As a Catholic, I started to read the Bible and found a lot of things that don't sound Catholic. Such as "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.". What! And, "For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God". What! Or, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He authority to become the sons of God" Whaat!
The first step in salvation is not repent! It is LOOK! The Bible says "Looking unto Jesus"...! This comes first. We must See Jesus! This is so important. For a great illustration, look up the salvation story of Charles Spurgeon.
@@jeromepopiel388 if U only stated to read the Bible, then U were most likely never a Catholic. Blessed are all men whosoever repent and believe, for the Kingdom of God is theirs". Wasn't that in your missile, catechism or the Bible u didn't read?
@@jeromepopiel388 Did you ever participate in Lent in any way? We literally dedicate a whole liturgical season of reminding ourselves that we need to repent and believe in the Gospel. Like come on man
I like how he said that Catholics and Protestants often talk past each other, and not to one another. Your guests have always seemed to want to break things down to where the average person can understand it. They don't engage in attacks or talk down to people. I think that those of any faith who watch your channel can do so without being offended and relate to what's being said.
@@GospelSimplicity When Mr. Akin mentioned that Catholics and Protestants often talk past one another, it struck me that that might be why I thought one of your guests wasn't expressing the theology of the Eucharist in a way that "sounded right" to me. I can't remember his name, and I have to return to that video to listen to the whole thing, because that's right about when I joined the Livestream. I couldn't keep up with the chat to type up my thoughts fully, and ended up being really sloppy, which I apologize for. It would've been better if I had just "shut up and listened." Anyway, after reflecting on it, I wondered if the guest had used language that's more familiar to Protestants in order to facilitate communication. I'm not a theology major, and I wasn't immersed in theology growing up, but there's definitely vocabulary I picked up from childhood which is very different from what my Protestant friends were learning. It saddens me now that we decided to remain friends by just not talking about religion except in the most general terms. I very much appreciate that you facilitate these discussions. I listen to your interviews with non-Catholics to help me learn. Thank you!
I would agree that directly insulting each other would in fact be an attack. Where the problem lies is that some people have the viewpoint that so much as disagreeing is in itself an attack. True, people do talk past each other, but is every single person truly desires to know what Scripture says?
“The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).
@@richlopez5896yeah, Cyprian was wrong here. Peter doesn’t have any authority of his own. He never sat down on a chair and did what St. Cyprian claims he did. Peter calls himself a fellow elder. He’s just another one of the elders. He wasn’t the first pope. He didn’t establish the Roman Catholic Church. Moreover, Christ telling him to feed my sheep, lambs, etc., is Christ rehabilitating Peter after Peter denied Christ three times. Matthew chapter 16 and so on is in the context of church discipline. Has nothing to do with the papacy. Also, the rest of the apostles were given the keys as well, and it ultimately rests with Christ. Roman Catholicism is built on centuries of tradition and military and political actions. There is no biblical precedence for Rome’s dogmas.
It is called the Catholic Church. Rome only refers to the Roman Rite of it. All of the apostles served as the first bishops and would later appoint others to serve as bishop. The entire New Testament was composed by members of the Catholic Church. It was the Council of Rome that set the canon of scripture which gave us the Bible. The word "Bible" was coined by Pope Siricius. The New Testament contains the names of 3 Popes. St. Peter, St. Linus, St. Clement I.@@KnightFel
Wow the point on "was I ever saved, I need to get saved NOW" Resonates so much with my current experience. Thank you Jimmy, I'm looking forward to studying more about Catholicism.
No need to look into Catholicism. John 5:24 He that heareth my word and believes on him that sent me has (present tense) everlasting life and shall not (it can’t happen) come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life. May God give understanding to the readers.
Thanks so much for this conversation, Austin! I’m a Protestant currently attending an Anglican Church which is a long way from my Baptist upbringing, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the liturgy and worship there. I’ve been watching all things Catholic for about the last year and although I’m not 100% convinced, I have learned so much about what Catholics believe and I have benefitted from it.
We really love it! There are different kinds. Some are more informal with contemporary music. We’re at a cathedral which is definitely more high church with hymns. I would definitely recommend visiting one and see how you like it.
@@NR-xn9ji Just a reminder. The Anglican church was developed by Catholic missionaries. It is not an original church. The Catholic Church is the only one founded by our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, if you truly want to receive the fullness of truth you must take yourself to a Catholic Church and ask to participate in inquiry classes so you'll know. Warning! The Holy Spirit will be opening your heart and mind throughout your journey. May God bless your discernment.
@@joecastillo8798 Thanks Joe! I feel closer to Jesus than I ever have! The Deposit of Faith as protected, taught and defended by the Catholic Church is a true miracle!!!
Jimmy Akin is a Global Treasure. I'm serious. I have never heard anyone that's so open to evidence and yet has firm foundations. Super cool guy! I have really learned how to think properly and be kind to others from him.
Hi, there Seems you are from India, especially from Andhra Pradesh? Correct me if I am wrong Reason why I am messaging you is that Can I find any Indian catholic apologetic group? Any where in social media.? Actually I am into apologetics so need some fraternity to have discussion and thought sharing Thank you
@@TheMarymicheal Hi, Arun. That's true. 🙂 I think there's an FB group titled, Catholic Faith Telugu. Also there's a guy called Srujan Segev who's into apologetics.
@@sisirkattempudi7155 wow, that's so ironic, I am in that group, and he is in contact with me. Good to know from you. But problem is that it's not that I want a fb account page , But a few membered group where I can have regular conversation
Trent Horn had a good analogy for "merit" vs "earn:" When an employee does his work, he earns his paycheck from the employer, but when a child helps with household chores, he might merit a treat. The former is an act of justice while the latter is an act of charity. When we merit God's grace, he gives it to us from an overabundance of charity, rather than from a contractual justice.
How about receiving all the merits of Christ, all His righteousness, and even His glory, via union in Christ...apart from earning or charity or any kind of cooperation on our part, except for faith in Christ which is itself a gift from God since Christ PRODUCES saving faith?
@@phoult37 God draws us to Him (John 6:44), and is indeed God's work - this is the work of God, that you believe (John 6:29). God grants repentance (the ability to change one's mind) (2 Tim 2:24-26), and that saving faith that results in justification & eternal life is authored by the Author and Finisher of one's faith, Jesus Christ (Heb 12). When one calls on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13), saying "Lord, forgive me a sinner" and NOT "Okay Lord, I did this and I did this and I did this and I REALLY REALLY REALLY TRIED to cooperate to someone SOMEHOW obtain merit to obtain justification & charity and eternal life - okay God... YOU OWE ME! (per Luke 18, Romans 4) - but instead comes humbly to the Lord asking for forgiveness of sins - this is saving faith, a faith that is RECEIVED (2 Peter 1:1). A faith produced by Christ.
@@soulosxpiotov7280 So saving Faith means saying specific words? I ask because you claim salvation has nothing to do with the individual's actions, but then go on to state what the person must do...which seems like a contradiction to me.
@@phoult37 People are saved with a sincere faith (1 Tim 1:5). "That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord" (Romans10) is the aorist subjunctive mood - it isn't continuous action but an action as the result of a previous action, regardless of time (past, or even future) - Calling on the name of the Lord is an outcome of what was already happening in the heart, that is, Jesus having that person trust in Him. Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation, but Christ produces that faith to begin with. There is a distinction between faith, which is trust, which the Lord produces, and personal action (weekly 'feeding of the Eucharist', building orphanages, giving glasses of water, not committing adultery, doing good works a little here and a little there, personal cooperation to somehow 'obtain Christ's merits to hopefully build up enough at the end of one's life so as to receive final justification' - these kinds of personal self works and the work of God that works on the heart of someone in trespasses and sins who is TOTALLY incapable of coming to faith apart from God's work - are two separate things. By the way, righteousness is still needed nonetheless, and goodness - but perfect righteousness and goodness. If you obey the Law of Moses, the mosaic law PERFECTLY, YOUR ENTIRE LIFE, then you would be justified (Romans 2:13). This would get you as far as paradise, as was the case with Abraham (Luke 16). However - to have eternal life, which is to know the Father and fellowship with the Father - you must be THE DOING THE GOOD (Romans 2:10) - you, essentially, would have to be As Good As GOD. And further, we fall short of His glory! (Romans 3:23). So we must obey the mosaic law PERFECTLY, be as good as God, and not fall short of His glory. IT IS FOR THIS REASON why we need (1) Christ's righteousness and also (2) His Glory (Phil 3:9, 2 Thess 2:14). This is impossible for lost sinners and therefore only obtained by union in Christ, and thus only obtained by FAITH PLUS NOTHING. Trying to obtain a little bit of merit, a little here and a little there, is totally futile. It's either Christ and His righteousness and His glory - or it's nothing. But you cannot approach God with "okay God, I'm giving you something, But You Must Pay Me Back!" NOPE - you can only approach God with an open empty hand, with NO works of your own with NO self-justification. God is not in the business of owing anyone anything. I really hope you grasp what I'm saying, and that He will lead you to a true saving faith in His Son. No other hope. .
Jimmy Akin really does his homework! He is a serious thinker...and willing to follow the evidence where ever it leads him, to get to the truth! Which gives me tremendous confidence in his answers! Wouldn't it be amazing to sit down at a diner, and have coffee with Jimmy Akin and Thomas Aquinis! ☕
I'll be having dinner with Jimmy at the Catholic Answers Conference in San Diego September. Im attending to hear all the CA speakers and guest speakers, Mrs is there to line dance with Jimmy which he is famous for leading.
I can’t wait to listen to this one. I am a cradle Catholic and God has led me here to strengthen my faith and my knowledge about Catholic faith! I’ve been praying to God to open my eyes and ears to see the truth and he has answered my prayer! Your channel is one of them that gives me so many insights! Thank you and God bless you! 🙏🙏🙏
Check out the Catholic Answers UA-cam channel, Jimmy is a regular guest and is incredibly knowledgable and interesting to listen to. Peace be with you :)
You're right. God always hears our prayers. I don't know if my videos can be of any help to you. I'm publishing a weekly UA-cam video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.
St. Catherine of Siena was permitted by God to see the beauty of a soul in the state of grace. Blessed Raymond, her confessor, asked her to describe to him, as far as she was able, the beauty of the soul she had seen. She answered. “I cannot find anything in this world that can give you the smallest idea of what I have seen. Oh, if you could but see the beauty of a soul in the state of grace, you would sacrifice your life a thousand times for its salvation. I asked the angel who was with me what had made that soul so beautiful, and he answered me, “It is the image and likeness of God in that soul, and the Divine Grace which made it so beautiful.”
Thanks so much for giving Catholics this forum to explain our beliefs, Austin! I'm Catholic and even I didn't know the meaning of "let them be anathema." Once again, I pray for unity in the body of Christ that our witness to the world may become more powerful and effective. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
@Casey Mckee Casey, If you have not been that spiritual, you will benefit by the one-to-one assistance you'll receive when you simply knock the door of a Catholic Parish. But first go inside the church, sit at the very first pew facing the altar and pray sincerely with your heart. You will receive the grace you need to begin undoing the things that are cluttering your conscience. May God bless your journey.
