Subject: "Once Saved Always Saved" |
Bible Note: Joe I will list below the exact text of the 'Catechism of the Catholic Church'. 841 The Church's relationship with the Muslims. "The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day 842 The Church's bond with non-Christian religions is in the first place the common origin and end of the human race: All nations form but one community. This is so because all stem from the one stock which God created to people the entire earth, and also because all share a common destiny, namely God. His providence, evident goodness, and saving designs extend to all against the day when the elect are gathered together in the holy city. . . From the section entitled: "Outside the Church there is no salvation" . 846 How are we to understand this affirmation, often repeated by the Church Fathers? Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body. 847 This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church: 848 "Although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men." .......................................................... http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/ccc_toc.htm ....................................................... Joe, When Paul converted the Gentiles to Christianity, the Church of Jerusalem insisted that these Gentiles worship according to Hebrew Tradition. Paul said no, only the belief in Christ, and all He taught, was needed for salvation. This caused a stir within the Churches. And, at the next council meeting of the Churches, it was debated and ultimately agreed by all (some grudgingly), that there would be cultural differences within the different Churches (Rome vs Jerusalem, etc)and the Apostles agreed upon usng, what is now known as 'The Apostles Creed' as the unifying Profession of Faith. As long as a Christian agreed with the twelve points within this Creed, he was living in communion with Christians from all other churches, throughout the world. And, basicly, any other practices beyond the beliefs of the creed, was unimportant. I took a short survey of this forum to see if anyone had any disagreements with the Apostles Creed - and basicly, I think the Christians on this forum, from many Churches were in agreement with it. So, since the Catholics are in communion with other Christian Churches, what difference does it make to you, if we think a Muslim has a chance at heaven - you and I aren't Muslims. And, the Gentiles can eat pork, if they want to. Brian |