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Do either of you have a mirror? Because these words of yours do not sound like the love your neighbor type. Since I got lumped in with the "Reformed" crowd - yes, I admit I'm a OSAS (GASP!!!)- let me proclaim that I love others and treat them the way I would want to be. I try very, very hard to even love people the way Christ loves them. I do not sneer at unbelievers, I do not curse them or try to belittle them, I do not boast of my perfection because however much good I might have within me, it is all from the grace of God and not a drop is self-fabricated.

I understand where you are coming from, but consider this: Catholics believe that God is the final Judge; we cannot pin our salvation on ourselves before He does. If you pin salvation on yourself before He does, then you are obliging Him to agree with you. Correct?

We "Protestants", "Reformers" or whatever else label you prefer do not impose our will upon God for their own salvation and that statement itself makes no sense whatsoever. I am pretty sure, after all these posts, that you really don't believe it's true either but are trying to make a point.

The self identification of having personal salvation means exactly that.

I understand where you are coming from, but consider this: Catholics believe that God is the final Judge; we cannot pin our salvation on ourselves before He does. If you pin salvation on yourself before He does, then you are obliging Him to agree with you. Correct?

Correct, and that is what everyman that credits himself with being able to purchase his salvation by following church law, or the commandments or good deeds tries . They are attempting to be able to say to God, you owe me salvation based on MY MERITS . I am "better " than most people...It is an attempt to oblige God to save you

But the saved do not credit themselves with anything of value before God.. Like the publican we stand before God as sinners in need of a Savior.. We credit Christ, as the author and finisher of our faith.. we have no standing or merit before God EXCEPT IN CHRIST..who is our propitiation before God, who merited salvation for us by His work..not ours..

The self identification of having personal salvation means exactly that.

Mark let me ask you, why does God save men?

The self identification of having personal salvation means exactly that.

Actually, no it doesn't. It is taking God at his word.

John 3:18
He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.