You should invite Dr Pitre Brant or look up his videos or his works . He explains well the catholic faith and responds to all questions Protestants have
Yes, he is amazing!!!! And also, very loving, kind and gentle! The best part is he knows the ancient Jewish culture and how they thought and did things on a daily basis, like work, play , family life and What certain beliefs were all about. The ancient Jews were very superstitious about many things and how they believed on. Certain matters directly tells us how many parts of scripture are to be interpreted. Unfortunately, our precious protestant brothers and sisters in Christ have not learned certain ancient Jewish cultural histories, and, therefore, i believe, this is why there is such a large disconnect between us regarding correct interpretation of scripture. For example, the ancient Jews had superstitions about putting their heads under the water in, specifically, a "moving" body of water. They would have never have done that. They thought that the leviathan (a sort of serpent demon) would/could get them. Simple logic and reason also plays out in this situation...the situation of baptism. The first baptisms which were done by Saint John the Baptist, were done in the Jordan River....a "RIVER". The water is flowing/moving, and cold, and dangerous to get into up to a certain point, especially with currents pushing and swirlingthe water around makingit difficult to stand in. John was on the banks of the Jordan and when the people stepped into the water, the water was barely up to their knees. They knelt down and John bent over and scooped up water with his hands and "poured" the water over the heads of the people. There is great symbolism here in the "pouring " of saving waters. During the passover, the Last Supper , Jesus took the third cup of blessing and said, "This is my Blood which will be "poured" out for many." The third cup, the cup which we bless, is the cup of salvation. This sacrificial passover meal took place at precisely the same time that lambs all over the city were being slaughtered for everyone's passover meals. This was done by hanging the lamb upside down and slitting it throat so that the blood could drain out. The actual act of doing this, in English, is called the "pouring out". The meat would be roasted to eat. In the minds of the jews, this was so much more than a simply "reenactment". They considered this celebration as an actual "participation" in the very first original passover night. What many protestants miss, is that on that fateful night, after they slaughtered the lamb and spread the blood on the door posts, they had to cook and eat the lamb. They had to partake in the communion of God by eating the lamb. This covenant with God, meant to bring his people closer to Him, to be together with Him , to live in Him, to "commune" with Him and in Him, through this communion of sacrificial flesh, required actually eating of the flesh of the lamb. Only after eating of the flesh of the lamb was the covenant sealed and the angel of death would "pass over" your house. If you slaughtered the lamb, spread the blood, and did those outward signs of the covenant, but did not eat of the flesh of the lamb, the next morning, your first born would be dead. You had to eat the lamb. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. The perfect, unblemished Lamb of the New Covenant. We must eat of the Lamb. This is not canabolisn. This is why Jesus allows this miracle of His Body and blood to come and be present within the bread and wine. The substance retains all of the attributes of bread and wine, but hold within the very substance the real presence of Jesus Christ. During the Mass, (which by the way, the format of the proceedings of what is celebrated during the Mass is identical to the explanations of what took place in the Mass during the first century and we know this from the writings of the Church Fathers, and that they believed in the real presence. ), WE DO NOT "RE-CRUCIFY" Jesus. We are actually, through a mighty miracle, participating in the first , one and only, crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. During every Mass, we are at the foot of the cross. This is true WORSHIP! True worship involves sacrifice. Protestants have a big stage, not an alter, A preacher, Not a priest, and big band music. Upon the death of Jesus, a spear was thrust into His side, penatrating His heart. Blood and water together, POURED OUT. In closing, the pouring out of water goes hand in hand with the sacrifice of Jesus, so no, Jesus was not emersed and neither was the first Christians. So, after some time passed, water emersion was practiced and was acceptable , however this was done in a pond or lake or small oasis of sorts and the Church Fathers clearly write that if a body of water was not available given one's location, then pouring water from a well , say, from a cup or bowl, over the person's head was proper. These are the type of things Brant Pitre studied and he is an expert on ancient Jewish culture and history. Scott Hahn and John Bergsma and Patrick Madrid among others, also are very knowledgeable in this area. God bless.
Wow Austin... The fruits of being invited to one Catholic bible study by your uncle are beyond measure. I love how God speaks to us in the language of life. Praying that you come Home soon.
On the one hand I'm delighted because there is none better than Jimmy Akin. On the other hand, I now see that it'd be redundant for us to do a team-up on this subject.
I knew a couple of folks in college who suffered from a form of scrupulosity and were of the Evangelical Protestant persuasion. They would regularly attend revivals, crusades, and concerts where there was an "altar call" for anyone who wanted to "get saved" to come down and take care of that.... and they would do it as well out of fear if they were 'really' saved. It was really sad to watch them live in that kind of fear. Help from a pastoral counselor who was well trained in both matters of faith as well as psychology would have really helped them.
Just found this channel. All the way from South Africa. This is a brilliant platform, and much needed for interdenominational dialogue. Well done and keep it up. I'm Anglican, but found Mr. Akin's presentation really gracious, informative and compelling.
I recently converted to Catholicism after 49 years as a Protestant (since I was 11). 35 of those years I spent as an Episcopalian (before that, I was first a Baptist and then a non-denominational charismatic). I was exposed to Arminianism as a student at what is now Asbury University, and pretty much rejected any form of Calvinism (as I still do). Strangely, it was through the teachings of Anglican theologian and Bishop, N.T. Wright, that I learned about cooperating with God's grace. Wright also discusses the term "faith" as meaning "faithfulness" in many NT passages...so "faith" isn't just something you have; it's something you do. Years before that, a Catholic friend, who had also converted from Evangelicalism, this statement that helped me understand the Catholic position most simply: "Faith without works is dead. Works without faith is also dead." I would support this further from Hebrews 11, which starts out with the definition of faith and then moves on to describe a long list of OT saints who showed their faith by their works. "By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain's"..."By faith Enoch was taken...because he pleased God"..."By faith Noah...built an ark..."..."By faith Abraham, when called by God...obeyed...", and so forth. Scripture also discusses that those who endure to the end will be saved (through many tests and temptations, including persecutions). There isn't any "one and done" when it comes to justification...not in Catholic teaching, and not in the Bible, either. Our relationship with God is like any relationship...it must be cultivated, preserved, and maintained. God absolutely does His part in that, but we must also do ours. How do we do that? By God's grace.
Faith without works is dead. I'm publishing a weekly UA-cam video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.
You score the best guests and they keep getting better. At this point you are going to have the Pope on in no time. I love 💘 💙 my "nondenominational" church but even your protestant guests are have been drawing me closer and closer to the Catholic Church. I am so sad we have become a split family, but I am thankful that we can look forward to becoming one under Christ eventually.
What I enjoy about Jimmy Akin is his very precise use of language and understanding of the positions of both sides Great discussion!!!!!!! Another helpful presentation Austin!
WOOOOW, this is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. Austin, your questions are sooo on point and of course Jimmy's answers are clear and illuminating. What a phenomenal discussion. 🙌
@@robwassler5774 "TLM" = traditional Latin Mass. It means you prefer to attend the Mass as it was offered before the liturgical reforms of the Roman Rite in the late 1960s/early 1970s.
@@robwassler5774 Old School worship of the Roman Rite. Traditional Latin Mass. I'm Byzantine Catholic which is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. We have our own style of worship. Still 100% Catholic. “The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).
I’m an old fart and did catholic school from 50’s. Hs grad 62. Never in these times have I ever heard that as Catholics we need to do works to earn the after life. I’m glad Austin chose jimmy akin to discount this kind of garbage. I could go on and on about Catholics and social action etc. Protestants need to rearrange their brain when it comes to Catholic stuff.
Thanks for this interview Austin! One of the most helpful videos I've seen in articulating the Catholic position clearly. Keep up the good work and God bless :)
Please read how our Lord showed how he would judge us in Scripture. He separated the Sheep from the goats. Told the goats depart from me. When I was thirsty you gave me no drink... They asked when did we not do this for you Lord, Whatever you did to the least of your Brothers and Sisters YOU DID IT TO ME!
Hey Gospel Simplicity, I came back to watch this, and I want to commend you for a most thoughtful question about mortal sin. When presented with the Thomas Aquinas example of going to heaven is like a journey - that venial sin is a delay, while mortal sin is a departure from the final destination - you brought up a most relevant example from scripture: Matthew 5 treating lust the same as adultery. (Around 1:07:30.) If looking at the flowers on the way to heaven is venial, a mere delay… what about a lustful gaze on the way? This pushed Jimmy Akin to present incredibly useful clarification. (Around 1:08:30 and 1:09:20.) Overall, you both did a great job.
"We confess with Paul that no other faith justifies 'but faith working through love.' (Gal 5:6)" ~ John Calvin, Institutes 3.11.20 "Works are necessary for Salvation, but they do not cause Salvation." ~ Martin Luther. "No man can embrace the grace of the Gospel without retaking himself from the errors of his former life into the right path, and making it his whole study to practice repentance." ~ John Calvin.
To clarify the "Without the Church, there is no Salvation" This does not mean an exclusive "religion" so to speak. It is stating that the salvation brought forth by the death and resurrection of Christ in the Calvary is present at every Mass at every prayer for the whole communion of the Saints, inclusive of : 1. The triumphant church of heaven who continuously pray for us 2. The suffering church of purgatory, who also prays for us but cannot pray for themselves 3. The Pilgrim church or the baptized AND the anonymous Christians who according to the Catechism of the Catholic are"Those who no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or "His Church", but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience-those too may achieve eternal salvation." The extraordinary grace of every Holy Mass is beneficial, is extended, and earns salvation to those who are baptized AND those who are not baptized in the Catholic Church. That is what is meant by "Without the Church, there is no Salvation". Because without the Church there is no Mass, without Mass there is no eternal sacrifice, and without the eternal sacrifice, there is no salvation. It is also the duty of the Church here on earth to evangelize and teach the gospel to all nations as Christ has commanded, so technically if there was no church, the gospel will not spread. Excommunication is NOT a punishment nor a reprimand (it is in some way). It is the mercy and preventive measures of the church to protect those who are challenged in the faith so that the person and the other faithful will not be damaged further. One cannot participate in the sacraments and services of the church without full faith in the Church.
I would love to see you host a three way discussion on this topic with both Orthodox and Roman Catholic speakers. The nuances of different perspective would really shed a lot of light on this. As you know from your talks with Orthodox clergy and lay people, the Orthodox perspective is different than that of the West: juridical images of salvation/justification vs. Healing/Physician images as well the concept of "Synergia". Great talk here!!!
