The question of salvation and who attains it is deeply theological and varies among different Christian traditions, including within Catholicism and Protestantism. According to the Bible, salvation is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

The Catholic Church, as expressed in the Second Vatican Council’s document “Lumen Gentium,” acknowledges that salvation is not limited to Catholics alone. It states that many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside of its visible confines and that these elements, as gifts belonging to the Church of Christ, can impel towards Catholic unity.

The Catholic Church teaches that all who believe in Jesus Christ and are baptized are in a certain communion, albeit imperfect, with the Catholic Church. It recognizes the possibility of salvation for non-Catholic Christians, as well as for those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and, moved by grace, strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience (Lumen Gentium 16).

The Bible emphasizes God’s desire for all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 says, “who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This reflects a broad hope for salvation, not limited by denominational boundaries.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself spoke of the importance of faith and following Him as the path to eternal life, rather than adherence to a specific denomination or tradition. In John 14:6, Jesus states, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In summary, while there are doctrinal differences between Catholics and Protestants regarding the church, sacraments, and authority, the Catholic Church does not teach that all Protestants are destined for hell. Instead, it holds a more inclusive view of salvation, recognizing that God’s mercy and grace extend beyond the visible boundaries of the Catholic Church. The Bible underscores the centrality of faith in Christ and God’s desire for all to be saved.