saintmichaeldefendthem
Gold Member
Those RC's are correct. Both presumption of salvation and despair of salvation are considered sins in our faith. Humility forces us to recognize that we will all stand before a just God, and even by grace we are "scarcely saved" (1Peter 4:18). We work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12, 13), the same kind of fear that the Israelites experienced as the angel of death passed over their homes only because it was covered with lamb's blood. Presumptuousness is a product of pride. It's a hideous sin to be avoided.Catholics are Christians. Only an ass would disagree with that.
not really. Some might be, most are not. Why? Because they mix law with grace.
So you're speculating that some might be saved and others not so much. Very bold speculation on your part.
And no we don't mix law with grace. Faith and works are subservient to grace in Ephesians 2:8,9 for a reason. First comes grace, then faith, then works. The reason for that is we cannot possibly by any observance of religious law merit eternal life. That doesn't mean we are left without obligations, as James said, faith without works is dead.
I could explain that in more detail, but I think you're misguided in thinking that Catholics mix law with grace. All Christians everywhere and in every age preach and believe the gospel of grace. Yes, Catholics are Christians, the original Christians. Before you set yourself out to judge us, you might want to do some praying, asking for humility, before making such rash judgments about your brothers and sisters in Christ.
yes but most RC's I know say they do not know if they are saved or are going to Heaven. We come to God naked and as sinners. NOTHING we do can get us in to Heaven or take away our own sins; even good works and obedience. In the RCC Catechism; many times it says we must do good works in order to be saved.
And yes, we must do good works in order to go to heaven. Matthew 25 is clear in distinguishing those bereft of good works going to perdition from those prolific in good works going to heaven in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, and St. James says it in more pithy form saying, "See then that a man is saved by works and not faith alone" (2:24) the only time you see the words "faith alone" in scripture. Those who believe that faith without works can save you are not reading the Bible.
no! not at all. You do good works BECAUSE you are saved not to get saved or stay saved...works do not save.
"See then that a man is saved by works and not faith alone" (James 2:24)