AN INTERVIEW WITH ST. PETER: St. Peter played a prominent part in the early Church. The book of Acts records several of his early sermons. He authored two books in the Holy Scriptures. A study of his sayings casts much light on his attitude toward the Church and its teachings.
Ā Ā How would he have answered questions both Catholics and Protestants ask in this ecumenical age? We have written and addressed some, as it were, to St. Peter. His replies are all taken from his own speeches and writings as we have them in the Holy Scriptures. We have used only the approved Confraternity edition of the Scriptures in giving St. Peterās replies.
Q. Could you tell us simply, St. Peter, how we can be saved from our sins?
A. āWhoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be savedā (Acts 2:21). Set your hope completely upon that grace which is brought to you in the revelation of Jesus Christā (1 St. Peter 1:13). āTo Him all the prophets bear witness, that through his name all who believe in him may receive forgiveness of sinsā (Acts 10:43).
Q. Do those who have trusted the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins have to anticipate purgatory when they die?
A. āBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has begotten us again, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, unto a living hope, unto an incorruptible inheritance–undefiled and unfading, reserved for you in heaven. By the power of God you are guarded through faith for salvation, which is ready to be revealed in the last time. Over this you rejoiceā (1 St. Peter 1:3-6).
Q. But surely, St. Peter, even the true believer has a residue of sins for which he has to make restitution to God in penance?
A. āChrist…has suffered for you,…who himself bore our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died to sin, must live to justice; and by his stripes you were healedā (1 St. Peter 2:21, 24).