What do Catholics believe about Salvation?

www.catholic.com/
Catholic Answers Senior Apologist Jimmy Akin gives a brief synopsis of what the Catholic Church teaches about Salvation.
Jimmy was born in Texas and raised in Arkansas. He grew up nominally Protestant but at age 20 experienced a profound conversion to Christ. Planning on becoming a Protestant pastor or seminary professor, he started an intensive study of the Bible, but the more he immersed himself in Scripture the more he found to support the Catholic faith. Eventually, he was compelled in conscience to enter the Catholic Church, which he did in 1992.
His conversion story, "A Triumph and a Tragedy," is published in Surprised by Truth. Jimmy is a Senior Apologist at Catholic Answers, a regular contributor to This Rock magazine, a weekly guest on "Catholic Answers Live," and the author of several titles including Mass Confusion: The Do's and Don'ts of Catholic Worship and The Salvation Controversy.

[@nickw9759]

God bless Jimmy Akin. What an awesome video. Thank You, Jesus.

[@pixarfreak1993]

I'm protestant and the deeper I've gotten into the history of Christianity the more I've thought about becoming a Catholic but after seeing this video. I got a wake up call because I don't want to loose salvation by not embracing the Catholic Church.

[@sunkissgirl818]

So happy to have found this channel ! Great explanation !

[@AZtrueflow18]

sunkissgirl818 baptism in water does not save a person. It takes repentance, faith in Gods grace which then the blood of jesus baptizes a person forgiving them of their sin and the holy spirit dwells in them which is being born again. Children do not need to be baptized, kind Davids baby dies and he says he will meet his baby when he dies which would be in heaven one day. 1 peter 3:21 does not teach water baptism is how a person is saved, but the blood of jesus that purifies our conscious. Read Hebrews 9:14

[@JakeObnial]

You probably did not read 847: "This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation." Like Jimmy said, we don't know; it's all up to God.

[@simonk.4338]

Im sick of protestants hating on us catholics but im happy this channel isn't like this

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

Such a good summary. Never heard it said that way. A lot of misinformation out there about the Catholic Church.

[@VanessasDailyJournal]

I read the CCC where you quoted; I think you need to reread it. It starts off saying there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church, but goes on to say that if the person doesn't have the knowledge of what the Church teaches then they may be saved through the tools nay conscience that they have to work with. (847) Jimmy Akin said it right.

[@pixarfreak1993]

That shirt is so funny. :)

[@redbaron998]

Love these videos, keep it up! Ave Maria!

[@scottchi666]

John 6:44 KJVS No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

[@Bakmoon]

Even funnier is that on the back is a picture of Pope Benedict VI. Get it? German Shepherd because he is German, and he leads the Church. I cracked up when I saw it.

[@danielrutigliano7938]

I noticed he put repentance...of your sins....ahead of faith in Jesus Christ. How can I do anything without believing on Christ? And the burden of sin - once and forever- was put on Christ. All trespasses are forgiven (past tense) - Col. 2:13

[@Quatsch83]

Nice shirt Patrick!

[@jnuval]

Haha, where can I get that shirt? :D

[@CiaranMcVeigh]

A very articulate apologist, impressive defense of Catholic tradition and theology!

[@KevinPichette]

God bless Pope Benedict XVI

[@Greg8098]

1 Peter 3:21 KJV The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: I guess he didn't read this part: by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST:

[@MCS1993]

Thanks Jimmy, you explained it well.

[@mainsqueeze1977]

@HetmanWojtek Poppea was not Jewish but friends with some Jews. She did not instigate the persecution but possibly prevented Nero from using the Jews as scapegoats. If so, he moved on to another minority, one without any lobby.

[@mattjb8384]

This is a good video and I was wondering about this ever since I converted to Catholicism back in April 2012. So, just to make sure I'm straight here... If a person is baptized, believes in Jesus and accepts the Gospel (that Jesus died for their sins and was resurrected), and they repent of all their sins and reject them, then they are in a state of grace. Once in this state of grace, should they die, then they will go to Heaven. (or Purgatory, if they die with venial sins, but not mortal ones.) If a person commits mortal sin, they they must go to Confession to be brought back into a state of grace, once again. If a person dies in a state of mortal sin, then they go to Hell. Correct?

