Permanence of salvation

I was at Joel Helm's house last night for the first summer bible study 2010, and before it was underway we spoke briefly on my favorite topic, theology. Joel asked me what specifically I saw wrong with the Catholic theology that was 'dangerous' and should not merely be written off as cultural differences. I realized that one of the most outstanding views of the Catholic Church which I would stomp out is the idea that they can lose their salvation. Allow me to explain...

While Bob Gullo and I were doing the roots team, we managed to get two Catholics to answer our questions in a row, one indeed was an acquaintance, and we were able to speak at some length. One of the confessing beliefs of the Navigators ministry (and of MANY others) is that "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" Romans 10:9 Now Bob, I call on you to witness to this, at this point she stopped and said, 'well, I kinda believe that'. Being bewildered I asked her to explain. She said that she believed that she could be saved, but had to confess and repent (in the Catholic style specifically) and be sinless. I asked her to explain. She gave me more useless speech and eventually said that she had to go to confession (with a priest in the Catholic style) and be forgiven by the priest. She then explained that if on the way from the cathedral, if she were to stub her toe and swear, then immediately get hit by a bus and die, she would burn in Hell for all eternity. I felt really sad for her at that moment, but now I want to itterate this with less sympathy for the speaker, and more emphasis on the belief behind it.

This idea that she could fall from grace is completely un-biblical. One who is saved by God will not be lost. If you are unsure of this, look in the gospel of John 10:29 "for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand." What the girl did not understand (what she was no taught in a wicked and evil 'church') was that nothing can separate her from God's love. There is nothing she could do to jeopardize her salvation.

Indeed, no one reading this, who is 'held in the Father's hand' can be plucked from it. That is not to say that all reading this are in the Father's hand, but I digress...When I said thus to Joel he responded, "well Matthew you have two ways to change that: become a Catholic priest and attempt to change doctrine within the church or to help those Catholics you meet grow with Jesus." I did not respond then, but I wish to now. Yes, you're right Joel, but I'm not going to use cliches. I'm not going to be hip, popular or even all that nice. They need, let me emphasize NEED to hear this word of God. Sure they'll read the bible and 'grow with Jesus'...I did quite a bit of that for my freshman year...but will the spirit convict them? Will their eyes be opened? By standing and addressing the matter in a straightforward way E.G. "You're wrong" they have no choice but to consider the subject at hand. No, I will not suffer to write that off as a cultural difference. It is a doctrine contrary to the Holy Scriptures and is given to us by a Holy, Righteous and Loving God.

Soli Deo Gloria!