To many Christians, there is only one vital question – one question that matters above all others: "Are you saved?" This question has crossed denominational lines, called into question the practices of different denominations, and been the source of hundreds, if not thousands, of articles and arguments. Catholics, already separated from Protestants, struggle as much as other Christians do to find the answer to this question.
What Does Being "Saved" Mean?
The actual definition of being saved is surprisingly well-agreed upon by most Christians, despite the controversies that have been bred by this definition. Christians believe that by accepting Jesus into their hearts and by confessing their sins (or their nature as sinners), they have received salvation through Christ's grace.
There are a few Bible verses that are often used to justify this definition of salvation.
- John 1:12 says, "But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name."
- John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."
- John 3:18 says, "Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."
- Acts 16:31 reads, "And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.'”
- Romans 10:9-10 reads, "...for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that god raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved."
- Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast."
Using these Bible verses and tradition, it is generally agreed among Christians that it is by God's grace that they are saved.
Arguments in Support of Catholics Being Saved
Catholics believe they are saved. They have been baptized, as instructed in the Bible. They accept Jesus as their personal savior on a regular basis, not just in once statement of faith.
To Catholics, faith and good works arise out of the salvation that God has given them. The Church does not teach that good works, attending mass, saying the rosary, or any other action by a Catholic can earn them salvation. It is taught that salvation is given by the grace of God and Jesus.
However, attending mass, receiving communion, going to confession, and other actions are important in the lives of many Catholics. It is believed by many Catholics and taught by the Church that these actions arise from the salvation given by God, not that they are done in exchange for salvation. However, these actions are the basis of many Protestants (and others) believing that they are not saved.
Arguments Against Catholics Being Saved
- Certainty of going to heaven would be against Catholic faith. One argument that is given is that when a person receives the salvation of Jesus, they know in that instant that they are going to heaven. It is argued that true Catholics can not believe this, as they would be committing the sin of presumption. Also, by knowing they were going to Heaven, they would be denying the possibility of Purgatory for their soul.
- A single statement of faith and acceptance of salvation aren't "good" enough. Catholics believe that they must be baptized, go to mass, take communion, go to confession, forgive others, do good works, etc. to be saved. This countermands the Bible, which states that simply believing in Jesus is enough to be saved.
- Since Catholics believe the sacraments are important, they are denying that Jesus alone saves them.
If Catholics Are Saved, Why are the Sacraments Important?
The Church teaches that while salvation is a gift from God, Catholics have a responsibility to work on their faith and their lives to become better people- to be more like Christ.
The sacraments are a way for Catholics to "have contact" with Jesus on a regular basis. It is their way of being part of the mystical body of Christ that Paul speaks of so often. The sacraments are considered a way for a Catholic to re-confirm weekly, daily, or even hourly, their love for God, their thankfulness for His grace, and their intent to do His will.
A Personal Question No Matter What Their Faith
Both sides of this argument are believed intensely by certain people and taught to others as a basis for hate of other people. This one argument, which encompasses most of the first reasons for the Reformation, has not been settled to this day. Every "side" — and there are many — still thinks they are right.
Despite a Christian's view on whether Catholics are saved or not, this issue, like many others, is a personal question. Many Christians believe that the best answer to such questions is to follow Jesus' commandment to love one another.
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