Question of the monthThe QuestionAt the Council of Trent, the Catholic Church rejected the gospel of justification by an imputed righteousness. Anyone who disagreed with the Catholic Church canons was declared anathema. However, Spoul indicates that the Catholic Church has broadened its original viewpoint on 'outside the church there is no salvation'. - Brian, MN
The AnswerAt the Council of Trent (1545-1563), which Protestants generally refer to as the Counter-Reformation as it was in direct response to the Reformation, one of the statements made was that there was no salvation outside the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). The only manner in which salvation could be attained was through the RCC. In the decree from Vatican II (1962-1965) entitled "On Ecumenism" it was reaffirmed that "it is through Christ's Catholic Church alone, which is the all-embracing means of salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained." Thus, what was stated at Trent in the 16th century was once again reaffirmed. Yet what changed in Vatican II was that for the first time Protestants and Anglicans are explicitly regarded as Christians, although they are considered "separated brethren." Additionally, Eastern Orthodoxy is considered as a direct descendant from the apostles. What was also unique was that the answer of this council was not for these "separated brethren" to "return home to Rome" but they spoke of an open future in which all may be "tending toward that fullness with which our Lord wants His body to be endowed in the course of time." This was made permanent in the RCC when Pope Paul VI created a document "Promoting Christian Unity" in December 1965, which was also signed by the head of the Eastern Orthodox church. In this declaration they did away with the mutual excommunications of A. D. 1054, the time of the Great Schism between East (Greek) and West (Latin). This is, of course, connected with justification, but it is a bit broader as well. This is at the heart of this issue, and the key question the doctrine of justification raises is this: is righteousness infused or imputed? That is a chasm that divides the RCC from Protestantism. As Luther said, the church stands or falls on the doctrine of justification. Although he did not mean to downplay other important truths, this was a truth that was critically important in his day, as it is in our day as well. Hear Paul's words: "Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1)! More Resources*These answers are not intended to serve as definitive EFCA policy statements. They are intended to help open discussion and dialogue about some of the challenging questions we all face in today's world. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Evangelical Free Church of America. Questions may be edited for clarity. |
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