Expert: Daniel Keeran - 3/1/2011

Question
I believe that Christ's death on the cross paid the penalty for my own sins, including those which I committed before believing, and those which I commit from now until the day I die. Because of this theology, I have confidence in my eternal security by trusting that He has completed the work which began at regeneration (His work), and led to belief (my work), sanctification (my work and His), and eventually glorification (His work).

I know that orthodox Catholicism does not believe in eternal security. I think that it believes Christ's blood is re-shed each time a mass is performed (true?). From these two doctrines, please tell me if I am correct in drawing the following conclusion regarding the position of orthodox Catholicism and the atonement as it pertains to the individual:

When someone first believes, they are at that moment justified for sins having been committed past and present. However, the sins that they commit during the week from that point onward must be atoned for by the re-shedding of Christ's blood at mass each week. In this way, Christ's atonement is retroactive only.

Thanks so much,
Ben

Answer
The atonement is conditional upon the individual walking in light and humbly confessing sins (1 John 1). This does not mean a person is lost by committing a single unrepented sin. Christ's blood continues to cleanse as we continue to walk humbly in the light. One cannot take one's salvation for granted, i.e. the apostle to Gentiles said he had to discipline his body daily to keep from being lost. He did not believe in eternal security.

1 Corinthians 9:27
I discipline my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.