I would love it too, brother! But your description about the “Western” view of salvation seems strange to a Catholic mindset to be honest, because it tends to be exactly how Protestantism views it. What you are saying of “the West” is essentially the core Protestant view and not strictly the Catholic one, because sanctification is crucial terminology in our integral understandings about justification. The juridical expression of salvation - of course - is part of Catholic theology (actually, which theology would not care to express in those terms if the Sacred Scriptures are sure enough to be using them?), but it’s clear enough that the “forensic justification” is not even the way Catholic soteriology express. Not knowing fairly enough about Catholicism is a very common misunderstanding among those of our American brothers (I am Brazilian) who convert from Protestantism to Eastern Orthodoxy. When Protestants, they have a set of caricatures about what the Catholic Church teaches; when Eastern Orthodox, they have a different set of misunderstandings, but still embrace a caricatural depiction of “Roman Catholicism”. Let me try to explain a bit what the Catholic Church actually teaches about justification. It is not hard to reach it. Protestant theology (at least the classical) teaches us that justification is an imputative, forensic statement, which never alters the corrupted essence of fallen man, that is, it does not bring about a genuine or 'per se' inner soul modification. It provokes only the imputation of the pledge of divine justice upon the sinner such as providing man with an "outward garment" that gives him an appearance of righteousness. For Catholic theology, on the other hand, it means the passage from a state of sin to a state of grace, which, being an external action (which is divine), necessarily provokes an interior modification (in man), having, therefore, two distinct aspects: one “negative”, which is the remissive efficacy of sins, and another “positive”, which is sanctification. As it should be noted that the Scriptures allude to “the righteous made perfect” (Heb 12, 23), it is very hard to sustain a strictly external justification or something like a declaratory imputation rather than recognizing salvation as experienced internally, in the core of man’s eternal soul. God alone is holy: he is the only source of good there is (Rev 15, 4), but it does NOT prevent God to call man to be holy, just as God Himself is holy (Lv 19, 2), by cooperation in grace and obedience to the divine prescriptions. The earthly Church, in the plurality of its ministries, should aim at building the Body of Christ for the purpose of perfecting the faithful and making them holy, not just saved, that is, making them arrive to the _“knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ”_ (Eph 4: 13). Christian morality for this very reason does not rise to the compass of Jewish commutative justice, but to the one of perfection - and this is the true essence that explains the Beatitudes portrayed in the Sermon on the Mount or the parable of the rich young man, in which Our Lord has shown us to demand more than saving ourselves by strictly keeping the commandments/ believing. In this sense, the non-perfect righteous men (as in the initial or strictly juridical justification) cannot, despite being justified (delivered from condemnation), enter the Heavenly Kingdom while they are not in a genuine state of sanctification, because only those who manifest themselves in celestial purity, like little children, can enter it (Mt 18, 3; Lc 18, 17). For Catholics, as it is clear in the Scriptures, impurities are objectively hindering access to the Heavenly Jerusalem (Rev 21, 27). In order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, all men must present themselves _“perfect”,_ as the _“heavenly Father is perfect”_ (Mt 5, 48). The underlying reason had been proclaimed in Leviticus: _“Be holy, for I, Yahweh your God, am holy”_ (Lv 19, 2). So the perfection of the just/righteous is the meaning attributed to what the Catholic Church calls “sanctification” - it is man following Christ by faith to imitate Him and, finally, transform his interior life through 'imitatio Christi' into the very divine life - so that not himself, but Christ lives mystically in him (Gal 2, 20). Nothing can be done without God’s grace. And that’s a core figure of the Church Triumphant in the ecclesial dimension of the Body of Christ, a thing that one couldn’t surely live as a Catholic without knowing or at least perceiving it by intuition. The result is what we call in theology the “partaking in the divine life” or, in a more direct word, “deification”. So by that one can clearly see a huge difference between (even Western) Catholics and Protestants in their soteriological assumptions.
But the concept of ‘Deificatio’ is CENTRAL to Catholic spirituality, even to Roman/Latin/Western Catholics. It is even very strange to see how come Eastern Orthodox pop-apologetics are barely understanding Catholic theology and hugely caricaturing it and how come (specially) former Protestants are so drawn by those caricatures. The EXACT same word in Greek (“Theosis”) and Latin (“Deificatio”) mean what we know as “deification”, the transformation of the human nature by supernatural grace not into a different nature ontologically speaking, but making us share - through participation - in the very divine nature (2 Peter 1, 3-4). There is of course different emphasis in Greek or Latin ways to express deification: for example, the Greek Fathers emphasize the mystery of foretasting the very inner life of the Most Holy Trinity through prayer and fasting, experiencing what they call the “transfiguring light” of God’s presence; the Latin Fathers tend to emphasize the radical interior transformation when we configure ourselves, in the core process of sanctification, to the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity due to supernatural grace, in the filial adoption from the Father and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is very simple to say only the Catholic Church found this perfect synthesis of Latin and Greek patrologies (and even the Syriac Fathers) without any sort of “provincialism”. But it is incorrect to say those visions are exclusive from one and other, of course. So both views are necessarily a way of perfection and are integral to the Christian experience, focusing in 1) the radical transformation of oneself, 2) supernatural grace and 3) partaking in the divine/ intra-Trinitarian life.
At last, in the Cathecism of the Catholic Church, the part referential to “Theosis” even quotes St Thomas Aquinas in what maybe sounds like a very ‘Eastern way’ to put things (that is specifically an Athanasian expression: to make we “become God”, an acclamation that St Thomas Aquinas not only did not ‘correct’ but quoted in his work - as it is quoted in the CCC). And of course we are talking about participation in the intra-Trinitarian life, not about assuming a different ontological nature, a caricature so bad that shouldn’t even need to be explained: _”460 The Word became flesh to make us "partakers of the divine nature" [78]: "For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God."[79] "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God."[80] "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods” [81]_ . [78] 2 Pt 1:4 [79] St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 3, 19, 1: PG 7/1, 939. [80] St. Athanasius, De inc. 54, 3: PG 25, 192B. [81] St. Thomas Aquinas, Opusc. 57, 1-4. _________ I would recommend you to go for books that can discuss the way the Catholic Church, in its 2000 years of history, always understood “Theosis” or “Deificatio” in clarity and precision. I picked books focusing is the Latin tradition, due to the fact that usual misinformation tend to indirectly imply a sort of Eastern Orthodoxy unfair “appropriation” of it which is entirely NOT true. So I picked some splendid books about this: _“Called to Be the Children of God: The Catholic Theology of Human Deification”_ , by Carl Olson and Fr Devid Meconi, SJ (foreworded by Dr Scott Hahn), published by Ignatius Press _“With All the Fullness of God: Deification in Christian Tradition”_ , by Jared Ortiz (editor), published by Fortress Academic _“Deification in the Latin Patristic Tradition (Studies In Early Christianity)”_ , by Jared Ortiz (editor), published by The Catholic University of America Press
_“Kenosis in Theosis: An Exploration of Balthasar’s Theology of Deification”_ , by Sigurd Lefsrud, published by Pickwick Publications. I hope it helped, brother, to see that those EO apologists are not being much accurate in representing Catholic theology to their public. So to say (Western) Catholic theology of justification is “juridical” can’t make justice to what the Catholic Church teaches. One can always read all the chapters of the Session 6 of the Ecumenical Council of Trent and then the Canons on Justification to make more sense on what the Catholic Church truly teaches. God bless!
I am so glad to now understand the Anathemas correctly. I had always thought they meant there were automatic excommunications. Jimmy's explanation made them make sense.
45:27 and 47:05 - Anathemas 48:14 - Did Trent anathematize Protestants? 49:59 and 50:40 and 52:00 - Merit and salvation 55:22 Jimmy said this about Paul’s writings, “He puts the doctrine up front, then he gets to the practical exhortation part at the end.” 56:08 and 56:35 - Galatians 6 and cooperating with the Holy Spirit 1:00:30 1:00:45 “I would say - and the Cathechism does say - that everything we merit has to be attributed to God in the first place, but we are cooperating with God, so it can be attributed to us in the second place. But I would say, as the Cathechism points out, everything we do in this regard is itself produced by God’s grace. So as Augustine says, when God rewards our merits, He is crowning His own gifts.” 1:02:42 - Mortal sins, losing salvation, and charity 1:03:09 “Now charity is not just affection; it’s specifically the love of God above all things where you recognize God is the greatest thing there is.” 1:03:53 By committing mortal sin, “You’re no longer loving God as the greatest good; you’re loving something else as your greatest good.” 1:04:35 and 1:05:50 *Paraphrasing* Basically, Jimmy Akin cites Thomas Aquinas to say that going to heaven is like a journey. Venial sin is like you admiring the flowers on your way forward, but you’re still moving towards God. On the other hand, mortal sin is a departure from the final destination.There’s a difference between delay and departure. 1:07:32 Gospel Simplicity brings up Matthew 5 and lust, a lustful gaze 1:08:30 Jimmy Akin clarifies the conditions for mortal sin 1:09:23 Jimmy Akin responds to the question of a lustful gaze
That was a great interview, I like Jimmy Akins approach on this subject. Can you pls try to interview Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, English is one of the languages he knows (and don’t worry about his recent titles, he’s a humble soul, if the holy spirit wants him to do the interview, he will do it).
1:17:00 is a terribly mischaracterizarion of perseverance of the saints. It's those who continually turn their back on God never were saved in the first place, but actual Saints persevere by continually repenting when they realize their sin.
Should have called this one "What do Catholics Believe About Salvation," as its scope was far beyond justification. But other than that minor critique, this discussion is greatly edifying. Thanks, Austin!
@@merecatholicity Sola Fide relies on forensic justification which means righteousness must be alien to the believer. Orthodox soteriology does not draw a line betten regeneration/sanctification and justfication - to be justified is to be made righteous - to commit a mortal sin is to lose your state of salvific righteousness - to be righteous and without sin is to be saved.
@@michaelharrington6698 I understand that. My point is, the term "justification" is a more narrow term than "salvation" even if its scope is more broad than Protestants would make it.
P.s. bring us Timothy Flanders (traditional but balanced and respective in conversation) conversion story and why he chosed catholicism as he was hard orthodox ❗🙂
Of all the things I admire about God, it is not His extraordinary technical ability in creating the universe, the soul, lifeforms, DNA, cell metabolism, the wisdom of Scripture and great saints and miracles such as raising the dead, the parting of the Red Sea, but this one thing....."I forgive you".
The Sacraments are our security that the salvation that Jesus won for us will always be available for those who want to be saved. We lose salvation by mortal sin but when we repent of our sin we can go to the Sacrament of Penance to receive God's forgiveness and be restored to righteousness. We will never lose our salvation if we persevere in faith, hope and love for Our Lord. And in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist Jesus gives us His Body and Blood which give us eternal life, transform us more and more into Christ, make us grow in virtue and strengthen us against temptations. Jesus provided well for us. God wants us to be saved more than we do.
Beautiful presentation, Jimmy has given better tools to share the Catholic understanding of Justification. In what way do you think nominalism has played in protestant position of Justification and other teaching. Thanks
As a former Catholic, I really like listening to Jimmy Akin. Having experienced the wisdom and beauty of the Catholic Church experientially , it’s nice to hear that same wisdom and beauty articulated, and articulated clearly. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced such unbelievable trauma, I’m no longer able to believe in God’s love. If there really were a loving God, there is no way He would have let me experience such things. No way. I understand other people have also experienced extreme horrors, and continue to have faith, but I’m not one of them.
