Scott,
In reply to:

I realize you've been taught that Catholics practice a works/salvation system - and I realize it's difficult to admit that all those who preach that nonsense are wrong - but that doesn't change the fact that they are wrong

I, like Pilgrim, was also never explicitly taught "that Catholics ...", but it has been impressed upon me with every contact with Roman Catholic materials and "teachers of the Law".

Let the reader deduce the place of works in salvation from this [color:purple]official example, culled from the Baltimore Catechism, noting both what is AND IS NOT being said:

LESSON TENTH: On the Effects of the Redemption

Q. 452. What did Adam give away by his sin, and what did Our Lord buy back for him and us?
A. By his sin Adam gave away all right to God's promised gifts of grace in this world and of glory in the next, and Our Lord bought back the right that Adam threw away.

Q. 453. Which are the chief effects of the Redemption?
A. The chief effects of the Redemption are two: The satisfaction of God's justice by Christ's sufferings and death, and the gaining of grace for men.

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Q. 456. What do you mean by grace?
A. By grace I mean a supernatural gift of God bestowed on us, through the merits of Jesus Christ, for our salvation.

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Q. 458. What do you mean by "merit"?
A. Merit means the quality of deserving well or ill for our actions. In the question above it means a right to reward for good deeds done.

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Q. 461. What is sanctifying grace?
A. Sanctifying grace is that grace which makes the soul holy and pleasing to God.

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Q. 465. What is Faith?
A. Faith is a Divine virtue by which we firmly believe the truths which God has revealed.

Q. 466. What is Hope?
A. Hope is a Divine virtue by which we firmly trust that God will give us eternal life and the means to obtain it.

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Q. 468. Why are Faith, Hope and Charity called virtues?
A. Faith, Hope and Charity are called virtues because they are not mere acts, but habits by which we [color:red]always and in all things believe God, hope in Him, and love Him.

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Q. 475. What is actual grace?
A. Actual grace is that help of God which enlightens our mind and moves our will to shun evil and do good.

Q. 476. Is grace necessary to salvation?
A. Grace is necessary to salvation, because without grace we can [color:purple]do nothing to [color:red]merit heaven.

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Q. 479. Does God give His grace to every one?
A. God gives to everyone He creates sufficient grace to save his soul; and if persons do not save their souls, it is [color:red]because they have not [color:purple]used the grace given.

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Q. 482. Can a person merit any supernatural reward for good deeds performed while he is in mortal sin?
A. A person cannot merit any supernatural reward for good deeds performed while he is in mortal sin; nevertheless, God rewards such good deeds by giving the grace of repentance; and, therefore, all persons, even those in mortal sin, should ever strive to do good.

Q. 483. Does God reward anything but our good works?
A. God rewards our good intention and desire to serve Him, [color:red]even when our works are not successful. We should make this good intention often during the day, and [color:green]especially in the morning[Linked Image].


Last edited by Paul_S; Fri Jul 26, 2002 1:51 AM.
In Christ,
Paul S