P
PJM
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=eazyduzit;13247890]Thanks Patrick, I want to make sure I understand the Catholic view correctly.
Of course we’re together on the priority of faith in salvation, but we fall apart on the conditions and even the level of faith required.
This is important for the reason that I need to KNOW if I am truly saved and belong to the family of God. If I don’t know then it will be hard to progress to a mature walk with God.
You cited Jm.2:22…“and by works was faith made complete” (or perfect) .
So are we saying that my faith must be complete before God will save me and count me as righteous? Are we saying that I first must complete a certain amount of good works to my credit to be saved?
[QIOTE]Thanks Patrick, I want to make sure I understand the Catholic view correctly.I await your answer.
Of course we’re together on the priority of faith in salvation, but we fall apart on the conditions and even the level of faith required.
This is important for the reason that I need to KNOW if I am truly saved and belong to the family of God. If I don’t know then it will be hard to progress to a mature walk with God.
You cited Jm.2:22…“and by works was faith made complete” (or perfect) .
So are we saying that my faith must be complete before God will save me and count me as righteous? Are we saying that I first must complete a certain amount of good works to my credit to be saved?
I await your answer
GREAT questions my friend,
The answer is a HIGHLY CONDITIONAL “No!” … BUT,
I’m not being evasive in this response. Here’s the condition; IF, as you evidently are; in the active process of uncovering, and discovering God’s Truth; and were to die before you completed your journey of DISCOVERY [BECAUSE GOD CONTROLS ALL LIFE AND DEATH DECISIONS] for what must logically be “God’s single truth” per defined issue; God’s Love and Mercy would then override what he otherwise would NORMALLY accept as satisfactory evidence of your TRUE Love for Him; and credit you with sufficient Grace and perfection.
This hinges on a SINCERE effort on your part.
Now let’s attempt to briefly address the “NORMS”
We Catholics are very uncomfortable with any “assured salvation” as being NORMAL [as in “possible”] as the NORM of Catholic-Christian belief. The theology of an “assured” salvation is one of quite a few man made innovations, stemming from and flowing through the Protestant Revolution; where it was expedient to HAVE ways and means of one attaining their salvation in manners that were & HAD TO BE] easier, quicker and less complex than the Catholicism they were aiming to supplant and overthrow.
Once again I find your questions to both excellent and profound; & worthy of far more of an explanation that I am able to provide in the limited space of the FOTRM.
From the Catholic Prospective the ONLY] “assured”** salvation could come from Blood-Martyrdom; and then it would have be OFFERING willingly one’s Life for Christ; rather than; say, having it taken from you only because you are a “Christian.” Even if “forced” one would have to “will” to offer Christ the Sacrifice of their life freely and willingly.
Other than this scenario; one would at least have to “be IN the State of God’s grace” [be without unforgiven Mortal sins upon ones demise. And this very well COULD require a time in Purgatory, which is a stepping stone to heaven. I said this was profound and complex issue, so every contingency can be fully articulated.
**** [only assured”] … Informed and fully practicing Catholics can have a sense of HOPE and confidence in God’s Love and Divine Mercy that borders on; but fall’s short of actual assurance; that would permit one to be “at Peace” with God’s Judgment.
So long as one is sure that they have NO unconfessed; unforgiven Mortal sins **READ 1 Jn 1: 8-10; 1 Jn 5: 16-17 & John 20:19-23] **when they die; one can be “HOPEFUL” of God’s Mercy and Love and as one walking “with Christ”; have a degree of certainty [but not absolute], that heaven will be in your future.
One having Confessed at least ALL Mortal sins Jn 5: 16-17; and having received absolution for them; and living an active Sacramental & prayerful Life, manifesting God’s commanded and desired Charity; can have a sense of confidence in God’s Love and Mercy.
For non-Catholic-Christians; salvation Hopes can be more complex. Here’s why. God Will; because God MUST make Judgment upon us based upon what HE MAKES POSSIBLE for one to know; NOT what one chooses to accept personally. And this is controlled by OUR freewill; accepting or rejecting God’s Grace; being TRULY open to the Prompting of the Holy Spirit, and in your heart desiring to uncover and discover WITH God’s assistance; His Will for YOU.
This time of discovery requires MUCH humility and much prayer.

God Bless you. Please KEEP asking questions,
Patrick