Remember the unbelievable, denigrating, trauma experienced by our Savior Jesus Christ. He won! Just offer your own suffering in union with our Lord's and God will give you the grace to "resurrect" to the life He wants you to have. May God bless your discernment.
@@o.o.2255 Oh wow, thanks. I never thought of reading the Bible, what a concept! BTW, I graduated from seminary, lived for over a year as a postulant in a religious community in Italy, then taught sacred scripture back in the states. Your “read the Bible” comment is both condescending and cold comfort. “I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you!” - Job 16:2
@@cryptoffilth8711 I meant no condescension. Then, I pray for encouragement if heart your and peace of Holy Spirit that surpasses all understanding. I don’t know you but please understand my intent was pure and out of Love. I shouldn't have responded. No offense intended.
When you guys talked about the justification by faith alone and mentioned that passage in James (James 2:24), it seems to me that it is very similar to the lutheran interpretation. In the lutheran study bible, the comment says that the passage is talking about the intelectual faith, which is not reflected into works and is considered fake faith. The salvific faith comes together and is reflected into good works ("faith working itself through love"), which can also be a confirmation of the salvific faith and we are rewarded with eternal life. But the works are not part of the salvation process, only the faith. Aren't we saying the same thing, but with differences only in language? Also, there is the lutheran position on the predestination/free will discussion, which is different from the calvinism and arminianism point of view and usually people don't know about. You should check that out.
At 35:00 Jimmy said "anathema doesn't mean damned by God, it means excommunicated". If you're excommunicated from the church wouldn't that lead to damnation? In Romans 9:3 Paul says "For I could wish that I myself were accursed (Anathema), from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,". If Paul was "anathema-ed" from Christ wouldn't that mean he's damned? Thayer's definition for anathema says "a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction". As a person studying Catholicism these are the kind of nuanced confusions that stresses me out about church.
The church has no power to declare anybody to be damned by God. Therefore, while being outside the church is a really serious/dangerous state, it is not sure that God will not save that person anyways. Especially if that person wanted to be reunited with Christ, but bad luck stepped in.
As a Moody grad (‘77), you are so far ahead of where I was when I was your age. I had nothing but negative thoughts of all things Catholic (& virtually no understanding of the early Church). They were the whore of Babylon & the pope an antiChrist, right? Something you obviously have not embraced. MBI has changed since I was there. I doubt you are being told that the Sermon on the Mount was not for the Church (but kingdom teaching offered to the Jews who rejected it & that will be offered to them again in the Millenium). Nor will you likely hear a prof say (that his opinion is) that we weren’t in the New Covenant yet because that was a promise given to Israel & they hadn’t accepted it yet. Both are a minority view within dispensationalism. These teachings caused me toquestion and to dig deeply to discover what I should believe. I would not be investigating the issues you are now until I was nearly 50. Refreshing to see your inquiring mind working so early. God bless you.
”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”“ John 10:27-30 ESV How about this verse where Jesus says no one will be able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand?
"Sirs what must I do to be saved?" they replied (Paul and Silas) "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved-and thy house." Acts 16:31 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." JESUS CHRIST in John 5:24
Works are important for both Catholics and Protestants. For Catholics works contribute to our salvation. For Protestants, works are a consequence of our salvation?
There's a lot more than "Repent, Believe, and be Baptized", but that's a good start. Love has a big part: Gal 5:6, 1 Cor 13:2, 1 Cor 13:13 are examples. Love is something we "Do", a work, and plenty of other things, like forgiving others: See for example Matt 6:14-15. Of course, eating his body and drinking his blood: John 6:51-59.....and so forth.
The Catholic position is the biblical position. We are saved by the Grace of God, baptism by the Spirit, by the action of Christ, through communion, through our faith, and with an eye on the biblical concept that faith without works is dead. No books of the Bible needed to be removed to make the Christian Catholic case over the previous 2000 years.
Everything you said sounds very much like the LCMS Lutheran view on justification lol. If you want a good video watch Dr. Cooper and Jimmy Akin discussion on this topic (it's in the link of this video). They spend almost the entire program trying to find a difference in their views
Careful of the brand new tricksy “initial justification” category… as if that were an actual thing. We are justified by faith apart from works and our works are the expression of justifying faith. As Luther said: “Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever.”
You clearly did not even READ the documents of the Ecumenical Council that dealt with it, nor any papal and episcopal document dealing with it. To say it is a “new tricksy” thing, it says more on YOU being acquainted with it late enough. That’s just that. God bless!
No Catholic thinks they can earn salvation. And we dont worship Mary or the Saints. The Pope makes mistakes and goes to Confession just like the rest of us. The Pope does not decide who gets into Heaven. The word pray just means ask; so when we say we pray to the Saints, we are just saying we ask them to pray for us since Paul said they can see us here, and Revelations says the prayers of the martyrs in Heaven are going straight to the Throne, it makes sense to ask for their help. What did I leave out? Seriously just trying to help my Protestant brothers and sisters who I KNOW are thinking about coming home to the true Church established by Jesus Christ Himself. How do I know? I was raised Baptist. Came into the Church five years ago. Come home!
St. Paul does make a hard and fast distinction between God's work and ours, saying, "And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ..." (Phil.3:9) Paul is not trusting in any of his works, but only in what Christ has done for him. This is not the Catholic position. They will not believe in an alien righteousness, but actual righteousness is what justifies.
As much as I would love to see this in live format, I'm afraid I'll have to catch the rerun version. I do have one question, though. Why is it that whenever I run into an Evangelical Protestant who's genuinely concerned about the condition of my soul, he never asks, "Are you justified?" Instead, the question is always, "Are you saved?" I get the impression from Christian academia that the two are synonymous. If that's truly the case, then why use only the latter form when reaching out to a potential convert and never the former?
@@GospelSimplicity Yes that's the problem Austin. Justified is a word of confusion in protestantism because the normal definition of the word in English and Greek doesn't carry across anymore, thanks to the reformation contorting the meaning of the word. Justification simply means alignment. You either line up with God's law or you aren't justified. Same with a court of law. But since justification is a one time event when you sin according to protestants it's assumed they are still justified. They are & they aren't, most are since they repent, fess up to God and look to repair the damage if possible (speeding & went thru a light & paid the fine) i.e. penance. Catholics fundamentally get penance wrong it doesn't rely on some dispenser of grace tapping into a treasury of merits. It's simply whatever action is effective. If it's just saying sorry that will completely change the person then it's effective penance. This is why when you read the churches Fathers they don't view things the way Luther did nor is the view on penance anything like what Catholics hold to today. Both Catholics and the magisterial reformers were wrong.
@@ThruTheUnknown what’s your alternative to the catholic teaching on it? Fundamentally, we get grace which Jesus merited for us, and he dispenses that out to us. Also, sometimes your penance is to say sorry to someone. One time my penance was to do “something nice” for my mom. So I bought her flowers and apologized to her for disrespecting her. That act of love towards my mom was God giving me the grace to follow his commandments. That grace was earned by Jesus good works.
Thank you! This was a really good interview. I noticed that this time you didn't make so many of these faces that look like you want to show that you know the things your guest is talking about at least as well as he does. May be it was because this time the gap between your knowledge and the guest's knowledge was more significant than usual, but it really was a relief. The faces in question really make me cringe. My intention is not to "bash" you. If I am not mistaken, you have a desire to hide the fact that you are not perfect, and the faces in question are a way to fulfill this desire. Realizing this and making a conscious effort not to make the faces might really be good for you.
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity
As a Catholic, I started to read the Bible and found a lot of things that don't sound Catholic. Such as "Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.". What! And, "For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God". What! Or, "But as many as received Him, to them gave He authority to become the sons of God" Whaat!
The first step in salvation is not repent! It is LOOK! The Bible says "Looking unto Jesus"...! This comes first. We must See Jesus! This is so important. For a great illustration, look up the salvation story of Charles Spurgeon.
@@jeromepopiel388 if U only stated to read the Bible, then U were most likely never a Catholic. Blessed are all men whosoever repent and believe, for the Kingdom of God is theirs". Wasn't that in your missile, catechism or the Bible u didn't read?
@@Gericho49 please show me where it says "repent and believe" in the Baltimore Catechism? That is all we had in the 60s.
@@jeromepopiel388 Did you ever participate in Lent in any way? We literally dedicate a whole liturgical season of reminding ourselves that we need to repent and believe in the Gospel. Like come on man
Jimmy Akin is a walking encyclopedia. Great interview.
I like how he said that Catholics and Protestants often talk past each other, and not to one another. Your guests have always seemed to want to break things down to where the average person can understand it. They don't engage in attacks or talk down to people. I think that those of any faith who watch your channel can do so without being offended and relate to what's being said.
I’m so glad you feel that way! That’s my goal
@@GospelSimplicity When Mr. Akin mentioned that Catholics and Protestants often talk past one another, it struck me that that might be why I thought one of your guests wasn't expressing the theology of the Eucharist in a way that "sounded right" to me. I can't remember his name, and I have to return to that video to listen to the whole thing, because that's right about when I joined the Livestream. I couldn't keep up with the chat to type up my thoughts fully, and ended up being really sloppy, which I apologize for. It would've been better if I had just "shut up and listened." Anyway, after reflecting on it, I wondered if the guest had used language that's more familiar to Protestants in order to facilitate communication. I'm not a theology major, and I wasn't immersed in theology growing up, but there's definitely vocabulary I picked up from childhood which is very different from what my Protestant friends were learning. It saddens me now that we decided to remain friends by just not talking about religion except in the most general terms. I very much appreciate that you facilitate these discussions. I listen to your interviews with non-Catholics to help me learn. Thank you!
I would agree that directly insulting each other would in fact be an attack. Where the problem lies is that some people have the viewpoint that so much as disagreeing is in itself an attack. True, people do talk past each other, but is every single person truly desires to know what Scripture says?
Protestant here trying to understand what Catholics believe. Your video is a huge help. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
“The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).
@@richlopez5896yeah, Cyprian was wrong here. Peter doesn’t have any authority of his own. He never sat down on a chair and did what St. Cyprian claims he did. Peter calls himself a fellow elder. He’s just another one of the elders. He wasn’t the first pope. He didn’t establish the Roman Catholic Church. Moreover, Christ telling him to feed my sheep, lambs, etc., is Christ rehabilitating Peter after Peter denied Christ three times. Matthew chapter 16 and so on is in the context of church discipline. Has nothing to do with the papacy. Also, the rest of the apostles were given the keys as well, and it ultimately rests with Christ. Roman Catholicism is built on centuries of tradition and military and political actions. There is no biblical precedence for Rome’s dogmas.
