Are We Saved by Faith Alone? (The Faith Explained)

Has a Protestant friend ever accused you of trying to "earn your salvation?" Perhaps a non-Catholic friend has tried to convince you that you don't need to do anything to get into heaven. They may say that all you need to do is profess faith in Jesus. So what's the Catholic truth? In an illuminating episode of "The Faith Explained," host Cale Clarke delves into the depths of the Gospel according to Paul, focusing particularly on Romans Chapter 3, verses 27-31. This passage, pivotal in theological history, is said to have sparked the Protestant Revolution due to its misinterpretation and alteration by Martin Luther. Cale enlightens you on St. Paul's assertion that boasting is futile in matters of faith. The principle of faith, rather than works, justifies man before God. This profound message underlines that both Jews and Gentiles are equally susceptible to sin and require faith for justification. Cale humorously compares the futile attempts of humans to reach God's righteousness on their own to trying to jump from Earth to the moon – a feat bound to fail. He emphasizes that it's God's grace, not our righteousness, that bridges this gap. A controversial point addressed is Martin Luther's addition of the word "alone" to Romans 3:28 in his German translation, implying that faith alone is sufficient for justification. This, Cale points out, directly contradicts James 2:24, which states that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Cale further explores how faith and trust are intertwined, and that faith must be active and evident in our deeds. He wraps up his points by reaffirming the importance of faith in both Jewish and Gentile communities and how it upholds, rather than overthrows, the law. So remember, God's grace to you is a free gift, but you need to allow that grace to transform your soul in order to be a true disciple of Christ. Our actions are a testament to our faith.  You can check out the whole episode here!