Are Catholic Christians “Saved”? - Yes

I was talking with some Christians at the Old Life blog. It is frustrating because the attitude seems to be that they are saved, being part of the elect, but Catholics are worshipping a different God. Therefore Catholics cannot be saved. 

Evangelical Christians focus on personal salvation. Catholics focus on the Eucharist. So not all Catholics know what to say if asked whether or not they are saved. 

What is odd is that the 3 part outline of our salvation is almost exactly what Protestants claim to believe. There are slight differences, like we Catholics do not add “justified by faith ALONE”. The Bible clearly teaches that we are not justified by faith alone. (James 2). It is also clear that we are justified by faith. 

Luther is the one who added that word “alone” to the text of Scripture, and very few Protestants are willing to question his authority on that. It is odd since Protestants also believe it to be a grave sin to add to or take away from Scripture. Yet their key doctrine does just that. 

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Ali:
It all fits together, to the glory and praise of God.>>>>>

Let me give you a more complete answer. If you ask me whether or not I am saved, here is my answer. Catholic Christians are Bible Christians. 

1. Yes, I am saved. [justified by grace through faith-Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5–8 2]. 

2. Yes, I am being saved. [being sanctified-1 Cor. 1:18, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12] 3. 

3. Yes, I have the hope that I will be saved. [future glory-Rom. 5:9–10, 1 Cor. 3:12–15] Meanwhile, I am working out my salvation with fear and trembling, just as all Christians are or should be [Phil. 2:12] I am trusting in the promises of Christ, as I expect you are. 

Here Hebrews 10 comes into play. I have no plans to shrink back. However, I have read about some of the tortures, humiliations, and martyrdom that Christians have faced even in recent times. I know that if I am called to suffer in that way for Christ, He will make His grace available to me. Will I shrink back? 

I think that all Christians need to face that question. 

Also, if I begin to live a careless life, – which I am not planning to do – can I presume that “once saved always saved” will get me through? See Ezekiel 33:18. I don’t see in Scripture that God gives us that kind of assurance. 

Hebrews 10
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
37 For,

“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Ezekiel 33:18
18 When the righteous turn from their righteousness, and commit iniquity, they shall die for it.

Phil 2:12
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,