Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 6/1/2005

Question
I'm a practising Roman catholic in a bible study with a group of protestants ( one is my wife) and I am hard pressed to accurately described the differrences between our two faiths on a fundamental basis. They say that all are saved by grace and all that is needed is belief in Jesus Christ. All good action ,works, will come from that as a natural desire to do His will. There is nothing we can DO to be saved. It is already done by the sacrifice of Jesus and only sin can keep us from heaven and judgement.

Answer
                   Peace and All Good!!
Dear Bill,
 I feel the difficulty stems from the general understanding of the word saved. Protestants and "Christian" Fundamentalist tend to think it has one meaning in Sacred Scriptures: one is bound for Heaven, no matter what they do after they confess "Jesus is Lord and Savior".  It may sound wonderful as do most falsehoods and lies. Catholics understand that Sacred Scripture uses the word saved a number of ways. Below is part of a short essay, I share here and in various chat rooms when your questions comes up.

Below that except is an address of my current blog site, I focus on Social Doctrines, Mormonism, Masonic Societies and Islam. Recently I have been share some charts and essays dealing with Divine Revelation as understood by Catholics before getting in how other groups do. It might help you as a refresher or reaffirm your resolve to witness to the fullness of the Gospel, I hope.

the Excerpt:


As Catholics we believe "As the Sacred Text says: We are already saved (Justified by the merits of Christ) Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5-8),but We are also being saved (growing in relationship 1 Cor. 1:8, 2 Cor. 2:15,Phil. 2:12), and we have the hope that we will be saved ( to have eternal life Rom. 5:9-10,1 Cor. 3:12-15). So like the Spirit inspired apostle St. Paul, we are working out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11-13). We do so recalling the fact the word saved has several meanings within the Sacred Text, especially in the light of this Spirit inspired verse:

1st Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee.


the Link

http://the-ozanam-society.blogdrive.com/


             your servant but His first
                    george