The true Catholic position

MT said: 

Contrast this with the Reformed understanding that Christ made specific atonement for the elect, and that everyone for whom Christ died will be saved and that everyone else will be lost since Christ has not died in their place. 

Let's contrast the true Catholic position and not your version thereof.

Jesus Christ died for all. Some have refused to accept His offer of salvation, disobeyed Him and died in their sins. Contrast that to the Reformed misunderstanding that God elected some people to damnation without giving them the opportunity to be saved. And they believe this even though Scripture says:

1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Sincerely,

De Maria

The Catholic Church does not teach universalism

MT said:
Prelude to the Controversy
Over at Nick's Catholic Blog, I had mentioned that the doctrine of universal atonement (as opposed to the doctrine of particular atonement), often leads to universalism, or the doctrine that since Christ died for all, all will be saved. In deed, many, if not most, Roman Catholic liberals believe precisely this.

Speculation. I've found plenty of Protestants who believe in universalism as well.

However, the Catholic Church does not teach universalism, so this is besides the point.

They may technically affirm the existence of hell. But they don't actually believe anybody will ever go there. 

1. We believe the devils are in hell, this is directly revealed by God.

2. Whether anyone else is in hell is God's business, not ours.

3. Our business is to make sure we don't wind up in hell.

This means they are universalists in practice, even if not in theory.

Exactly the opposite. We KNOW that hell exists. We live according to that fact. It is theoretically possible that no one is in hell. That is theoretically possible, but highly unlikely considering the heinous criminals which have died without ever showing any sign of repentance. But God alone knows.

In deed, no Roman Catholic has to believe anyone is in hell, for it is theoretically possible that anyone may choose to avail him or herself of the salvation that Christ's atonement has made possible in his or her behalf.

True. But we do believe that hell exists. That the devils are there because God made hell for them. And that we had better toe the line or we might wind up there as well.

Two more points.

1. If a Catholic does not believe that hell exists, he contradicts Catholic Teaching.

2. If a Protestant does not believe that hell exists, he is free to do so under the rule permitting private interpretation of any doctrine.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Christ died for us, all

Scripture says:

2 Corinthians 5:14 [a]For the love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; therefore, all have died. 15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

It is a Protestant error that Christ died only for those who are saved.  Christ died for saint and sinner, alike.  The difference is that the saint accepted the gift of salvation through Christ's blood.  While the sinner rejects that grace.

Let's dissect the above Scripture verse.

2 Corinthians 5:14 [a]For the love of Christ impels us,

First, the Apostle explains that he is compelled by his love of Christ.  Compelled to do what?  Compelled to preach the love of Christ for all men. 

once we have come to the conviction that one died for all; 

And he became compelled by Christ's love when he came to believe that Christ loved all men.  And he came to this belief once he understood that Christ had died for all men.  The Apostle in question is St. Paul and in a different letter, he says it differently.  Let's compare:

Romans 5:8 But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Now, many will use that verse to deny that Christ died for all men, sinner or saint.  However, there are other verses which show that Christ died for all men and not just for those who would be saved.  For instance:

1 Timothy 2:4 who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. 

So, it is clear that God willed that all men be saved, not just those who would eventually become saints.  So, let's go back to the original verse we were studying.

2 Corinthians 5:14....therefore, all have died. 

 What could that mean?  Well, in my opinion, the word translated as "therefore", can also mean, "because".  Christ died for all men because all men have died.  Is this true?  Yes.  It is called, "Original Sin".

The CCC says:
1018 As a consequence of original sin, man must suffer "bodily death, from which man would have been immune had he not sinned" (GS § 18).

And, we can compare to another verse in Scripture:

Romans 5:Humanity’s Sin Through Adam. 12 [a]Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned[b]—

THEREFORE,  Christ died for all men.

Follow?

I hope so, therefore, I'll continue.

2 Corinthians 5:15 He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves

Why did He die for all men?  So that you too would be convicted of His love for you and turn to Him in order that you might also live.

He died for you so that you might know how much He loves you.

John 3:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)16 For God so loved the world that he gave[a] his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

And turn to Him to be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:15....so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

That's the condition, folks.  In order to be saved, those for whom He died, must recognize the gift of live, be grateful for it and in return, give their own life over to Him who died for their salvation:

Hebrews 5:9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,

Folks, in a very real sense, we were purchased when we were redeemed by the blood of Christ:

1 Corinthians 6:20 For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body. 

 Therefore, we need to recognize that we belong to God.  And belonging to God, we represent Him to all men.  Therefore, we should behave as sons of God and honor Him with the things that we do.  In order that those men, for whom Christ died, may turn to Him and live:

Matthew 5:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

I hope that makes sense.