Why This Topic Matters to Me I’m trying to understand how Catholic and Protestant traditions think about: How a person is made right with God The role of faith, works, sacraments, and the church Assurance of salvation This page is a study notebook, not a final conclusion. Catholic Perspective (High-Level Summary) (My understanding so far — still learning, so this is a draft.) Grace: Salvation is by God’s grace, received initially in baptism. Justification: Often described as infused righteousness – God actually makes the person righteous over time. Justification and sanctification are tightly linked. Faith and Works: Faith is essential, but faith formed by love (faith working through love) is the lived reality. Good works, cooperation with grace, and participation in the sacraments matter. Sacraments: Sacraments are key means by which grace is given and sustained (baptism, Eucharist, confession, etc.). Sin and Loss of Grace: Mortal sin can destroy charity in the soul and cut a person off from God’s grace. The sacrament of reconciliation restores grace. Assurance: Typically not emphasized as “absolute assurance” as strongly as many Protestants do. More focus on living faithfully in grace and trusting God’s mercy. Protestant / Evangelical Perspective (High-Level Summary) Again, this varies (Reformed, Lutheran, Baptist, etc.), but roughly: ...