Episode Details

Episode 7 – God’s Grace

On this episode of the Understanding Catholicism Series, our presenter, James Seghers, explains how grace heals us, how Martin Luther was in error in explaining grace, how Jesus established His church as the instrument in which his grace comes to us, the importance of good works and how the sacraments lead to have grace and live the Christian life.

Sin and death came to the world through Adam and led to condemnation for all men; one man’s act of righteousness — Jesus’ life, passion, death, and resurrection led to the acquittal of sin, grace, and life.

Christians have always believed in the redemptive power of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. In the 16th century, however, Martin Luther promoted a flawed understanding of what God’s grace does for us and how we must respond. Luther confused the tendency to sin (temptation) with actual sin. Luther taught human nature was essentially corrupt even after receiving the grace of redemption; thus, good works that please God were impossible. This distortion makes Adam’s sin more potent than the merits of Jesus Christ. Luther also taught salvation by faith alone and that the Bible is the only authority—not the church. James discusses how this belief is not historical or biblical and how the flaws and problems that developed with the perpetuation of this false belief caused a severe fracture between Christians. James also details the role and importance of good works, how we receive grace through good works, and how they constitute the Christian life.

This is the 7^th Episode in the (20 Episode Series) of Understanding Catholicism.

Jimmy Seghers was born in New Orleans. Jimmy has devoted much of his life to the pursuit of learning, teaching, and mentorship. Jimmy has taught Sacred Scripture and Apologetics (that is, the defense of the Catholic faith). Jimmy frequently gives retreats, parish missions, and talks on biblical subjects. He is seen on FOCUS with Lisa Flood discussing biblical and religious topics. His classes are approved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for certification credits for religion teachers. Each week, Jim is heard on the Radio Maria network. He can also be heard each morning on Catholic Community Radio as he gives the daily Gospel reflection. His essays have been published in This Rock, the Clarion-Herald, and he contributed to a catechetical series published by Ave Maria Universi