Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. However, this saving faith is not static but alive and active, manifesting in love, obedience, and participation in the sacraments Christ instituted.
The early Church Fathers, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), and Sacred Scripture affirm the necessity of a faith that is alive and expressed through works, while also reflecting on the role of the Eucharist and sacraments in salvation.
This article seeks to show how Catholics and Protestants can find common ground in recognizing the centrality of faith, while exploring why Catholics uphold the Eucharist and sacraments as essential elements of a living faith. Despite differences, Catholics also affirm that Protestants can receive God’s grace and be saved through faith, provided they remain connected to Christ.
Both Catholics and Protestants agree that salvation begins with God’s grace, freely given and received through faith:
Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Titus 3:5:
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Ambrose of Milan (AD 390):
“It is God who gave us life and His grace freely, so that no one may boast of his own efforts.”
Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 180):
“It is not you who save yourself, but God who saves you, giving His grace and drawing you to Himself.” (Against Heresies, Book 3, Ch. 1)
“Why do Catholics add works to salvation?”
Catholic Response: Catholics reject any notion that works “earn” salvation. Instead:
James 2:26:
“Faith without works is dead.”
Philippians 2:12-13:
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Scripture makes clear that genuine faith must express itself through works of love and obedience.