Presumption

 BASIC R.C.BELIEF

This is being absolutely sure of Heaven, regardless of future sins or works. This is a Mortal Sin, a sin against hope.

We sin by presumption when we trust we can be saved "without our own efforts" (ST. PETER'S CATECHISM).

From AN EXPLANATION OF THE BALTIMORE CATECHISM, page 299.

"Presumption is a rash expectation of salvation without making proper use of the necessary means to obtain it.

POST VATICAN II

In progressive Roman Catholic theology, not much is made of this because most don't believe God will send many (or any) to Hell. Aside from a few hopeless cases, everyone will go to Heaven (probably via Purgatory).

Another interesting thing is the claim of assurance that some modern Catholics profess. When examined, it can still be seen to hinge on the person's reaction to God's Grace. The Catholic Internet had the following statement, "(O)nly God can instill in the soul of man the grace and peace and the assurance of eternal salvation that only Jesus instills."

CATHOLIC JOURNALS

Although he is very conservative, James Drummey gave an interesting insight on presumption in the 3/6/97 issue of THE WANDERER (page 3, Catholic Replies)

Q: A pamphlet quotes St. Paul as saying, "I have fought a good fight, I ran the good race. From now on a coveted crown awaits me." Is not this presumption, or was St. Paul privy to information we are not?

A: Presumption usually means that one expects to receive forgiveness from God without doing anything to deserve it, and even when deliberately enjoying a sinful life.

St. Paul, on the other hand, had lived a very holy life since his conversion on the road to Damascus. He was not being presumptuous since he had indeed "kept the faith," even enduring five floggings, one stoning, three shipwrecks, numerous imprisonments, hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness, before he was finally beheaded. There are few people more deserving of the "merited crown" that awaited him in Heaven because of his fidelity to Christ.

Drummey does not agree with the basic Catholic definition of Presumption This is being absolutely sure of Heaven, regardless of future sins or works. This is a mortal sin, a sin against hope. P> However, we would have to say that Paul was privy to information that the Catholic friend was not privy to, because of ignorance of the scriptures.

Paul based his salvation on God's mercy (Titus 3:5).

Paul clearly was not trusting works (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Nevertheless, he was assured of salvation because of the keeping power of God. (II Timothy 1:12)