The Catholic Church does not teach that people can earn salvation solely through their own deeds, as if they could achieve it independently of God's grace. This would indeed undermine the necessity of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Instead, Catholic teaching emphasizes the interplay between God's grace and human actions in the process of salvation.
Here's a breakdown of the key elements of the Catholic understanding:
* Salvation is a Gift of Grace: Catholics believe that salvation is ultimately a free gift from God, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This grace is unearned and undeserved; it is God's initiative to reconcile humanity to Himself.
* The Necessity of Faith: Faith, understood as both belief and trust in God, is the starting point of salvation. It is through faith that we accept God's offer of grace.
* Good Works as a Response to Grace: While salvation is initiated by God's grace, Catholics believe that good works are a necessary *response* to that grace. These works are not a means of *earning* salvation, but rather evidence of a living faith that is transformed by grace and animated by love. As James 2:14-26 states, faith without works is dead. This means that genuine faith will naturally lead to actions that reflect God's love and will.
* Cooperation with Grace: Catholic theology speaks of "cooperating with grace." This means that we are called to actively participate in our own salvation by making choices that align with God's will and by striving to live a life of holiness. However, even this cooperation is made possible by God's grace working within us.
* Merit: The concept of "merit" in Catholic theology does not mean that we can independently earn God's favor. Rather, it refers to the increased capacity for grace and deeper communion with God that results from living a life of love and obedience. This merit is still ultimately rooted in God's grace, not in our own independent efforts.
In essence, Catholics believe that salvation is a process that begins with God's grace, is nurtured by faith, and is expressed through good works. These works are not a means of earning salvation, but rather a sign of a transformed life that is already participating in God's saving grace.
The Catholic Church would agree that if humans could save themselves through good deeds, there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross. However, because human nature is fallen, and humans cannot obtain salvation on their own, Jesus paid the ultimate price.