11/29/2023
I see many well-meaning family and friends posting images or quotes about religious beliefs in the name of Christianity that are simply not (nor ever have been historically) Christian. For example, The belief in the Rapture, Zionism, or that salvation comes simply through a decision in faith alone, particularly in regards to not seeing the necessity of baptism. Symbolizing to an excess. Baptism is necessary - it is the 'saving' act. Scripture and the history of the Church are very clear on this. Another fallacy is in the idea that we are all the 'church' (even the unbaptized) and that everyone can make-up their own 'church'. A Church properly-speaking (Christian context) is a gathering of believers united by the presence of The Holy Eucharist. Liturgy, ritual, and worship (sacrifice) are implied historically. Otherwise it's simply a gathering or community. The way you pray, shows what you believe.
I'm not saying this to be divisive but to state the revealed truth. Salvation is a process that one must be attentive to in obeying Christ and taking care of your soul. Your actions shape your soul and vice versa.This is not a 'cheap' or easy process- we must all take up our own cross of suffering and unite it to His. Love is shown through sacrifice. You're 'saved' by obedience; staying in His grace through your actions - what you do or don't do, beginning with baptism. James 2:24
How then do you fully know what He asks of you? A good start may be to look to the history of the Church. You'll see the unambiguous and unanimous teachings from the early Church (in the Councils) of what 'Christian' means. You will see that scripture comes from the (Catholic) Church; it's a Catholic (compilation) book. it's a passed down (written) tradition. Thus, 1 timothy 3:15 makes sense in showing that scripture points to the authority of the Church, and not only to scripture alone. There's no 'table of contents'. We need all that God has given us through His Church so we can understand HOW to know, love and serve Him. Thus we have the best chance of salvation.
If we don't know the Catholic Church then we don't know how to understand scripture properly and we will misinterpret, or worse, self-interpret, and make up our own meanings for things. Things that are quite devious. 2 Peter 3:16
Ultimately it is simple- listen and submit to God-given authority in Christ's One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Repent, believe, be baptized, stay obedient to the precepts of Christ and His bride (The Catholic Church and Her Sacraments). This will help you to stay orthodox that you may not fall into the doctrines of men. And consequently, have a better chance of pleasing God and thus salvation. There is no other option as there's no salvation outside the Catholic Church because it is the Church Christ founded.