Justification and Salvation
Questions: “Are you born-again?” “Are you saved?” “Do you have
assurance of salvation?” “Do you know you will go to heaven if you
die now?
These are all difficult questions Catholics are confronted with
from time to time by “born-again” Christians. In the face of
these questions Catholics are often left dumbfounded, confused,
bemused, or are led even to renounce their faith.
What do Fundamentalists mean by these questions? How should Catholics
respond? Are they even valid questions?
“Are you born-again?”
Fundamentalists believe they are “born again” by simply accepting Jesus
Christ as their “personal Lord and Savior.” Once Christ is accepted in this
way one is saved, or “born again” (St. John 3:3). However, Christ
specifically tells us that we are “born again” through Baptism:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he
cannot enter the kingdom of God” (St. John 3:5).
Fundamentalists regard Baptism as only an ordinance and not necessary for
salvation. Contrary to this, the Catholic Church basing itself on the
following texts teaches that Baptism is necessary for salvation:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he
cannot enter the kingdom of God” (St. John 3:5).
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you…” (1 Pet. 3:21).
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (St. Mark 16:16).
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