One response to a Catholic view of the necessity of good works for our salvation we may hear is that all of our works are like “filthy rags” to God. This is a reference to Isaiah 64:6 where the prophet rails at Israel “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our … Continue reading Are All Our Works “Filthy Rags”?
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Faith, works and St. Paul Part 2
In my previous post I communicated that in order to read St. Paul in a way that aligns him with the words of Christ and the other apostles, it is necessary to understand two important “keys” to his writings. One is to always remember he is fighting the first major heresy that threatened the Church … Continue reading Faith, works and St. Paul Part 2
Faith, Works and St. Paul Part 1
Protestant theology of salvation by “faith alone” is heavily dependent upon the writings of St. Paul. In many ways he seems to contradict both the words of Christ and the other apostles that I’ve reviewed in my last few posts. They indicate that “works,” especially works of sacrificial love for others are necessary for salvation. … Continue reading Faith, Works and St. Paul Part 1
Faith, Works, and the words of Christ
In this post I will continue to look at what Sacred Scripture says regarding the necessity of “works” for our salvation. As discussed in previous posts, when the Bible speaks about “faith,” from the Catholic understanding this means much more than a mere intellectual assent to an understanding that Christ paid for our sins. Biblical … Continue reading Faith, Works, and the words of Christ
Faith, Works, and the Great Judgment
In my last post I looked at a primary passage from St. James that strongly supports the necessity of works as related to salvation. I will again remind us that in the Catholic view, “works” are not necessary so that God accepts us. They are necessary for our sanctification, which is not an optional part … Continue reading Faith, Works, and the Great Judgment
Faith, Works, and St. James
I’ll begin my “deep dive” into the topic of faith and works in Sacred Scripture with the passage that Catholics are most likely to provide when presented with the Protestant theology that salvation is by “faith alone.” For you see, there is only one time in the Bible where the term “faith alone” is used, … Continue reading Faith, Works, and St. James
Faith and Works – An Overview
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
“Free Grace” Theology and Sacred Scripture
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
“Lordship Salvation” versus “Free Grace” Theology
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
Martin Luther and the Four Salvation “Solas”
Martin Luther launches Protestantism in the sixteenth century on a foundation of five “solas” – the Latin word meaning “alone.” One of these is “sola-Scriptura,” which deals directly with authority. That topic will be covered at a later time. The other four “solas” are related to a Protestant understanding of salvation. Simply stated, the Protestant … Continue reading Martin Luther and the Four Salvation “Solas”
Between the Farm and the Cross 