[@macman3175]

Do not be deceived- Unless a man Is born again he shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven.The is NO purgatory!! But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26

[@wildflower789]

Matt JB I'm just curious, were you an atheist before, or a believer from another denomination? Because I find it troubling that you said, "converted to Catholicism" instead of "got saved" - as if Catholicism was the important thing. Also, there is no such thing as purgatory. That is false doctrine. (one of many) Please don't take the words of the guy in the video as the truth. Read and study the bible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, pray and seek God. Don't complicate things (you don't have to go to "confession" at church, when you can confess directly to God).

[@macman3175]

Lily M Amen Lily!

[@mattjb8384]

Lily M I was raised Baptist, then I was a Theistic Satanist for several years before converting to Catholicism. I believe that you mean well in your words, but the teachings of Catholicism are rooted in Scripture. Catholicism was the first and original form of Christianity. Without it, there would be no Protestants, because the Protestants broke away from the Catholic Church after Martin Luther's Reformation. Jesus gave his apostles authority in the Bible to forgive other's sins.

[@mattjb8384]

Lily M God will forgive people of their sins who ask, sure. But Jesus instituted Confession when he enabled Peter and the other apostles to forgive sins. He did that so that they could carry on His work when He was gone. Going to Church is a must, so that we can receive the flesh and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. (Read John 6) Read the beliefs and teachings of the early Church Fathers to see what the early Church taught and believed. You will see that a lot of the stuff that Protestants believe is not the same.

[@bheadh]

Thank God for some direction in catechises. After the death of Bishop Sheen, the "Baby Boom" generation (we must be in a "baby depression" nowdays?!) forgot about The Churches teachings on EVERYTHING. It took living saints like Mother Angelica to remind us that God hasn't left us, we left Him. People today view themselves their own "gods", with their own "rights" (at the expense of everyone elses.) Thank you for the excellent work showing folks that this world aint "where it's at". God bless.

[@JamesPatBailey]

@ 1:53 he states that "baptism now saves you." HAVE YOU NOT READ: Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. According to God's word: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus" "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" I wonder why Paul didn't tell us that we need to be baptized to be saved????? You might be wondering why Peter would say baptism doth also now save us?! Well people, if you would just read the Bible for yourself and not rely on men to tell you what there cult leaders tell them to preach, God would teach you what to believe. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: "but the answer of a good conscience toward God" Peter clarifies what he means with this. He clearly is not referring to getting wet. Baptism is a picture of the gospel (Death, Burial, and Resurrection). 1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Did Jesus tell the thief on the cross, when he asked Jesus to remember him, "you weren't baptized as a baby, but if you get one of these Romans to pour some water on your head and say..." ok ok ok, lets just see for ourselves what God manifest in the flesh told the thief on the cross: Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. The thief believed and: Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

[@michaelbrowning6787]

+JamesPatBailey Confession by the mouth is an act/work. Belief is an act of the will. Saying Faith can exist apart from works is to say it is a spirit divided from the body in which case, as James said, it is dead. It is also to deny the importance of the incarnation of the Word of God as fully human. He did not come to wear a disposable glove so he could masquerade as us and then throw it off. He is now in a risen Spiritual BODY and not just a risen spirit. You err in dividing the material from the spiritual. We are not angels who are pure spirit. We must have a material aspect to faith which we call works. Water and words in baptism are the material side of the spiritual reality. Both together are necessary. If Paul believed baptism did absolutely nothing then why did he do baptisms and have his companions do other baptisms? Why did they baptize people for the salvation of their dead relatives? 1 Cor 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? Did the dead have faith? Could they reason from the grave?

[@newsnation3686]

Wow before I ever become Catholic I believed this! Because Jesus said it is finished and He saved the whole world passed, present and future sins not only forgiven but abolished! God is forever merciful and doesn't call anyone to perish!

[@dgilbertt]

I am a fan of Jimmy Akin but I must say I am disappointed in his response. Lumen Gentium Section 14 (from Vatican II) clearly states there is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church. Furthermore, within the Catechism 846-848. Mr. Akin your criteria for those who are saved and not Catholic was a bit too generous. They have to have invincible ignorance (which today is nearly impossible), and searching for God while living a life as a Catholic even though not formally yet.

[@MjR5118]

Sooo what you're saying is that I don't need to accept Jesus Christ into my life in order to go to heaven? so then Jesus was lying when he said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6).

[@SpiritualJones]

All salvation is of and through Our Lord Jesus Christ, as the Scripture attests: "No one comes to the Father except through me." Faith, Repentance and Baptism are the Biblical means of mankind's salvation; this is explicitly stated by Our Lord throughout His ministry, the account of which is contained in the Books of the Gospel. If one has knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of the World, then that person cannot claim ignorance and shall be held accountable for his/her rejection of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day of Judgment.

