One of the more basic questions in a discussion of salvation is, what exactly are we being saved from? When we turn to Sacred Scripture, we see this question answered in more than one way. Protestant theology will often direct us to a passage like Romans 5:8-9 -- “But God shows his love for us … Continue reading Faith and Works – An Overview
In my last post I reviewed the difference in Protestantism between what is often referred to as “Lordship Salvation” versus “Free Grace” theology. The primary difference in these two schools of thought is whether repentance is part of a “saving faith" or whether it is a “work” and not necessary for salvation. Those who hold … Continue reading “Free Grace” Theology and Sacred Scripture
One of the more fundamental differences between most Protestant faiths and Catholicism is the understanding of the role that “faith” and “works” play in our salvation. One of the more common claims leveled against Catholicism is that we are a “works based” salvation. As Catholics we would disagree with that assessment. And it’s important for … Continue reading “Lordship Salvation” versus “Free Grace” Theology
In my opinion, some of the most beautiful paragraphs in the Catechism are the ones about grace. I will give snippets within this post, but highly recommend reading them in their entirely (CCC1996-2005). The clearest definition of what grace is from the Catholic perspective is found in CCC1997 – “Grace is a participation in the … Continue reading Grace and Infused Righteousness
In my previous posts I have mentioned that in the Catholic view of salvation, sanctification is not optional. Nor is it a by-product of salvation. Rather, it is at the very heart of what it means to be saved. It is our transformation into the image of Christ and true freedom from the bondage of … Continue reading Sanctification In Scripture
The New Testament authors often hold up the patriarch Abraham from the Old Testament as an example of his faith leading to his justification. He is mentioned in this way multiple times by different New Testament authors. But is this a one-time singular event in the life of Abraham, or a process? The first Old … Continue reading The Justification of Abraham
In my last post I spoke to one of the primary differences in the way Catholics and Protestants tend to view salvation. Protestants often see salvation as primarily a one time, instantaneous event that occurs when a believer comes to faith in Christ and are saved. For Catholics, we tend to view salvation as a … Continue reading Salvation as a Process in Sacred Scripture
One of the more basic differences between most Protestants and Catholics is what we mean when we talk about “salvation.” Central to this difference is whether salvation is viewed as a one-time event, or a process. The Southern Baptist Statement of Faith says this – “In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and … Continue reading What do we mean by Salvation?