- Discussion:
-Quite simply, the purpose of this article is to answer Roman Catholic apologist De Maria's rebuttal to my open letter that I made in response to him criticizing me for citing a commentary from Martin Luther on Galatians 4:30. Following are the Catholic apologist's remarks alongside with a critique:
"...in his rebuttal, Jesse neglects to answer the question I asked. Will they be saved who do not do good works?"
Notice the fallacious either/or nature of De Maria's question. If one answers in the affirmative, then this person will most likely concede that his respective position is the correct one. If one answers in the negative, then this person will simply accuse his opponent of upholding a license to sin. However, the conclusions drawn in both scenarios are wrong."...in his rebuttal, Jesse neglects to answer the question I asked. Will they be saved who do not do good works?"
While we agree that faith cannot be separated from good works, the area of disagreement is on the relationship between the two. Advocates of Sola Fide would maintain that the performance of good works is the product or result of a changed heart. Roman Catholics believe that faith and works contribute to our justification. This question has already been addressed, just not according to De Maria's standards. Moreover, I posed a reflection question for him, to which he answered thus:
"I don't know. Since the Catholic Church Teaches that we have assurance of salvation, we live a life of joy and peace when we give ourselves to Christ."
That is not really a satisfactory analysis, since question-begging is involved and the logical implications of my inquiry are totally overlooked.
"We don't claim, as the Pharisee did, that we know that we are saved. We, like the Apostle, say...[1 Cor 4:13]."
First of all, the scribes and Pharisees of the Law boasted of a righteous standing before God on the basis of their good works. In contrast, believers approach God by faith because they are convicted of their sinfulness and need His mercy.
Secondly, the Apostle Paul did not say that we could not have assurance of eternal life. Rather, it is God who evaluates our degree of faithfulness. Paul did not dare to make such a judgement regarding himself even though he had a clear conscience (1 Corinthians 4:5).
"On the contrary, the biblical gospel condemns those who judge themselves saved...if you judge yourself saved, you judge yourself righteous."
It is God, not ourselves, who declares us to be righteous by faith. We cannot possibly take credit for our own salvation if He is its author and finisher.
"Luke 18: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. 9 He then addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else...if you say, "I am saved because of the righteousness of Christ which He has credited to me." Scripture doesn't say any such thing. If you are not truly righteous, God will condemn you. God does not acquit the wicked.
God has chosen to exercise His mercy rather than judge us for what we deserve. Man in his present condition is dead to sin. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. No one deserves His salvation. If we wish to be changed by the grace of God, then we must place our trust in the atonement of His Son Jesus Christ. It seems as though De Maria has turned the text of Luke 18:9-14 right on its head.
"That's another error passed on by Luther. God forgives sins."
God is perfect and holy. He is true to Himself. Yet, we have all sinned against Him. That is why His Law condemns us. This is not about Luther or the other Protestant Reformers. In order for God to forgive us, we must accept the atonement that Christ provided on our behalf.
"Hebrews 5:9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...Those who continue to live wicked lives will not be saved no matter how many times they claim to believe in God..."
Hebrews 5:9 describes God's purpose and intent in saving us. In addition, equating Sola Fide with the type of faith that demons have is a strawman off the bat.
"[It is strictly by God's grace that we are saved [De Maria quoting me]. No doubt [De Maria's reply]. not by our own efforts [De Maria quoting me]. Also true. But God will not pour out His grace on those who do not obey His will [De Maria's reply]."
The Roman Catholic Church has a different understanding of "grace alone" and "not by our own efforts" than what is defined in Scripture. Them two phrases have been loaded with underlying philosophical presuppositions that we ought to reject.
"Again, that [John 6:28-29] doesn't mean what you think it means. That doesn't say, "If you claim to believe in Jesus Christ, you will be saved. Scripture is clear that those who do not do the righteous works of God, will be condemned to eternal punishment."
The text being disputed does indeed mean that it is God's will for us to place our trust in His Son Jesus Christ and His work alone for justification. Those who fail to do so will be condemned to eternal punishment.
"And where do you get this Blood? We get it in the Holy Eucharist when we attend the Mass. You reject this Sacrament."
First of all, the term "Eucharist" literally means thanksgiving. Whether or not the concept of transubstantiation is biblical would be a point of dispute and is not the subject matter being discussed at hand.
God has chosen to exercise His mercy rather than judge us for what we deserve. Man in his present condition is dead to sin. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. No one deserves His salvation. If we wish to be changed by the grace of God, then we must place our trust in the atonement of His Son Jesus Christ. It seems as though De Maria has turned the text of Luke 18:9-14 right on its head.
"That's another error passed on by Luther. God forgives sins."
God is perfect and holy. He is true to Himself. Yet, we have all sinned against Him. That is why His Law condemns us. This is not about Luther or the other Protestant Reformers. In order for God to forgive us, we must accept the atonement that Christ provided on our behalf.
"Hebrews 5:9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...Those who continue to live wicked lives will not be saved no matter how many times they claim to believe in God..."
Hebrews 5:9 describes God's purpose and intent in saving us. In addition, equating Sola Fide with the type of faith that demons have is a strawman off the bat.
"[It is strictly by God's grace that we are saved [De Maria quoting me]. No doubt [De Maria's reply]. not by our own efforts [De Maria quoting me]. Also true. But God will not pour out His grace on those who do not obey His will [De Maria's reply]."
The Roman Catholic Church has a different understanding of "grace alone" and "not by our own efforts" than what is defined in Scripture. Them two phrases have been loaded with underlying philosophical presuppositions that we ought to reject.
"Again, that [John 6:28-29] doesn't mean what you think it means. That doesn't say, "If you claim to believe in Jesus Christ, you will be saved. Scripture is clear that those who do not do the righteous works of God, will be condemned to eternal punishment."
The text being disputed does indeed mean that it is God's will for us to place our trust in His Son Jesus Christ and His work alone for justification. Those who fail to do so will be condemned to eternal punishment.
"And where do you get this Blood? We get it in the Holy Eucharist when we attend the Mass. You reject this Sacrament."
First of all, the term "Eucharist" literally means thanksgiving. Whether or not the concept of transubstantiation is biblical would be a point of dispute and is not the subject matter being discussed at hand.
