What about Ephesians 2:8 that we are saved by grace and not works?

[Schmitty]

I am in a Bible study with a group of Baptists. They take this to support their view: If you have faith in Jesus, you will be Saved and Go to heaven.

Do we believe as Catholics that this means for us, we must participate in the Sacraments, Obey the Laws of the Church, and then WE’LL get to heaven?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear S,

Why are you in a Bible study group that is not Catholic? That’s like going to Spain to learn German. There is much that you may find yourself accepting that is contrary to your Catholic faith. Fortunately, you are aware that we look at salvation very differently than Baptists do.

We too believe that it is by grace that we are saved as stated in Ephesians 2:8. But there are many other passages from Scripture that tell us that much more is expected from us than just believing in Jesus. Here are some: 1 Cor. 10-12 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” Mt. 24:13 “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Mt. 7: 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

This tract will give you more:

catholic.com/library/Assurance_of_Salvation.asp

Again, find a Catholic group or check with our customer service for some tapes.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.