It is called the Catholic Church. Rome only refers to the Roman Rite of it. All of the apostles served as the first bishops and would later appoint others to serve as bishop. The entire New Testament was composed by members of the Catholic Church. It was the Council of Rome that set the canon of scripture which gave us the Bible. The word "Bible" was coined by Pope Siricius. The New Testament contains the names of 3 Popes. St. Peter, St. Linus, St. Clement I.@@KnightFel
@richlopez5896 it's called quote mining, actually.. where is the quote from a different Father saying something different?
Wow the point on "was I ever saved, I need to get saved NOW" Resonates so much with my current experience. Thank you Jimmy, I'm looking forward to studying more about Catholicism.
Intrusive blasphemous thoughts are also very hard to deal with.
No need to look into Catholicism. John 5:24 He that heareth my word and believes on him that sent me has (present tense) everlasting life and shall not (it can’t happen) come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life. May God give understanding to the readers.
Thanks so much for this conversation, Austin! I’m a Protestant currently attending an Anglican Church which is a long way from my Baptist upbringing, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the liturgy and worship there. I’ve been watching all things Catholic for about the last year and although I’m not 100% convinced, I have learned so much about what Catholics believe and I have benefitted from it.
We really love it! There are different kinds. Some are more informal with contemporary music. We’re at a cathedral which is definitely more high church with hymns. I would definitely recommend visiting one and see how you like it.
@@NR-xn9ji
Just a reminder. The Anglican church was developed by Catholic missionaries. It is not an original church. The Catholic Church is the only one founded by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, if you truly want to receive the fullness of truth you must take yourself to a Catholic Church and ask to participate in inquiry classes so you'll know. Warning! The Holy Spirit will be opening your heart and mind throughout your journey.
May God bless your discernment.
Came out of Methodism last year after 20 years. Enjoying the most joy and closeness to Jesus than I thought possible!!!!
@@PatrickSteil
Patrick,
Welcome home.
@@joecastillo8798 Thanks Joe! I feel closer to Jesus than I ever have! The Deposit of Faith as protected, taught and defended by the Catholic Church is a true miracle!!!
Jimmy Akin is a Global Treasure. I'm serious. I have never heard anyone that's so open to evidence and yet has firm foundations. Super cool guy! I have really learned how to think properly and be kind to others from him.
Amen brother, I think the same thing!
He is definitely inspirational that way.
Hi, there
Seems you are from India, especially from Andhra Pradesh?
Correct me if I am wrong
Reason why I am messaging you is that
Can I find any Indian catholic apologetic group?
Any where in social media.?
Actually I am into apologetics so need some fraternity to have discussion and thought sharing
Thank you
@@TheMarymicheal Hi, Arun. That's true. 🙂 I think there's an FB group titled, Catholic Faith Telugu. Also there's a guy called Srujan Segev who's into apologetics.
@@sisirkattempudi7155 wow, that's so ironic, I am in that group, and he is in contact with me.
Good to know from you.
But problem is that it's not that I want a fb account page ,
But a few membered group where I can have regular conversation
Trent Horn had a good analogy for "merit" vs "earn:"
When an employee does his work, he earns his paycheck from the employer, but when a child helps with household chores, he might merit a treat. The former is an act of justice while the latter is an act of charity. When we merit God's grace, he gives it to us from an overabundance of charity, rather than from a contractual justice.
How about receiving all the merits of Christ, all His righteousness, and even His glory, via union in Christ...apart from earning or charity or any kind of cooperation on our part, except for faith in Christ which is itself a gift from God since Christ PRODUCES saving faith?
@@soulosxpiotov7280 How do we have faith in Christ?
@@phoult37 God draws us to Him (John 6:44), and is indeed God's work - this is the work of God, that you believe (John 6:29). God grants repentance (the ability to change one's mind) (2 Tim 2:24-26), and that saving faith that results in justification & eternal life is authored by the Author and Finisher of one's faith, Jesus Christ (Heb 12). When one calls on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13), saying "Lord, forgive me a sinner" and NOT "Okay Lord, I did this and I did this and I did this and I REALLY REALLY REALLY TRIED to cooperate to someone SOMEHOW obtain merit to obtain justification & charity and eternal life - okay God... YOU OWE ME! (per Luke 18, Romans 4) - but instead comes humbly to the Lord asking for forgiveness of sins - this is saving faith, a faith that is RECEIVED (2 Peter 1:1). A faith produced by Christ.
@@soulosxpiotov7280 So saving Faith means saying specific words? I ask because you claim salvation has nothing to do with the individual's actions, but then go on to state what the person must do...which seems like a contradiction to me.
@@phoult37 People are saved with a sincere faith (1 Tim 1:5). "That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord" (Romans10) is the aorist subjunctive mood - it isn't continuous action but an action as the result of a previous action, regardless of time (past, or even future) - Calling on the name of the Lord is an outcome of what was already happening in the heart, that is, Jesus having that person trust in Him.
Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation, but Christ produces that faith to begin with.
There is a distinction between faith, which is trust, which the Lord produces, and personal action (weekly 'feeding of the Eucharist', building orphanages, giving glasses of water, not committing adultery, doing good works a little here and a little there, personal cooperation to somehow 'obtain Christ's merits to hopefully build up enough at the end of one's life so as to receive final justification' - these kinds of personal self works and the work of God that works on the heart of someone in trespasses and sins who is TOTALLY incapable of coming to faith apart from God's work - are two separate things.
By the way, righteousness is still needed nonetheless, and goodness - but perfect righteousness and goodness.
If you obey the Law of Moses, the mosaic law PERFECTLY, YOUR ENTIRE LIFE, then you would be justified (Romans 2:13). This would get you as far as paradise, as was the case with Abraham (Luke 16). However - to have eternal life, which is to know the Father and fellowship with the Father - you must be THE DOING THE GOOD (Romans 2:10) - you, essentially, would have to be As Good As GOD.
And further, we fall short of His glory! (Romans 3:23). So we must obey the mosaic law PERFECTLY, be as good as God, and not fall short of His glory. IT IS FOR THIS REASON why we need (1) Christ's righteousness and also (2) His Glory (Phil 3:9, 2 Thess 2:14). This is impossible for lost sinners and therefore only obtained by union in Christ, and thus only obtained by FAITH PLUS NOTHING.
Trying to obtain a little bit of merit, a little here and a little there, is totally futile. It's either Christ and His righteousness and His glory - or it's nothing.
But you cannot approach God with "okay God, I'm giving you something, But You Must Pay Me Back!" NOPE - you can only approach God with an open empty hand, with NO works of your own with NO self-justification. God is not in the business of owing anyone anything.
I really hope you grasp what I'm saying, and that He will lead you to a true saving faith in His Son. No other hope.
.
Jimmy Akin really does his homework!
He is a serious thinker...and willing to follow the evidence where ever it leads him, to get to the truth!
Which gives me tremendous confidence in his answers!
Wouldn't it be amazing to sit down at a diner, and have coffee with Jimmy Akin and Thomas Aquinis! ☕
That would be a fun dinner!
I'll be having dinner with Jimmy at the Catholic Answers Conference in San Diego September. Im attending to hear all the CA speakers and guest speakers, Mrs is there to line dance with Jimmy which he is famous for leading.
Pints with Aquinas is as close as we get.
Akins is a disinformation shill. I have proof.
Jimmy and Austin are like time-lapse twins! Trying to outdo each other in politeness! Great conversation.
So true 😂
Yes! Two authentic gentlemen. Love Austin’s simplicity,’🙏
I thought the same thing 😂
Haha so true!
Thank you for that comment. That was very helpful and insightful. You are very thoughtful. I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed day
I can’t wait to listen to this one. I am a cradle Catholic and God has led me here to strengthen my faith and my knowledge about Catholic faith! I’ve been praying to God to open my eyes and ears to see the truth and he has answered my prayer! Your channel is one of them that gives me so many insights! Thank you and God bless you! 🙏🙏🙏
🥲🥲❤️
Check out the Catholic Answers UA-cam channel, Jimmy is a regular guest and is incredibly knowledgable and interesting to listen to. Peace be with you :)
God bless you 🙏🏾☦️☦️
You're right. God always hears our prayers. I don't know if my videos can be of any help to you. I'm publishing a weekly UA-cam video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.
St. Catherine of Siena was permitted by God to see the beauty of a soul in the state of grace.
Blessed Raymond, her confessor, asked her to describe to him, as far as she was able, the beauty of the soul she had seen.
She answered. “I cannot find anything in this world that can give you the smallest idea of what I have seen. Oh, if you could but see the beauty of a soul in the state of grace, you would sacrifice your life a thousand times for its salvation. I asked the angel who was with me what had made that soul so beautiful, and he answered me, “It is the image and likeness of God in that soul, and the Divine Grace which made it so beautiful.”
Thanks so much for giving Catholics this forum to explain our beliefs, Austin! I'm Catholic and even I didn't know the meaning of "let them be anathema." Once again, I pray for unity in the body of Christ that our witness to the world may become more powerful and effective. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
You're choice of guests are just simply amazing Austin. Thank you.
Thanks!
Agreed
I love Jimmy Akins
He’s great!
Please intercede for my salvation brothers and sisters! I have lived a very sinful life
Turn directly to Jesus!
@Casey Mckee
Casey,
If you have not been that spiritual, you will benefit by the one-to-one assistance you'll receive when you simply knock the door of a Catholic Parish. But first go inside the church, sit at the very first pew facing the altar and pray sincerely with your heart. You will receive the grace you need to begin undoing the things that are cluttering your conscience.
May God bless your journey.
You will be saved my friend, go and sin no more. Trust in Jesus Christ.
You should invite Dr Pitre Brant or look up his videos or his works . He explains well the catholic faith and responds to all questions Protestants have
Brant Pitre is arguably the best living theologian
I’ve tried to get him on. He’s very difficult to book!
@@GospelSimplicity Keep trying.
Yes, he is amazing!!!!
And also, very loving, kind and gentle!
The best part is he knows the ancient Jewish culture and how they thought and did things on a daily basis, like work, play , family life and
What certain beliefs were all about. The ancient Jews were very superstitious about many things and how they believed on. Certain matters directly tells us how many parts of scripture are to be interpreted. Unfortunately, our precious protestant brothers and sisters in Christ have not learned certain ancient Jewish cultural histories, and, therefore, i believe, this is why there is such a large disconnect between us regarding correct interpretation of scripture. For example, the ancient Jews had superstitions about putting their heads under the water in, specifically, a "moving" body of water. They would have never have done that. They thought that the leviathan (a sort of serpent demon) would/could get them.
Simple logic and reason also plays out in this situation...the situation of baptism. The first baptisms which were done by Saint John the Baptist, were done in the Jordan River....a "RIVER".
The water is flowing/moving, and cold, and dangerous to get into up to a certain point, especially with currents pushing and swirlingthe water around makingit difficult to stand in. John was on the banks of the Jordan and when the people stepped into the water, the water was barely up to their knees.
They knelt down and John bent over and scooped up water with his hands and "poured" the water over the heads of the people.
There is great symbolism here in the "pouring " of saving waters.
During the passover, the Last Supper , Jesus took the third cup of blessing and said, "This is my Blood which will be "poured"
out for many."
