Hey there,
There once was a minister who died and was waiting in line at the pearly gates. Ahead of him was a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter addressed this guy, “Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?”
The guy replied, “I’m Joe Cohen, taxi driver, of Noo Yawk City.” Saint Peter consulted his list. He smiled and said to the taxi driver, “Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
The taxi driver went into Heaven with his robe and staff, and next it was the minister’s turn.
He stood erect and boomed out, “I am Joseph Snow, pastor of Saint Mary’s for the last forty-three years.” Saint Peter consulted his list. He said to the minister, “Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“Just a minute,” said the minister. “That man was a taxi driver and he got a silken robe and golden staff. How can this be?”
“Up here, we work by results,” said Saint Peter. “While you preached, people slept; while he drove, people prayed.”
Of course, we don’t fully know how salvation works. Maybe that’s why there are different beliefs between various religions. For many Protestants, baptism guarantees salvation. But for us Catholics, we aren’t saved until we get to heaven. And it’s a life-long process trying to get there.
Fortunately, we have Sacred Scriptures to help guide us. And the Magisterium.
This week’s issue of Genuflect clarifies our Catholic teaching about what salvation is, the fallacy behind being “saved,” whether it’s guaranteed, whether everyone will go to heaven, and more.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Are You Saved?
Some Christians think that salvation is achieved when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. But Catholicism teaches us that our salvation is not determined by our Baptism, nor is it guaranteed. Here’s when you’ll achieve salvation.
Are You Saved? | Simply Catholic
Salvation is Not Guaranteed
One of the biggest differences between Catholics and Protestants is our view that salvation is not determined until we get to heaven. This belief is supported in the New Testament … here are three examples.
Our Salvation is Not Guaranteed | Catholic Stand
Can Non-Catholics be Saved?
Father Dave Dwyer addresses the question of whether salvation is possible for everyone. The short answer is no, but he also explains why we believe people of other religions or other circumstances may achieve salvation.
Is Salvation Possible for Everyone? | Busted Halo
Salvation Isn’t Self-Improvement
In 2018 the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a letter to bishops, titled Placuit Deo, or “It pleased God.” The document focused on the teachings of the salvation of Christ and condemned two misunderstandings: individualism and subjectivism. Here’s what you need to know.
We Don’t “Save Ourselves” And Salvation Isn’t “Self-Improvement” | Aleteia
Salvation Q&A
We all know about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our salvation. Aaron Lambert looks at three specific questions that we don’t often hear about: why did Jesus come when he did; were those who lived before Jesus saved; and is God cruel for willing Jesus’ death?
Christ, the Cross & Salvation: Common Questions And Misconceptions Answered | Denver Catholic
Sunday Mass And Your Salvation
Let’s face it, some Catholics view attending Mass on Sundays as optional. And others attend, but are bored or distracted and don’t get much out of it. Well, Father Bill Peckman has a message for those Catholics. Your salvation depends on your worshiping at Sunday Mass. Here’s why.
A Priest’s Challenge for All Catholics: Worship at Sunday Mass – Your Salvation Depends on It! | ChurchPOP
Pray For Salvation
We all know the power of prayer. So here’s a prayer for the Salvation of the World. And you’ll also find 6 more salvation prayers.
Prayer For The Salvation of The World | Catholic Online
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