Salvation and Fear

[reteeks21]

Rather than speculate I wonder if a Catholic can help me better understand the Catholic view of salvation. Many Protestants think that Catholics must “do” something to be saved and to maintain that salvation, and in that they believe that the natural result of such beliefs would be that Catholics would live in a constant state of fear over their deaths.

Is this true? Can someone help me better understand how Catholics reconcile grace and mercy with fear of losing salvation? Where does grace and hope fit into the Catholic equation?

Protestants, if you respond with your beliefs and thoughts keep it dignified, and Catholics please do the same. I have asked this question out of sincerity so that I may better understand. Thanks.

 

[Della]

The Catholic Church teaches that those in the state of grace and in God’s friendship are assured of their salvation.

That’s it in a nutshell.

We don’t do good works in order to be saved. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. We do them as a part of the saving grace given to us in the Sacraments.

The Sacraments to us are more than signs and symbols, although they are that too. We believe they were instituted by Christ as the ordinary means of receiving actual graces, graces that help us do God’s will and so bring us to salvation.

If we live in God’s grace we will be saved. I know of no Protestant who would seriously argue with that. And I believe many a sincere Protestant has a misconception as to what Catholics truly believe.

I would recommend the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a fuller inquiry into this topic.

As to fear, anyone who is living as if anything they say, do, think, believe is okee-dokee, no matter how much it violates God’s laws ought to be living in real fear. But faithful Catholics have no need to fear. Our hope in Christ and his promises to us as individuals and to his Church, which is his Body.

I hope that helps you.

 

[RobHom]

Rather than speculate I wonder if a Catholic can help me better understand the Catholic view of salvation. Many Protestants think that Catholics must “do” something to be saved and to maintain that salvation, and in that they believe that the natural result of such beliefs would be that Catholics would live in a constant state of fear over their deaths.

Our view of salvation is much the same, except that we do not accept the view of “Once saved always saved” or any variation of that. Many Protestants don’t really know or understand what works are… here they are:

**The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor, based on Christ’s prophecy of the Last Judgment, that will determine each person’s final destiny:

1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit those in prison
7. Bury the dead

further… here are the Spiritual works of mercy:

The seven practices of Catholic charity toward our neighbor’s soul:

» Convert the sinner

» Instruct the ignorant

» Counsel the doubtful

» Comfort the sorrowful

» Bear wrongs patiently

» Forgive injuries

» Pray for the living and the dead

These are based on the teaching of Christ and on Church practice since apostolic time. **

Is this true? Can someone help me better understand how Catholics reconcile grace and mercy with fear of losing salvation? Where does grace and hope fit into the Catholic equation?

No, its not true. I don’t live in fear of anything…I believe in a merciful and loving God who grants me His grace and mercy, but requires me via the Words of Christ to do good works in order to prove my faith and that I am worthy of His gifts. Faith (belief) without works (proofs of that belief) are DEAD! Its very easy to say “I believe”. Too easy. But its the proof that requires the effort.

I have to ask you a question… Is any one of those “works”, either corporal or spiritual daunting or too much of a burden to deal with? I think of these “works” as things that any decent human being would do anyway.

Christ Himself…told us, no commanded us to do these things. Its all right there in the Bible… Unfortunately, it seems that some people place the words of one Apostle or the other above the very words of Christ… But that is not how it is.

But to explain further…one can cause themselves to be fearful or condemn themselves and relinquish their salvation…by sinning and failing to live as Christ commanded us to do so. Afterall, did He not say that the only way to the Father was through Him? That being the case…if he tells you that you are to do certain things…isn’t that what you do? Its not like He said: Hey, dudes, if y’all got some spare change…lay it on the poor guy, if y’all want… Oh, and if you got a cardboard box you gonna chuck out…give it to the poor dude under the bridge. They were not suggestions…they were commands.

That is my humble opinion…

Peace!

 

[sarahpackars]

in my understanding, salvation is acheived through our undying love for god and for our neighbors. if we do well to others, that do-gooding will be rewarded. there are no requirements, but to love God, and to do your best at loving one another. i’m pretty sure god understands taht we’re humans and we make mistakes, which is why he sent his son to forgive our sins and give us a chance. and also why we have the sacrement of Reconciliation, the forgiveness of sins, where god speaks through the priest and forgives us of all our sins.
i do not fear death, i’m confident that so far i’ve led a loving and successful life and i will continue to do so until i die, loving and serving god. and as far as i know, that’s all i need to do to get my salvation.

sarah packard

 

[ralphinal]

Part of the confusion is the anti-Gosple separation of Faith and Works. It is clear from Jesus and the Letters to the Hebrews and of James that we must believe in Jesus AND do God’s work on earth. Our faith includes works.

Now, that looks to be in opposition to Saved by Faith apart from Works. It is. It is Saved by Grace through Faith shown by Works. Besides, Paul says “Works of the Law” not “Works commandedby Jesus.”

 

[RobHom]

Part of the confusion is the anti-Gosple separation of Faith and Works. It is clear from Jesus and the Letters to the Hebrews and of James that we must believe in Jesus AND do God’s work on earth. Our faith includes works.

Now, that looks to be in opposition to Saved by Faith apart from Works. It is. It is Saved by Grace through Faith shown by Works. Besides, Paul says “Works of the Law” not “Works commandedby Jesus.”

**BBBBBIIINNNGGGGOOOOO!!! **