A nice person knocks on your door and asks: "If you died tonight, do you know 100% that you would go to heaven?"
If you say "I hope so," they think you aren't a Christian. The problem is we are using different definitions of "Saved."
The Protestant View: One-Time Event
For many Evangelicals, salvation happens the moment you "accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior." It is a done deal. You can't lose it.
The Catholic View: A Process
Catholics believe salvation is a journey, not a moment.
- I was saved: At Baptism, when Original Sin was washed away (Titus 3:5).
- I am being saved: As I cooperate with grace, go to Mass, and grow in holiness (Philippians 2:12 "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling").
- I hope to be saved: If I persevere to the end (Matthew 24:13 "He who endures to the end will be saved").
Can You Lose It?
Yes. The Bible is full of warnings about falling away.
- St. Paul says: "I punish my body... lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27).
- Mortal sin kills the life of grace in the soul. That is why we need Confession.
Faith AND Works
We are not saved by "faith alone" (the only time that phrase appears in the Bible is James 2:24: "A man is justified by works and NOT by faith alone"). We are saved by Grace alone, accepted through Faith, working in Love (Galatians 5:6).
Don't be presumptive. Be faithful. Track your daily journey to heaven on the MyPrayerTower app.