But if that truly is the doctrine of the Roman Catholic church, then why does this word “salvific” keep cropping up when we talk about the importance of works?
They are on the road, steps on the way, and thus tending toward salvation. Maybe in that sense? Did you read my extending (boring) metaphor about the gift of a gym membership, from the guy who owns the gym, and drives you there, and supplies the trainer (whom he taught), and encourages you and then it turns out He's the one who made muscles and developed the way they get stronger when you exercise? And then some jerk (Like me) flexes his alleged muscles and says, "Look what I did!"
And on a related note, why do I read so often Catholics on this forum testifying that the Holy Spirit is not given to the ordinary Catholics?
IOW, if they believe they can do good without the indwelling Spirit of Christ then it is tantamount to saying they did the good on their own.
Yes, that would be absurd!
With respect, I think there may be a misunderstanding here. As I understand it, the Holy Ghost (and a bunch of other stuff) is given in Baptism (if not before, which is certainly not impossible -- I would venture to say definitely so when an adult presents himself for Baptism) and again at confirmation, and in lots of other ways. I would venture to say that NOT ALL the charismata of the Holy Ghost are given to EACH believer. It's a little glib, but my (Protestant) professor used to say, "It's 'The priesthood of ALL believers', not 'the priesthood of EACH believer.'"
How's that?
I don't know if you've ever engaged betty boop in a discussion on the forum, but she is Catholic too - and we are so close, Spiritually, that we can finish each other's sentences. Jeepers, we've written a book together and are planning another. And .30Carbine is such a Spiritual "twin" to me that some posters think we are the same person posting under two handles.
This is the way the body of Christ should work, regardless of the labels we wear.
I often raise the point that Jesus chose twelve very different apostles and accepted seven very different churches in Revelation. Peter wasn't like John; Ephesus wasn't like Philadelphia.
Also, that the Spirit of God Whom we all have obviously received is like a seven faceted diamond. (Rev 4) What each of us see may be different based on the facet (the aspect) we are facing - but it is still the same diamond and the same Light.
Truly, Mad Dawg - a person belongs to Christ the moment he first believes. And from then til he weighs anchor from this mortality he continues in the walk of sanctification, of "working out his own salvation."
That walk is different for each one of us as we receive - and ask for, and receive - the Holy Spirit.
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I [am] of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. - I Cor 3:1-7