Re: Required for salvation
Thank you for your previous answer. I understand it a bit better. However I'm am still wondering about other things and how they fit in.
For example, the immaculate conception and Assumption of Mary are described as "binding for belief by Catholics". So is there a difference between what is actually required to get to Heaven (salvation) and various other beliefs which we as Catholics required to believe in.
In other words, if I accept your previous answer (that faith and works are necessary) and dont neccesarily accept other things which are "binding", will I still get to Heaven? Or are the "binding" beliefs required also?
Thankyou for clearing this up.
QUESTION from Jon on June 10, 2004
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on June 11, 2004
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Dear Jon: Well, first one clarification. We are not saved by "faith and works". We are saved by grace through faith lived out in love (the deeds of love). When we speak of "faith" it is not just a belief in Jesus. Even the demons believe in Jesus according to the Bible. To have "faith" is to accept the "Faith" and all the teachings that constitute that Faith. Faith refers to what we believe and adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. Jesus Himself said that if we love Him we will follow his teachings. Thus if we do not follow His teachings we do not love Him. Without love and the works of love there can be no faith, and without faith there can be no salvation. This means, by the teaching of Jesus that the Magisterium holds the "keys", that all declared dogmas are required for belief and those who obstinately doubt or deny the dogma are, by that fact, outside of the faith and place their souls at risk. Thus, a Catholic MUST accept the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary or they are heretics and risk their souls. I might add that these dogmas, as with ALL dogmas and definitive teachings of the Church are not mere "inventions" of the Church and men, but are solidly based upon the Divine Revelation of God. In fact a teaching cannot be declared a dogma unless it is revealed in Divine Revelation and the treasury of faith that comes from it. Although the idea of the Bible-alone is a man-made doctrine of Protestants, although the Church preceded the New Testament, although the Church compiled the New Testament testing manuscripts as to whether or not they conformed to Divine Oral Tradition, all teachings of the Catholic Church can be found explicitly or implicitly in the Bible -- including the Marian Dogmas.
God Bless, |