The third cup, the cup which we bless, is the cup of salvation. This sacrificial passover meal took place at precisely the same time that lambs all over the city were being slaughtered for everyone's passover meals. This was done by hanging the lamb upside down and slitting it throat so that the blood could drain out. The actual act of doing this, in English, is called the
"pouring out".
The meat would be roasted to eat.
In the minds of the jews, this was so much more than a simply "reenactment".
They considered this celebration as an actual
"participation" in the very first original
passover night.
What many protestants miss, is that on that fateful night, after they slaughtered the lamb and spread the blood on the door posts, they had to cook and eat the lamb.
They had to partake in the communion of God by eating the lamb. This covenant with God, meant to bring his people closer to Him, to be together with Him , to live in Him, to "commune"
with Him and in Him, through this communion of sacrificial flesh, required actually eating of the flesh of the
lamb. Only after eating of the flesh of the lamb was the covenant sealed and the angel of death would "pass over" your house.
If you slaughtered the lamb, spread the blood, and did those outward signs of the covenant, but did not eat of the flesh of the lamb, the next morning, your first born would be dead.
You had to eat the lamb.
Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
The perfect, unblemished Lamb of the New Covenant.
We must eat of the Lamb.
This is not canabolisn. This is why Jesus allows this miracle of His Body and blood to come and be present within the bread and wine. The substance retains all of the attributes of bread and wine, but hold within the very substance the real presence of Jesus Christ.
During the Mass, (which by the way, the format of the proceedings of what is celebrated during the Mass is identical to the explanations of what took place in the Mass during the first century and we know this from the writings of the Church Fathers, and that they believed in the real presence. ), WE DO NOT
"RE-CRUCIFY"
Jesus. We are actually, through a mighty miracle,
participating in the first , one and only, crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. During every Mass, we are at the foot of the cross.
This is true WORSHIP!
True worship involves sacrifice.
Protestants have a big stage, not an alter,
A preacher, Not a priest,
and big band music.
Upon the death of Jesus, a spear was thrust into His side, penatrating His heart. Blood and water together, POURED OUT.
In closing, the pouring out of water goes hand in hand with the sacrifice of Jesus, so no, Jesus was not emersed and neither was the first Christians.
So, after some time passed, water emersion was practiced and was acceptable , however this was done in a pond or lake or small oasis of sorts and the Church Fathers clearly write that if a body of water was not available given one's location, then pouring water from a well , say, from a cup or bowl, over the person's head was proper.
These are the type of things Brant Pitre studied and he is an expert on ancient Jewish culture and history. Scott Hahn and John Bergsma and Patrick Madrid among others, also are very knowledgeable in this area.
God bless.
Wow Austin... The fruits of being invited to one Catholic bible study by your uncle are beyond measure. I love how God speaks to us in the language of life. Praying that you come Home soon.
On the one hand I'm delighted because there is none better than Jimmy Akin. On the other hand, I now see that it'd be redundant for us to do a team-up on this subject.
Jimmy Akin is great. I could listen to this for hours.
I knew a couple of folks in college who suffered from a form of scrupulosity and were of the Evangelical Protestant persuasion. They would regularly attend revivals, crusades, and concerts where there was an "altar call" for anyone who wanted to "get saved" to come down and take care of that.... and they would do it as well out of fear if they were 'really' saved. It was really sad to watch them live in that kind of fear. Help from a pastoral counselor who was well trained in both matters of faith as well as psychology would have really helped them.
Just found this channel. All the way from South Africa. This is a brilliant platform, and much needed for interdenominational dialogue. Well done and keep it up.
I'm Anglican, but found Mr. Akin's presentation really gracious, informative and compelling.
I recently converted to Catholicism after 49 years as a Protestant (since I was 11). 35 of those years I spent as an Episcopalian (before that, I was first a Baptist and then a non-denominational charismatic). I was exposed to Arminianism as a student at what is now Asbury University, and pretty much rejected any form of Calvinism (as I still do). Strangely, it was through the teachings of Anglican theologian and Bishop, N.T. Wright, that I learned about cooperating with God's grace. Wright also discusses the term "faith" as meaning "faithfulness" in many NT passages...so "faith" isn't just something you have; it's something you do. Years before that, a Catholic friend, who had also converted from Evangelicalism, this statement that helped me understand the Catholic position most simply: "Faith without works is dead. Works without faith is also dead." I would support this further from Hebrews 11, which starts out with the definition of faith and then moves on to describe a long list of OT saints who showed their faith by their works. "By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain's"..."By faith Enoch was taken...because he pleased God"..."By faith Noah...built an ark..."..."By faith Abraham, when called by God...obeyed...", and so forth. Scripture also discusses that those who endure to the end will be saved (through many tests and temptations, including persecutions). There isn't any "one and done" when it comes to justification...not in Catholic teaching, and not in the Bible, either. Our relationship with God is like any relationship...it must be cultivated, preserved, and maintained. God absolutely does His part in that, but we must also do ours. How do we do that? By God's grace.
💯
Jimmy akin is so wise and articulate
Faith without works is dead. I'm publishing a weekly UA-cam video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him. Thank you.
Go jimmy akin.. so glad your bringing authentic catholic apologetics to your channel, many blessings 🙏
Please invite Jimmy Akin more often. Thank you for the teachings. A hug from Brazil.
You two are the gentlest speakers, and I really appreciate it. Perfect timing for this conversation to come out. Thank you, both!
Glad you enjoyed it!
It’s such Blessings to see a young person talking about the gospel and Sharing it !
Thank you
Cradle Catholic here and I still learn so much from Jimmy Akin :)
You score the best guests and they keep getting better. At this point you are going to have the Pope on in no time.
I love 💘 💙 my "nondenominational" church but even your protestant guests are have been drawing me closer and closer to the Catholic Church. I am so sad we have become a split family, but I am thankful that we can look forward to becoming one under Christ eventually.
What I enjoy about Jimmy Akin is his very precise use of language and understanding of the positions of both sides
Great discussion!!!!!!!
Another helpful presentation Austin!
WOOOOW, this is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. Austin, your questions are sooo on point and of course Jimmy's answers are clear and illuminating. What a phenomenal discussion. 🙌
Wow, thank you so much for the encouraging feedback! I really appreciate that
Jimmy Akin is one of my favorite apologists. God bless him
As a cradle now TLM Catholic I really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Hi Patrick - what is a TLM Catholic?
@@robwassler5774 "TLM" = traditional Latin Mass. It means you prefer to attend the Mass as it was offered before the liturgical reforms of the Roman Rite in the late 1960s/early 1970s.
@@robwassler5774 Old School worship of the Roman Rite. Traditional Latin Mass. I'm Byzantine Catholic which is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. We have our own style of worship. Still 100% Catholic.
“The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).
How does so much information fit in a person’s head? Great interview!
It is in his beard
@@masto2898 Yep that's an auxiliary neural network down there.
@@masto2898 LOL. Love it 😂 Beards = wisdom. My Dad would agree haha. Yes he has a beard.
@@masto2898 i was thinking the same thing lol
Jimmy Akin is highly intelligent and is able to articulate so well,
Two of my favorite UA-camrs! Thank you and God bless you 🙏💕🙏
I am definitely tuning in for this one, I’m really interested in this topic!!!
Hope you like it!
I’m an old fart and did catholic school from 50’s. Hs grad 62. Never in these times have I ever heard that as Catholics we need to do works to earn the after life. I’m glad Austin chose jimmy akin to discount this kind of garbage. I could go on and on about Catholics and social action etc. Protestants need to rearrange their brain when it comes to Catholic stuff.
This was an unexpected crossover. GOD bless your ministry friend, for having an open dialogue with Catholics
Jimmy Akin is a crusader. I love the work he does by the grace of God, and his love for Jesuschrist.
Deus Vult
Thanks for this interview Austin! One of the most helpful videos I've seen in articulating the Catholic position clearly. Keep up the good work and God bless :)
Please read how our Lord showed how he would judge us in Scripture. He separated the Sheep from the goats. Told the goats depart from me.
When I was thirsty you gave me no drink...
They asked when did we not do this for you Lord,
Whatever you did to the least of your Brothers and Sisters YOU DID IT TO ME!
Playing in the big leagues now! 💪🏼😎👍🏼
It is not about how I see myself, but how God sees me.
Jimmy akin is very knowledgeable
Absolutely the best and most explicit interview ever. Amazing !!!!
Hey Gospel Simplicity, I came back to watch this, and I want to commend you for a most thoughtful question about mortal sin.
When presented with the Thomas Aquinas example of going to heaven is like a journey - that venial sin is a delay, while mortal sin is a departure from the final destination - you brought up a most relevant example from scripture: Matthew 5 treating lust the same as adultery. (Around 1:07:30.)
If looking at the flowers on the way to heaven is venial, a mere delay… what about a lustful gaze on the way?
This pushed Jimmy Akin to present incredibly useful clarification. (Around 1:08:30 and 1:09:20.)
Overall, you both did a great job.
Glad you enjoyed that!
"We confess with Paul that no other faith justifies 'but faith working through love.' (Gal 5:6)" ~ John Calvin, Institutes 3.11.20
"Works are necessary for Salvation, but they do not cause Salvation." ~ Martin Luther.
"No man can embrace the grace of the Gospel without retaking himself from the errors of his former life into the right path, and making it his whole study to practice repentance." ~ John Calvin.
Seems to me like Calvin does not believe in faith alone in that statement.
This was such a great talk! Jimmy is so clear in his explanation of topics. Thanks so much for continuing to put for such great content
These guys are such great communicators. It’s hard to be so locked in these days.
Another video I'm going to have to listen to a few times to really get all the meat out of it. Thank you Austin!
To clarify the "Without the Church, there is no Salvation"
This does not mean an exclusive "religion" so to speak. It is stating that the salvation brought forth by the death and resurrection of Christ in the Calvary is present at every Mass at every prayer for the whole communion of the Saints, inclusive of :
1. The triumphant church of heaven who continuously pray for us
2. The suffering church of purgatory, who also prays for us but cannot pray for themselves
3. The Pilgrim church or the baptized AND the anonymous Christians who according to the Catechism of the Catholic are"Those who no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or "His Church", but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience-those too may achieve eternal salvation."
The extraordinary grace of every Holy Mass is beneficial, is extended, and earns salvation to those who are baptized AND those who are not baptized in the Catholic Church. That is what is meant by "Without the Church, there is no Salvation". Because without the Church there is no Mass, without Mass there is no eternal sacrifice, and without the eternal sacrifice, there is no salvation. It is also the duty of the Church here on earth to evangelize and teach the gospel to all nations as Christ has commanded, so technically if there was no church, the gospel will not spread.
Excommunication is NOT a punishment nor a reprimand (it is in some way). It is the mercy and preventive measures of the church to protect those who are challenged in the faith so that the person and the other faithful will not be damaged further. One cannot participate in the sacraments and services of the church without full faith in the Church.