[@MjR5118]

Ok. So if someone doesn't know anything about Jesus Christ and has never heard of him, then as long as that person has lived a good life full of good deeds, then that person is going to heaven? If that's the case, then what is the point of missions and missionaries and The Great Commandment? Why spread the word of God if people don't need it in order to gain entry into Heaven?

[@SpiritualJones]

There is Divine Law, which comes to mankind from God, established under the Old Covenant, perfected and vivified by Jesus Christ through His New and Eternal Covenant...this is the Church's Great Commission to preach the Gospel to every living creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. However, there is Natural Law, which God has written on the hearts of all mankind, by which all men can know right from wrong etc. The Church teaches that it is possible for a person, who through no fault of their own (ignorance), who has never been reached with the Gospel, to attain Eternal Salvation. God desires that no man should perish...however, due to the fallen nature of man, this is a difficult and treacherous path. This is the purpose of Evangelization, to enlighten the hearts and minds of men to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not only for the sake of their souls (first and foremost) but for the benefit of all societies as well (Love thy neighbor..., Do unto others...etc.). In the end all people who reach Heaven do so by and through Jesus Christ (the Eternal Logos, the Way, the Truth, the Life) even if they have no earthly knowledge of Him. "For those who are not formally and visibly members of the Church, “salvation in Christ is accessible by virtue of a grace which, while having a mysterious relationship to the Church, does not make them formally part of the Church, but enlightens them in a way which is accommodated to their spiritual and material situation. This grace comes from Christ; it is the result of his sacrifice and is communicated by the Holy Spirit”;81 it has a relationship with the Church, which “according to the plan of the Father, has her origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit”.82 From Dominus Iesus and "This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience-those too may achieve eternal salvation." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 847). Sorry this is so long, I wanted to give as thorough an answer as I could here. The Church has spoken at length about this, there is good info. online if you search for it.

[@shanestjohn1]

SpiritualJones Spiritual Jones, that is not correct. You are preaching a false gospel. I say this not with hate or ill meaning toward you at all, but Jesus is the only way. Just because your Catechism says differently, the Word of God is very specific about this. Do not preach another way. I would be very careful.

[@shanestjohn1]

MjR5118 You would be correct. Jesus is the ONLY way. Do not listen to Spiritual Jones.

[@johnjonson5863]

jesus is lord..

[@RyanMichael777]

He sure is my Lord

[@johnjonson5863]

can anyone else be? like mary?

[@RyanMichael777]

No other Lords! Mary is the Mother of Our Lord! just like Elizabeth proclaims when filled with the Holy Spirit.Luke 1:43

[@papasmurf6180]

john jonson Only Jesus. Mary is the Mother of God.

[@johnjonson5863]

Maria Madriquez mary is the mother of jesus here on earth. jesus is fully man and GOD. jesus is the only way to the father. mary has nothing to do with ones salvation.

[@elcanaldeshackra]

ouh, ouh, I got it now! xd

[@456zelot]

im jewish and half hebrew =) ♥

[@TheJpgr1958]

So basically the RC church teaches that even Muslims who reject Jesus as God, and state that God CANNOT have a son, can be saved in the end and go to heaven correct? If this is true, then logically, people in other religions are not really lost, for if those in other religions do not need Christ, as in the case of a Muslim, then neither do we. Conversely, if we need Him, so do they. If people in other religions are not lost, the Christian message becomes "much ado about nothing."

[@Max_G43]

This is just bad theology outright

[@shanestjohn1]

Thanks for sharing. I highly disagree with about 95% of your views. Now I know that what I perceive Biblical Christianity to be cannot be Catholic. I don't believe water baptism saves, Baptism of God is something different, (Not the washing of the filth of the flesh), I don't think our "turning away from sin" saves us. Yes, contrition is imperative because how can one understand their need for a Savior if they don't know they are sick? Now belief the in the death, burial and resurrection part, I do agree with you on. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. His perfection alone and that is what I hold on to. Paul told the Jailor, believe in the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved. Do I believe that we should get water baptized, sure, I have, but it's not what saved me. Do I believe in reformation? Sure, upon receiving the Spirit of God so that the inward man would be renewed from the inside to the out. We do not have the power over sin before conversion, no matter how much you think the outward appearance may seem. Repentance is a daily certainty for a believer because we don't want to offend God. I don't believe one loses his salvation after he is saved. That would not be eternal life, but temporary life. Or probationary life. Nor would I say God would give something to someone, such as salvation, and then take it from them knowing they would sin because He knows the end from the beginning. The more I study Catholic theology, the more issues I see with what the Bible says.

