A False Dichotomy

[LifeIn]

Here is a false dichotomy I have encountered recently: "All people are either saved and they know it, or they are dead in there sins and have no desire for God". The Catholic Church rejects this dichotomy and believes the vast majority of people are in a third category - people who do not know if they are saved, but still have a desire for God. For these people the Church holds out hope that they can be saved. That is the whole purpose of evangelization - to awaken in them that smoldering ember of faith. If these people are told that there are only the two categories mentioned above, one of two things could happen (and both of them are bad).

1. They could decide that they are already saved (even though they are not) and therefore never come to learn the truth that could have set them free.
2. They could decide that they must be in the second category and resign themselves to living without God.

In both cases, a soul is lot that might have been saved. That is why this dichotomy is so dangerous.

 

[mica]

Here is a false dichotomy I have encountered recently: "All people are either saved and they know it, or they are dead in there sins and have no desire for God". The Catholic Church rejects this dichotomy and believes the vast majority of people are in a third category - people who do not know if they are saved, but still have a desire for God.

the RCC doesn't know or teach how one is saved or how it happens.

For these people the Church holds out hope that they can be saved.

What does that mean? become a catholic and submit to man?

That is the whole purpose of evangelization - to awaken in them that smoldering ember of faith. If these people are told that there are only the two categories mentioned above, one of two things could happen (and both of them are bad).

what does that mean according to the RCC? according to catholics?

What is the RCC's process in evangelizing?

1. They could decide that they are already saved (even though they are not) and therefore never come to learn the truth that could have set them free.

there are many catholics like that. some of them post here. many people who go to church periodically think that is true. Sitting in a pew saves no one. Listening to and believing false teachings will not teach anyone His truth, nor will it set them free. They'll remain in the bondage of this world (lies) until (and if) they hear and believe the truth of God's word.

2. They could decide that they must be in the second category and resign themselves to living without God.

many are like that and don't want to change it. they love the things of this world too much. They love the world more than they love Him.

In both cases, a soul is lot that might have been saved. That is why this dichotomy is so dangerous.

yes, many that sit under false teachings could be saved if they heard and believed the truth. That is why catholicism is so dangerous.

 

[balshan]

Here is a false dichotomy I have encountered recently: "All people are either saved and they know it, or they are dead in there sins and have no desire for God". The Catholic Church rejects this dichotomy and believes the vast majority of people are in a third category - people who do not know if they are saved, but still have a desire for God. For these people the Church holds out hope that they can be saved. That is the whole purpose of evangelization - to awaken in them that smoldering ember of faith. If these people are told that there are only the two categories mentioned above, one of two things could happen (and both of them are bad).

1. They could decide that they are already saved (even though they are not) and therefore never come to learn the truth that could have set them free.
2. They could decide that they must be in the second category and resign themselves to living without God.

In both cases, a soul is lot that might have been saved. That is why this dichotomy is so dangerous.

John Wesley would say those people are in an awaken state and will not die until they have made a decision either way. But they are not saved or doomed until they make the decision to accept Jesus as Lord or reject Him. So it is you who reduces things to two points. It is also your institution that makes out knowing Jesus has saved you a sin. The sin of presumption.

What Is the Sin of Presumption?

The sin of presumption, in which someone thinks they can be forgiven without sincere repentance, is an easy trap to fall into. Click here to learn more.

www.catholic.com

So the problem with the RCC is it does not like people to have an assurance of salvation. This is not scripture, scripture is clear that we have an assurance of salvation:

1 John 5:12, 13
He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life

Jude 1:24

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy

Rom 8:16

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

These are just a few of the verses that tell us we are able to trust God and that we are saved.

 

[Johan]

In both cases, a soul is lot that might have been saved. That is why this dichotomy is so dangerous.

"Might have been saved"? God will not fail to save anyone that He has decreed unto salvation.