I would love to see you host a three way discussion on this topic with both Orthodox and Roman Catholic speakers. The nuances of different perspective would really shed a lot of light on this. As you know from your talks with Orthodox clergy and lay people, the Orthodox perspective is different than that of the West: juridical images of salvation/justification vs. Healing/Physician images as well the concept of "Synergia". Great talk here!!!
I would love it too, brother! But your description about the “Western” view of salvation seems strange to a Catholic mindset to be honest, because it tends to be exactly how Protestantism views it.
What you are saying of “the West” is essentially the core Protestant view and not strictly the Catholic one, because sanctification is crucial terminology in our integral understandings about justification. The juridical expression of salvation - of course - is part of Catholic theology (actually, which theology would not care to express in those terms if the Sacred Scriptures are sure enough to be using them?), but it’s clear enough that the “forensic justification” is not even the way Catholic soteriology express.
Not knowing fairly enough about Catholicism is a very common misunderstanding among those of our American brothers (I am Brazilian) who convert from Protestantism to Eastern Orthodoxy. When Protestants, they have a set of caricatures about what the Catholic Church teaches; when Eastern Orthodox, they have a different set of misunderstandings, but still embrace a caricatural depiction of “Roman Catholicism”. Let me try to explain a bit what the Catholic Church actually teaches about justification. It is not hard to reach it.
Protestant theology (at least the classical) teaches us that justification is an imputative, forensic statement, which never alters the corrupted essence of fallen man, that is, it does not bring about a genuine or 'per se' inner soul modification. It provokes only the imputation of the pledge of divine justice upon the sinner such as providing man with an "outward garment" that gives him an appearance of righteousness. For Catholic theology, on the other hand, it means the passage from a state of sin to a state of grace, which, being an external action (which is divine), necessarily provokes an interior modification (in man), having, therefore, two distinct aspects: one “negative”, which is the remissive efficacy of sins, and another “positive”, which is sanctification.
As it should be noted that the Scriptures allude to “the righteous made perfect” (Heb 12, 23), it is very hard to sustain a strictly external justification or something like a declaratory imputation rather than recognizing salvation as experienced internally, in the core of man’s eternal soul. God alone is holy: he is the only source of good there is (Rev 15, 4), but it does NOT prevent God to call man to be holy, just as God Himself is holy (Lv 19, 2), by cooperation in grace and obedience to the divine prescriptions. The earthly Church, in the plurality of its ministries, should aim at building the Body of Christ for the purpose of perfecting the faithful and making them holy, not just saved, that is, making them arrive to the _“knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ”_ (Eph 4: 13). Christian morality for this very reason does not rise to the compass of Jewish commutative justice, but to the one of perfection - and this is the true essence that explains the Beatitudes portrayed in the Sermon on the Mount or the parable of the rich young man, in which Our Lord has shown us to demand more than saving ourselves by strictly keeping the commandments/ believing. In this sense, the non-perfect righteous men (as in the initial or strictly juridical justification) cannot, despite being justified (delivered from condemnation), enter the Heavenly Kingdom while they are not in a genuine state of sanctification, because only those who manifest themselves in celestial purity, like little children, can enter it (Mt 18, 3; Lc 18, 17). For Catholics, as it is clear in the Scriptures, impurities are objectively hindering access to the Heavenly Jerusalem (Rev 21, 27).
In order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, all men must present themselves _“perfect”,_ as the _“heavenly Father is perfect”_ (Mt 5, 48). The underlying reason had been proclaimed in Leviticus: _“Be holy, for I, Yahweh your God, am holy”_ (Lv 19, 2). So the perfection of the just/righteous is the meaning attributed to what the Catholic Church calls “sanctification” - it is man following Christ by faith to imitate Him and, finally, transform his interior life through 'imitatio Christi' into the very divine life - so that not himself, but Christ lives mystically in him (Gal 2, 20). Nothing can be done without God’s grace. And that’s a core figure of the Church Triumphant in the ecclesial dimension of the Body of Christ, a thing that one couldn’t surely live as a Catholic without knowing or at least perceiving it by intuition. The result is what we call in theology the “partaking in the divine life” or, in a more direct word, “deification”.
So by that one can clearly see a huge difference between (even Western) Catholics and Protestants in their soteriological assumptions.
But the concept of ‘Deificatio’ is CENTRAL to Catholic spirituality, even to Roman/Latin/Western Catholics. It is even very strange to see how come Eastern Orthodox pop-apologetics are barely understanding Catholic theology and hugely caricaturing it and how come (specially) former Protestants are so drawn by those caricatures.
The EXACT same word in Greek (“Theosis”) and Latin (“Deificatio”) mean what we know as “deification”, the transformation of the human nature by supernatural grace not into a different nature ontologically speaking, but making us share - through participation - in the very divine nature (2 Peter 1, 3-4). There is of course different emphasis in Greek or Latin ways to express deification: for example, the Greek Fathers emphasize the mystery of foretasting the very inner life of the Most Holy Trinity through prayer and fasting, experiencing what they call the “transfiguring light” of God’s presence; the Latin Fathers tend to emphasize the radical interior transformation when we configure ourselves, in the core process of sanctification, to the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity due to supernatural grace, in the filial adoption from the Father and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is very simple to say only the Catholic Church found this perfect synthesis of Latin and Greek patrologies (and even the Syriac Fathers) without any sort of “provincialism”. But it is incorrect to say those visions are exclusive from one and other, of course. So both views are necessarily a way of perfection and are integral to the Christian experience, focusing in 1) the radical transformation of oneself, 2) supernatural grace and 3) partaking in the divine/ intra-Trinitarian life.
At last, in the Cathecism of the Catholic Church, the part referential to “Theosis” even quotes St Thomas Aquinas in what maybe sounds like a very ‘Eastern way’ to put things (that is specifically an Athanasian expression: to make we “become God”, an acclamation that St Thomas Aquinas not only did not ‘correct’ but quoted in his work - as it is quoted in the CCC). And of course we are talking about participation in the intra-Trinitarian life, not about assuming a different ontological nature, a caricature so bad that shouldn’t even need to be explained:
_”460 The Word became flesh to make us "partakers of the divine nature" [78]: "For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God."[79] "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God."[80] "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods” [81]_ .
[78] 2 Pt 1:4
[79] St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 3, 19, 1: PG 7/1, 939.
[80] St. Athanasius, De inc. 54, 3: PG 25, 192B.
[81] St. Thomas Aquinas, Opusc. 57, 1-4.
_________
I would recommend you to go for books that can discuss the way the Catholic Church, in its 2000 years of history, always understood “Theosis” or “Deificatio” in clarity and precision. I picked books focusing is the Latin tradition, due to the fact that usual misinformation tend to indirectly imply a sort of Eastern Orthodoxy unfair “appropriation” of it which is entirely NOT true.
So I picked some splendid books about this:
_“Called to Be the Children of God: The Catholic Theology of Human Deification”_ , by Carl Olson and Fr Devid Meconi, SJ (foreworded by Dr Scott Hahn), published by Ignatius Press
_“With All the Fullness of God: Deification in Christian Tradition”_ , by Jared Ortiz (editor), published by Fortress Academic
_“Deification in the Latin Patristic Tradition (Studies In Early Christianity)”_ , by Jared Ortiz (editor), published by The Catholic University of America Press
_“Kenosis in Theosis: An Exploration of Balthasar’s Theology of Deification”_ , by Sigurd Lefsrud, published by Pickwick Publications.
I hope it helped, brother, to see that those EO apologists are not being much accurate in representing Catholic theology to their public. So to say (Western) Catholic theology of justification is “juridical” can’t make justice to what the Catholic Church teaches.
One can always read all the chapters of the Session 6 of the Ecumenical Council of Trent and then the Canons on Justification to make more sense on what the Catholic Church truly teaches.
God bless!
Great work brother. Thank you.
Another excellent guest. Jimmy’s well versed and really likes to talk. I wish he woulda talked more about confession. The nuts and bolts.
I am so glad to now understand the Anathemas correctly. I had always thought they meant there were automatic excommunications. Jimmy's explanation made them make sense.
45:27 and 47:05 - Anathemas
48:14 - Did Trent anathematize Protestants?
49:59 and 50:40 and 52:00 - Merit and salvation
55:22 Jimmy said this about Paul’s writings, “He puts the doctrine up front, then he gets to the practical exhortation part at the end.”
56:08 and 56:35 - Galatians 6 and cooperating with the Holy Spirit
1:00:30
1:00:45 “I would say - and the Cathechism does say - that everything we merit has to be attributed to God in the first place, but we are cooperating with God, so it can be attributed to us in the second place. But I would say, as the Cathechism points out, everything we do in this regard is itself produced by God’s grace. So as Augustine says, when God rewards our merits, He is crowning His own gifts.”
1:02:42 - Mortal sins, losing salvation, and charity
1:03:09 “Now charity is not just affection; it’s specifically the love of God above all things where you recognize God is the greatest thing there is.”
1:03:53 By committing mortal sin, “You’re no longer loving God as the greatest good; you’re loving something else as your greatest good.”
1:04:35 and 1:05:50 *Paraphrasing* Basically, Jimmy Akin cites Thomas Aquinas to say that going to heaven is like a journey. Venial sin is like you admiring the flowers on your way forward, but you’re still moving towards God. On the other hand, mortal sin is a departure from the final destination.There’s a difference between delay and departure.
1:07:32 Gospel Simplicity brings up Matthew 5 and lust, a lustful gaze
1:08:30 Jimmy Akin clarifies the conditions for mortal sin
1:09:23 Jimmy Akin responds to the question of a lustful gaze
Oh Jesus please help me to love you by loving my neighbor.
Great job Austin. You have really uncovered what I need to know to the last detail. Jimmy is a good Christian defender of the Faith.
That was a great interview, I like Jimmy Akins approach on this subject. Can you pls try to interview Fr. Raniero Cantalamesa, English is one of the languages he knows (and don’t worry about his recent titles, he’s a humble soul, if the holy spirit wants him to do the interview, he will do it).
1:17:00 is a terribly mischaracterizarion of perseverance of the saints. It's those who continually turn their back on God never were saved in the first place, but actual Saints persevere by continually repenting when they realize their sin.
You can't earn your redemption, but you can squander it....and the result of that is NOT GOOD, according to the words of Our Lord.
Great comment
Should have called this one "What do Catholics Believe About Salvation," as its scope was far beyond justification. But other than that minor critique, this discussion is greatly edifying. Thanks, Austin!
Catholic justification is sanctification is regeneration
@@michaelharrington6698 Eh, I think that's a bit of an oversimplification.
@@merecatholicity Sola Fide relies on forensic justification which means righteousness must be alien to the believer. Orthodox soteriology does not draw a line betten regeneration/sanctification and justfication - to be justified is to be made righteous - to commit a mortal sin is to lose your state of salvific righteousness - to be righteous and without sin is to be saved.
@@michaelharrington6698 I understand that. My point is, the term "justification" is a more narrow term than "salvation" even if its scope is more broad than Protestants would make it.
