Question: Dear Greg,

A friend of mine spoke to me and sent me information, basically saying that all Catholics are not saved. I am not Catholic and I myself don’t care for the Catholic religion, but I don’t feel it is my place to judge them, especially since I know a few who appear to be truly good Christians. How do you feel we, as Christians, should respond to issues as these? There are those that I feel are "lost," but still that is not for me to judge and it is only my opinion. I share my faith and my belief with all people when it is appropriate with the Spirit’s leading.

Sheila

Answer: Dear Sheila,

God is not limited to our human attempts (sincere and zealous that they may be) to categorize all humans into two categories: 1) true Christian 2) non-Christian. In fact, given our human history of pogroms, persecutions, holy wars, etc. we should be eternally grateful that God alone reserves the right to know those who are his. If we knew for a certainty, there would be a great deal of "killing thinking that they are doing God a service."

While we may admire the zeal of your friend who insists that all Catholics are not saved, he or she should first ask what percentage of Baptist/Lutherans/Free Methodists/Friends/etc. are saved? Church and denominational affiliation do not save – and conversely, God is able to penetrate through denominational creeds and doctrines and church walls and save those whom he, in his sovereign love and grace, decides to.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht