Have you ever been asked this question: "Are you saved?"

Maybe you felt flustered and didn't know how to respond. Can you, as a Catholic, say that you're saved? Is this scriptural? 

In this podcast episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, the caller, Heather, asks whether Catholics can claim to be saved and discusses the perspective of Protestant family members who believe in "once saved, always saved." Patrick Madrid provides a comprehensive response.

He explains that the Bible uses various verb tenses (past, present progressive, and future) when discussing salvation. Catholics can say they have been saved (past), are being saved (present progressive), and will be saved (future) by God's grace. However, this doesn't imply an absolute assurance of salvation because individuals can choose to turn away from faith.

Patrick cites biblical passages such as 1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 2, Acts 2, Acts 27, 1 Corinthians 1, and 2 Corinthians 2 to illustrate the different verb tenses used regarding salvation. He emphasizes that Catholics should approach the concept of salvation with humility, understanding that they need to work out their salvation in fear and trembling, as warned by St. Paul. Patrick also notes that the belief in "once saved, always saved" is a common misunderstanding of Scripture, particularly prevalent in certain Protestant denominations. He provides examples of passages that suggest the possibility of losing salvation.

He encourages Heather to engage in fruitful discussions with her Protestant family members by referencing these passages when they discuss the topic of salvation.