Salvation

The Catholic Apologetics section of The Catholic Legate is dedicated to providing our visitors with conventional Catholic Apologetics, including biblical, theological, and historical issues surrounding the Catholic Faith. Each topic-page is divided into sub-categories: articles, dialogues, debates, and Q&A. Visitors who are interested in suggesting an article or asking a question are encouraged to e-mail us their request. Should you wish to dialogue with one of our staff on an apologetics subject, please be sure to read our Limited Confidentiality Policy beforehand.


Articles

Born Again - The Biblical Way
Are you "born again"? Evangelicals and Catholics are often at odds over how to answer this question - and what it really means in the first place.  Staff Apologist Robert Klaus offers this concise explanation of how the Bible defines the term "born again" and how Evangelicals and Catholics often talk past each other! (Klaus - 16KB - 06.03)

An Analysis of Romans 9:10-24
Art explains the Catholic position regarding this hyper Calvinist proof text. Very good and very informative. (Sippo - 19KB - 04.09)

Catholic Atonement
Mark Bonocore gives us a brief overview of the Catholic understanding of Our Lord's atonement, while contrasting it to the heretical classical Protestant view. (Bonocore - 7KB - 04.03)

The Atonement of Christ
In this excellent yet concise article, veteran Catholic Apologist Art Sippo gives an excellent overview on the basic differences between Catholicism and classic Protestantism in the understanding of Christ's atonement. (Sippo - 20KB - 04.02)

Calvinism, Catholicism, and Salvation
Wibisono Hartono provides a good primer on the differences between Calvinism and Catholicism. He cites authoritative texts and meshes in Scripture to make the Catholic case. A good piece for beginners. (Hartono - 99KB - 03.04)

A Response to Robert Sungenis on "Works of the Law"
Art responds to Robert Sungesis' position on the Pauline "Works of the Law". (Sippo - 41KB - 02.11)

Not By Faith Alone
A tract against salvation by faith alone. (Pacheco - 12KB - 02.01)

Assured Salvation?
A tract on assured salvation. (Pacheco - 12KB - 02.01)

Sin of Presumption
Are you saved? Of course not. You're Catholic! You would not presume to be irrevocably saved, especially when the bible does not teach such a deadly doctrine. Share the saving truth of our Christian responsibility with a Protestant friend by pointing them in this direction. (Pacheco - 116KB - 98.11)

Roman Justification
This articles discusses some of the central questions regarding St. Paul's views of justification, particularly the phrase "works of the law". Each chapter is examined. (Pacheco - 113KB - 98.11)

Dialogues

Dialogue with a Dispensationalist
Visiting apologist Robert Klaus makes short work of the dispensationalist error in approaching the Scriptures. He ably exposes the untenable Dispensational hyper reliance (and distortion) of St. Paul's teachings. (Klaus - 30KB - 05.06)

The Fathers and the Return of the Jews
Fellow Traditionalist, Mark Cameron, takes on CAI's president, Robert Sungenis, and his contention that Catholic Tradition does not support a future return of the Jews. On the contrary, Mark shows that there is ample patristic proof to suggest that such events may indeed occur. At the very least, we believe that our good friend Robert Sungenis should cut us a little bit of slack on this issue.

Rescuing Romans from the Reformers Again
Some time ago, Martin Foord, Lecturer in Systematic and Historical Theology at Trinity Theological College (Perth, Australia) replied to Jacob Michael's article on the Book of Romans. Despite Jake's fine rescue effort the first time, Mr. Foord did not hang on to the life preserver. We hope that he avails himself of the one thrown to him this time. (Pacheco - 80KB - 03.02)

The Punishment Challenge
In 1 Timothy 3:6, St. Paul gives the Church this advice: "He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil..." Tell us how a recent convert (i.e. a believer) can fall into the condemnation of the devil if he cannot lose his salvation? (Pacheco - 14KB - 02.07)

The Obedience Challenge
In John 3:36, Jesus says this: "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him." Why does Jesus use "obey" and "believe" interchangeably? Why does Jesus put a condition on eternal life by requiring obedience? If He does, how does that impact the doctrine of an irrevocable salvation? (Pacheco - 25KB - 02.04)

Saving Faith Catholic Style
Faith without works is dead. Works are a necessary part of justification. (Sippo - 16KB - 00.00)

Not By Faith Alone
While the autodemolition of Protestantism just keeps rolling on, this dialogue certainly helps understand why heresies like salvation "faith alone" are so unbiblical. (Sippo - 29KB - 00.00)

Christ Alone & Scripture Alone
Art Sippo takes on "Bible Bill"'s false understanding of "alone". Learn how Scripture is not alone and neither is Christ. (Sippo - 15KB - 00.00)

Sippo vs. White on Justification
Sippo and White exchange a few remarks on the differences between Catholic and Protestant justification. Sippo provides a wealth of Scripture to support the Catholic view. White relies on extra-biblical authorities. (Sippo - 85KB - 98.06)

Protestant Justification and Dispensationalism Refuted (2 Parts)
The Protestant view of justification along with the dispensational view are readily defeated in this very lively and lengthy discussion. A wealth of Scriptural evidence provided. (Sippo - 140KB - 98.03)

Assured Salvation
John's very first poke at Apologetics. Read John's interaction with a "Bible Christian" on his assured salvation. (Pacheco - 52KB - 97.06)

Debates

Justification Debate
Back in 1991, Art Sippo and James White debated the issue of Justification. Listen to this debate and learn why Mr. White refuses to debate Art again. Requires Real Audio. (Sippo - 90 min. - 91.06).

Q&A

Are Catholics saved? (Pacheco)
Hating God by Sinning? (Pacheco)
What's the difference between sanctification and justification? (Sippo)
Does Romans 10 teach a rigorist view of salvation? (Pacheco)
Justified before men or God? (Sippo)
Does Catholicism teach original sin? (Sippo)
Loss of Salvation? (Sippo)
Can a Catholic have peace about salvation? (Sippo)