[@jerkojovic]

thanks for you infalible interpretation of our bible. The bible + History simply disagree with you if you cant back things up historically, then your claim is not worth anything. Be a honnest person and look at how the first christians (after the apostles) interpreted these words. it is even in the bible that baptism saves John 3:5: Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. So yes it is required for salvation '''I don't believe one loses his salvation after he is saved'' Then you are wrong. Only if you hang on until the end you are saved .mark 13-13: And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. When i sacrifice my children to the devil, am i still saved then? ofcourse not ''I do agree with you on. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus'' Did you already drink His blood like Jesus commanded in John 6:53? i have got a ton of historical evidence that this is not symbolically "I have no taste for the food that perishes nor for the pleasures of this life. I want the Bread of God which is the Flesh of Christ, who was the seed of David; and for drink I desire His Blood which is love that cannot be destroyed." -"Letter to the Romans", paragraph 7, circa 80-110 A.D. ''"This food we call the Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes that the things we teach are true, and has received the washing for forgiveness of sins and for rebirth, and who lives as Christ handed down to us'' "First Apology", Ch. 66, inter A.D. 148-155. Blessings in your search

[@dog3croom]

" …...Biblical Christianity to me cannot be Catholic." Who complied the Bible? The Catholic Church. - from a non catholic christian

[@shanestjohn1]

***** I am very sorry you have to earn your gift of salvation.... It then becomes not a gift, but a debt. Jesus never preached you have to earn your salvation.... He said from your salvation you will do works. There is a difference. Honestly, I don't think you are saved and I am sorry you are not.... And if you have to earn your salvation, have you done enough to get it? I was Mormon before and your theology is a lot like theirs, although you and I both agree Jesus is God in the flesh, they do not, but I believe the Bible and you do not... Paul spent 3 years in the desert receiving God's word from Jesus Himself.... You disregard all of Paul's teachings? I don't take in account one part of the Bible over any other because even Jesus did not write one word Himself, it was the Apostles and disciples of Jesus that did. These were all eye witnesses of Jesus. I know you believe your ideology because of what you was given and I cannot change your mind... Only the Spirit of God can change your mind. If you want to try to earn your salvation, that is up to you. I receive mine by faith. And yes, it has works... It has fruit....

[@protiebuster]

shanestjohn1 better get working moron Here are 50 biblical passages I have found about Final judgment where works are mentioned as the criteria but not faith alone. If anyone can find related passages that give faith alone as the criterion for salvation apart from any mention of works (i.e., in the context of the final judgment), please let me know. I'll be forever indebted to you (no pun intended). 1 Samuel 28:15-19 , 2 Kings 22:13 (cf. 2 Chron 34:21), Psalm 7:8-10, Psalm 58:11 Ecclesiastes 12:14, Isaiah 59:18 , Jeremiah 4:4 (cf. 21:12), Ezekiel 7:3 (cf. 7:8; 33:20) Ezekiel 36:19 , Micah 5:15,Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 5:22, Matthew 7:16-27,Matthew 10:22 (cf. Mt 24:13; Mk 13:13), Matthew 16:27, Matthew 18:8-9 (cf. Mk 9:43,47) Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 25:31-46,Luke 3:9 (+ Mt 3:10; 7:19), Luke 14:13-14 Luke 21:34-36 , John 5:26-29 ,Romans 1:18 ,Romans 2:5-13, 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ,2 Thessalonians 1:7-12 , Hebrews 6:7-8 ,1 Peter 1:17, 1 Peter 4:13 (cf. Rom 8:17), 2 Peter 3:10-14 , Jude 6-16 Jude 20-21, Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:23, Revelation 20:11-13 ,Revelation 21:8 Revelation 22:12

[@CaiusAntonius]

shanestjohn1 Check out Once Saved, Always Saved by Steven L Anderson.

[@cooldog60]

You don't have to be baptized to be saved.

[@justfeddup3663]

Think about this. If you go through life claiming you are a follower of Jesus Christ and He is God, who KNOWS all things past, present and future, and are not a member of the Church He founded on St. Peter (the Catholic Church). Then what you are actually saying is, "God made a mistake".