Roman Catholic and Adventist understandings of salvation : a comparative study and its missiological implications

Abstract

This study addresses the understandings of salvation in the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The teaching of salvation is the fundamental doctrine of the two religions. Both religions regard human salvation as the primary doctrine of their faith and the ultimate and final object of religious life. Adventists have not always understood Roman Catholics well, especially their understanding of salvation. So, this study leads Adventists into a proper understanding of the Roman Catholic concept of salvation, and gives some ideas for approaching Roman Catholics and communing with them. Roman Catholics believe that even though human salvation is God's free gift, each person can reach salvation only through the Roman Catholic Church, the Universal Church. Therefore, if an individual whats to be saved, he must belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Roman Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is a mediator for sinners. But also Mary and all saints are intercessors between God and man. In particular, Mary, Mother of God, can do everything which belongs to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Roman Catholics concede that in their belief the Eucharist and the Mass have the same value as the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Although Jesus Christ secured salvation on the cross for all, the reality of salvation reaches to the individual only through the ceremony of the Eucharist and the Mass. Justification means an application of Jesus Christ's merits to sinners in Roman Catholic belief. So, sinners become free from all thier sins and from the slavery of Satan. This privilege can be accomplished by faith including good works. True faith and good works of believers are expressed by participating in the seven sacraments. The sacraments are necessary for salvation. Especially the two sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist are absolutely essential. For this reason, it is impossible that man can be saved without performing the seven sacraments. Roman Catholics understand that death is just a time for the separation of the soul and body. After death, the soul goes to an appointed place: heaven, hell, or purgatory, according to one's deeds. In purgatory, souls who have not achieve their salvation on earth prepare to go to heaven through an experience of suffering and patience. Adventists understand that all humankind has a prvilege to accept or to reject the gift of salvation. God freely offers salvation to all. Only through personal faith can man accept it. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross has a unique and perfect value for human salvation. Only through the death of Jesus Christ can man have the hope of salvation. By the righteousness of Jesus Christ, God declares the sinner righteous. Adventists believe taht there is no life after death. At death, indidividual probation cloeses. The destiny of each person is decided by God's judgement at death. No one know who will be saved or be lost. Adventists should recognize individual Roman Catholics as fellow Christians, not as pagans who will be lost withou the true light of salvation. God's salvation includes all people including Roman Catholics. Adventists have a privilege and responsibility to share the Bible messages with Roman Catholics, particularly in the light of prophecy. With accurate concepts about the Roman Catholic understanding of salvation and effective strategies for soul winning, Adventists may be able to work positively, productively, and successfully for Roman Catholic evangelization.