This Bible study, “The Catholic Church and Eternal Security: A Biblical Response,” explores a common Protestant belief known as “eternal security” or “once saved, always saved.” We will delve into Sacred Scripture to examine whether the Bible truly teaches that a person, once having professed faith in Christ, is guaranteed salvation regardless of their subsequent actions. We will carefully consider passages often used to support this view, examining them in light of the Church’s consistent teaching, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the broader context of salvation history. Our focus will be on understanding the Catholic perspective, which emphasizes the ongoing need for grace, the importance of persevering in faith and good works, and the real possibility of falling away from grace through mortal sin.
Within this study, we will highlight key theological distinctions between the Catholic understanding of justification as a process versus a singular event. We will explore the role of the Sacraments, particularly Confession and the Eucharist, in maintaining and restoring our relationship with God. Furthermore, we will consider the nature of free will and how it relates to our ability to cooperate with God’s grace, or sadly, to reject it. Practically, this study will equip you with a deeper understanding of the beauty and responsibility inherent in the Catholic faith, empowering you to confidently explain our beliefs about salvation, perseverance, and the vital need for a life of holiness rooted in Christ. This will not only strengthen your own faith but also enable you to charitably engage in conversations with those holding differing views about eternal security, always rooted in Scripture and the Magisterium’s teachings.
Download the full Bible study: 📄 The Catholic Church and Eternal Security: A Biblical Response (PDF)