It appears on the surface to be supported by scripture but of course that view is dramatically different for Catholics.

Yes.

As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven?

The Catholic does no less after baptism…

Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind?

Faith and repentance.

Confession is usually forthcoming from those.

How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved?

If he murdered without ever feeling remorse afterwards, then we can safely say he was not devout. He may have done all the right rituals, and consented to all the right doctrines, and went to Mass daily…but that is not devout.

If he murdered and he had faith and was repentant, then God has made some promises that He will not break.

PS - Jesus called hate “murder” as well. He was not kidding.

I can’t reconcile the position of the Catholic church with this type of doctrine.

Of course!

…

 

[O.S.Luke]

I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but Baptists and some Methodists are Evangelicals.

You’re going to have to define evangelical - the “real” evangelical movement began in England (Wikipedia’s definition is maybe 50% correct). And there are some Catholics who identify themselves as “evangelical”, by the way (click here).

Evangelical comes from the Greek word ευαγγελιον - ‘Gospel.’ It’s not a bad word. By definition, all Christians should be evangelical.

O+

 

[paarsurrey]

Okay, here is a burning question I have had for a while and I hope someone can help clear it up for me. I know in a lot of protestant churches, once saved always saved is the mantra. Meaning that once you have decided to make Jesus “The Lord of your life” his grace and salvation can never be taken away. I have received more than one tract related to salvation from evangelical protestants as well as more main stream folks such as Methodist, Baptist and the like. The most recent tract had a simple prayer the person is to pray and then it is done! Nothing EVER can take away your salvation according to this tract. This is also discussed repeatedly on TV ministries. Am I reading this right? It appears on the surface to be supported by scripture but of course that view is dramatically different for Catholics. As an example if I have said the prayer and prayed it earnestly and but then go about sinning (which is a given) for the rest of my life, am I still going to heaven? Is it necessary to make a confession of any kind? How about a devout priest that lives a life of piety for 40 years then commits murder and dies without asking for forgiveness? Is he still saved? I can’t reconcile the position of the Catholic church with this type of doctrine. Any help is apreciated.

Hi

I am an Ahmadi a peaceful Mulsim.
I understand from Quran/Islam/Muhammad that salvation or entering into the pleasant mercy of GodAllahYHWH is entirely his grace and he is master of the day of judgement which He would decide mercifully and with justice.

Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Hindus, JWs and Muslims etc need His mercy and hence they should all purify their beliefs and do good acts/deeds always and if ever they err, they should repent on it before Him and seek His forgiveness.

Quran

[2:61] And remember the time when Moses prayed for water for his people and We said, ‘Strike the rock with thy rod;’ and there gushed forth from it twelve springs, so that every tribe knew their drinking place. And they were told, ‘Eat and drink of what Allah has provided, and commit not iniquity in the earth, creating disorder.’
[2:62] And remember when you said, ‘O Moses, surely we will not remain content with one kind of food; pray, then, to thy Lord for us that He may bring forth for us of what the earth grows - of its herbs and its cucumbers and its wheat and its lentils and its onions.’ He said, ‘Would you take in exchange that which is worse for that which is better? Go down to some town and there is for you what you ask.’ And they were smitten with abasement and destitution, and they incurred the wrath of Allah; that was because they rejected the Signs of Allah and sought to slay the Prophets unjustly; this was because they rebelled and transgressed.
[2:63] **Surely, those who believe and the Jews and the Christians and the Sabians - whichever party from among these truly believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds, shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve. **
Unquote

Please see how graceful is our GodAllahYHWH the Creator of all the Universe and what is within it.

I respect your religion.

Thanks