The Bible says that we are saved by faith alone, so why do you Catholics think you are saved by your works?

“The Bible says that we are saved by faith alone, so why do you Catholics think you are saved by your works?”

How would you answer this question?

First, identify the false assumptions.  What are the false assumptions here?

1.  The Bible says that we are saved by faith alone 

That's a false assumption.  The Bible actually says:

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Protestants believe that one is saved the moment one is justified therefore, for them, there is no difference in the idea of justification by faith alone and salvation by faith alone.  That is why they always ask, "Are you saved?"

As you can see, the Bible does not agree with them.  We are neither justified nor saved by faith alone.  We are justified by faith and works.  And St. james says so clearly in another verse:

James 2: 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works….20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

2.   Catholics think you are saved by your works

 That's another false assumption.  We do not believe we are saved by works.  We believe that those who have faith in God and do the works which He commands, will be saved by Him.

We speak in shorthand, frequently, and we will be heard to say that we are saved by "faith and works".    That is not precisely true.

a.  God does all the saving.
b.  God only saves those who obey His will.
c.  Therefore, by being obedient to God, we make ourselves savable.  God does not save the wicked who have not turned to Him in faith.  God only saves the obedient who, by faith, do His will:

Hebrews 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

So, back to the question.  How would you answer it?  If someone asked me that question, I would answer this way:


 “The Bible says that we are saved by faith alone, so why do you Catholics think you are saved by your works?”

That is not true at all.  The Bible says we are justified by works and not by faith only.  Read the Epistle of St. James verse 2:24. 

Furthermore, I've never heard a Catholic say that we are saved by works.  The Church teaches that we are saved by the mercy of God if we keep God's commandments.  Turn your  King James Bible to Rev 22:12-15.  What does it say?

Revelation 22:12-15
King James Version (KJV)
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Therefore, any man who does not keep the Commandments, in other words, do the works of God, will not be allowed into heaven.

And finally, you can claim to save yourself by your faith all you want, but Scripture teaches that God is our judge.  God knows whether you are saved or not.  Turn again in your Bible to Matt 7:21.


Matthew 7:21
King James Version (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Those people claimed to believe in God.  But they were in for a surprise when God did not let them into heaven.  Claims of salvation are just that.  Empty claims.  God knows if you have exhibited enough faith to enter therein.  And if you begin your claim of salvation by denying that you must do the good works of God, you are starting out on the wrong foot.

I hope that helps.

Sincerely,

De Maria