Catholic Position

¶1257 The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.
He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations
and to baptize them. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to
whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of
asking for this sacrament.[61] The Church does not know of any means
other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is
why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the
Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the
Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he
himself is not bound by his sacraments.

Scripture Says

Matthew 7:13-14
13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which
go in thereat:
14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Mark 7:9
9  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.


Luke 13:23-24
23  Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.


Matthew 9:37
37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Matthew 7:22-23
22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in
thy name done many wonderful works?
23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Luke 6:46
46  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Commentary

• God’s kingdom is not a democracy.
• No matter how many people reject the Word of God and follow the same tradition, they will all be lost.