This is an excellent conversation 👏 i would really enjoy hearing Jimmy Akin talk on the Reformation
Jimmy is so great at explaining! I’m intrigued.
Very helpfull responses of Jimmy Akin!
Grace is the equity between God's justice ⚖ and God's mercy towards His creation.
This was an excellent interview Austin! I enjoyed it SO much!
Thanks! Glad to hear that
P.s. bring us Timothy Flanders (traditional but balanced and respective in conversation) conversion story and why he chosed catholicism as he was hard orthodox ❗🙂
Of all the things I admire about God, it is not His extraordinary technical ability in creating the universe, the soul, lifeforms, DNA, cell metabolism, the wisdom of Scripture and great saints and miracles such as raising the dead, the parting of the Red Sea, but this one thing....."I forgive you".
The Sacraments are our security that the salvation that Jesus won for us will always be available for those who want to be saved. We lose salvation by mortal sin but when we repent of our sin we can go to the Sacrament of Penance to receive God's forgiveness and be restored to righteousness. We will never lose our salvation if we persevere in faith, hope and love for Our Lord. And in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist Jesus gives us His Body and Blood which give us eternal life, transform us more and more into Christ, make us grow in virtue and strengthen us against temptations. Jesus provided well for us. God wants us to be saved more than we do.
Beautiful presentation, Jimmy has given better tools to share the Catholic understanding of Justification. In what way do you think nominalism has played in protestant position of Justification and other teaching. Thanks
Love your name. So close, Divine Simplicity. So close. God bless!
As a former Catholic, I really like listening to Jimmy Akin. Having experienced the wisdom and beauty of the Catholic Church experientially , it’s nice to hear that same wisdom and beauty articulated, and articulated clearly. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced such unbelievable trauma, I’m no longer able to believe in God’s love. If there really were a loving God, there is no way He would have let me experience such things. No way. I understand other people have also experienced extreme horrors, and continue to have faith, but I’m not one of them.
Remember the unbelievable, denigrating, trauma experienced by our Savior Jesus Christ. He won!
Just offer your own suffering in union with our Lord's and God will give you the grace to "resurrect" to the life He wants you to have.
May God bless your discernment.
Read James 1:1 and Matthew 5 for wisdom on suffering as a Christian.
@@o.o.2255
Oh wow, thanks. I never thought of reading the Bible, what a concept! BTW, I graduated from seminary, lived for over a year as a postulant in a religious community in Italy, then taught sacred scripture back in the states.
Your “read the Bible” comment is both condescending and cold comfort.
“I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you!” - Job 16:2
@@cryptoffilth8711 I meant no condescension. Then, I pray for encouragement if heart your and peace of Holy Spirit that surpasses all understanding. I don’t know you but please understand my intent was pure and out of Love. I shouldn't have responded. No offense intended.
When you guys talked about the justification by faith alone and mentioned that passage in James (James 2:24), it seems to me that it is very similar to the lutheran interpretation. In the lutheran study bible, the comment says that the passage is talking about the intelectual faith, which is not reflected into works and is considered fake faith. The salvific faith comes together and is reflected into good works ("faith working itself through love"), which can also be a confirmation of the salvific faith and we are rewarded with eternal life. But the works are not part of the salvation process, only the faith. Aren't we saying the same thing, but with differences only in language?
Also, there is the lutheran position on the predestination/free will discussion, which is different from the calvinism and arminianism point of view and usually people don't know about. You should check that out.
Biden - Bell, Book, and Candle PLEASE
At 35:00 Jimmy said "anathema doesn't mean damned by God, it means excommunicated". If you're excommunicated from the church wouldn't that lead to damnation? In Romans 9:3 Paul says "For I could wish that I myself were accursed (Anathema), from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,". If Paul was "anathema-ed" from Christ wouldn't that mean he's damned? Thayer's definition for anathema says "a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction". As a person studying Catholicism these are the kind of nuanced confusions that stresses me out about church.
The church has no power to declare anybody to be damned by God. Therefore, while being outside the church is a really serious/dangerous state, it is not sure that God will not save that person anyways. Especially if that person wanted to be reunited with Christ, but bad luck stepped in.
As a Moody grad (‘77), you are so far ahead of where I was when I was your age. I had nothing but negative thoughts of all things Catholic (& virtually no understanding of the early Church).
They were the whore of Babylon & the pope an antiChrist, right? Something you obviously have not embraced.
MBI has changed since I was there.
I doubt you are being told that the Sermon on the Mount was not for the Church (but kingdom teaching offered to the Jews who rejected it & that will be offered to them again in the Millenium). Nor will you likely hear a prof say (that his opinion is) that we weren’t in the New Covenant yet because that was a promise given to Israel & they hadn’t accepted it yet. Both are a minority view within dispensationalism.
These teachings caused me toquestion and to dig deeply to discover what I should believe.
I would not be investigating the issues you are now until I was nearly 50. Refreshing to see your inquiring mind working so early.
God bless you.
”My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”“
John 10:27-30 ESV
How about this verse where Jesus says no one will be able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand?
God bless you Austin! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷
"Sirs what must I do to be saved?" they replied (Paul and Silas) "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved-and thy house." Acts 16:31
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Romans 3:28
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." JESUS CHRIST in John 5:24
The verses you quote support what Akin was saying. Thankyou
And that is what the Catholic Church teaches.
The section around 1:00 thru the next 15 minutes was amazing for me. Always something I never totally understood about the Catholic position.
Such a nice interview! Akin seems to be an excellent person
Jimmy Akin helped me convert to the Catholic Church. Go check out Catholic Answers, here or the site. God bless!
Works are important for both Catholics and Protestants. For Catholics works contribute to our salvation. For Protestants, works are a consequence of our salvation?
Nice pipes Jimmy, what blends are you smoking?
There's a lot more than "Repent, Believe, and be Baptized", but that's a good start. Love has a big part: Gal 5:6, 1 Cor 13:2, 1 Cor 13:13 are examples. Love is something we "Do", a work, and plenty of other things, like forgiving others: See for example Matt 6:14-15. Of course, eating his body and drinking his blood: John 6:51-59.....and so forth.
Man. Congrats. You landed mah Brother Jimmy Akins the time traveller :)
The Catholic position is the biblical position. We are saved by the Grace of God, baptism by the Spirit, by the action of Christ, through communion, through our faith, and with an eye on the biblical concept that faith without works is dead. No books of the Bible needed to be removed to make the Christian Catholic case over the previous 2000 years.
Everything you said sounds very much like the LCMS Lutheran view on justification lol.
If you want a good video watch Dr. Cooper and Jimmy Akin discussion on this topic (it's in the link of this video). They spend almost the entire program trying to find a difference in their views
Austin you need to have Scott Hahn talk to you about church history and fathers...and mass lambs supper...just saying
Love the content! Great, guys
Careful of the brand new tricksy “initial justification” category… as if that were an actual thing. We are justified by faith apart from works and our works are the expression of justifying faith.
As Luther said:
“Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever.”
Ah yes, that’s in the preface to his commentary on Romans, right? I’ve always enjoyed that quote
If you're familiar with Catholic teaching you'll know it's not brand new...smh
You clearly did not even READ the documents of the Ecumenical Council that dealt with it, nor any papal and episcopal document dealing with it. To say it is a “new tricksy” thing, it says more on YOU being acquainted with it late enough. That’s just that. God bless!
It’s not new St Augustine taught it. But hey keep up your ignorance it shows how shallow your position really is.
@@lilwaynesworld0
If believing you’re forgiven when God says your forgiven is shallow, sign me up for shallow. You can keep your deeeeeep religion.
No Catholic thinks they can earn salvation. And we dont worship Mary or the Saints. The Pope makes mistakes and goes to Confession just like the rest of us. The Pope does not decide who gets into Heaven. The word pray just means ask; so when we say we pray to the Saints, we are just saying we ask them to pray for us since Paul said they can see us here, and Revelations says the prayers of the martyrs in Heaven are going straight to the Throne, it makes sense to ask for their help. What did I leave out? Seriously just trying to help my Protestant brothers and sisters who I KNOW are thinking about coming home to the true Church established by Jesus Christ Himself. How do I know? I was raised Baptist. Came into the Church five years ago. Come home!
St. Paul does make a hard and fast distinction between God's work and ours, saying, "And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ..." (Phil.3:9) Paul is not trusting in any of his works, but only in what Christ has done for him. This is not the Catholic position. They will not believe in an alien righteousness, but actual righteousness is what justifies.
Correct. They actually believe they do have a righteousness of their own.
As much as I would love to see this in live format, I'm afraid I'll have to catch the rerun version. I do have one question, though. Why is it that whenever I run into an Evangelical Protestant who's genuinely concerned about the condition of my soul, he never asks, "Are you justified?" Instead, the question is always, "Are you saved?" I get the impression from Christian academia that the two are synonymous. If that's truly the case, then why use only the latter form when reaching out to a potential convert and never the former?
I think the reason is simply that most see “justified” as a technical term that won’t make sense to people without a theological background
@@GospelSimplicity
Yes that's the problem Austin.
Justified is a word of confusion in protestantism because the normal definition of the word in English and Greek doesn't carry across anymore, thanks to the reformation contorting the meaning of the word.
Justification simply means alignment. You either line up with God's law or you aren't justified. Same with a court of law. But since justification is a one time event when you sin according to protestants it's assumed they are still justified.
They are & they aren't, most are since they repent, fess up to God and look to repair the damage if possible (speeding & went thru a light & paid the fine) i.e. penance.
Catholics fundamentally get penance wrong it doesn't rely on some dispenser of grace tapping into a treasury of merits. It's simply whatever action is effective. If it's just saying sorry that will completely change the person then it's effective penance.
This is why when you read the churches Fathers they don't view things the way Luther did nor is the view on penance anything like what Catholics hold to today.
Both Catholics and the magisterial reformers were wrong.
@@ThruTheUnknown what’s your alternative to the catholic teaching on it? Fundamentally, we get grace which Jesus merited for us, and he dispenses that out to us. Also, sometimes your penance is to say sorry to someone. One time my penance was to do “something nice” for my mom. So I bought her flowers and apologized to her for disrespecting her. That act of love towards my mom was God giving me the grace to follow his commandments. That grace was earned by Jesus good works.
28K subscribers. How great is that Austin. 30K coming soon!
Thanks!
I would love to see you have a conversation with father packwa....
Bro. Austin make some video with sedevacantist like Dimond Brothers of Most Holy Family Monastery. So your videos on Catholicism can be complete.
I don’t know, my appetite for controversy isn’t too strong right now
Thank you! This was a really good interview. I noticed that this time you didn't make so many of these faces that look like you want to show that you know the things your guest is talking about at least as well as he does. May be it was because this time the gap between your knowledge and the guest's knowledge was more significant than usual, but it really was a relief. The faces in question really make me cringe. My intention is not to "bash" you. If I am not mistaken, you have a desire to hide the fact that you are not perfect, and the faces in question are a way to fulfill this desire. Realizing this and making a conscious effort not to make the faces might really be good for you.