I see a vast difference, or the Reformation would have been a minor event. On further reivew, the comment about difference has a decidedly ecumenical tone, almost reminiscent of the postmodern theology of much of the Emerging Church, (as articulated for example by Grenze and Franke in Beyond Foundationalism). In this I dissagree most strenously.

Further, I do not see your interpretation of the Catholic position as what is promulgated by them to their flock. It cetainly does not appear to be what they grasp and attempt to apply.

Lastly, I would disagree with your interpretation of Luther’s statements as extending down to the fine minutiae of life level. Again you would be in constant jeopardy, which is not where I think Luther (or others) were pointing. Quite the opposite.

Clearly we disagree, but that’s how it goes some times - in theology and in life…

Anyways, there are still quite a few serious points of difference between the Reformed and Catholic position, but “sola gratia” is not really one of them.

For instance, Catholics believe that a sin, after baptism, puts your salvation in jeopardy. Your relationship with God is impaired until repentance is made, possibly resulting in eternal damnation. Luther, as well, said that repentance is like a plank by which you swim back to the ark of your baptism, the implication being that if you don’t swim, you don’t get back on the boat. But I’m pretty sure you’d disagree with this notion, right?

Bottom line is that so many saved individuals (of all flavours, but particularly addressing those closest at hand on the Protestant side of the fence) seem to still embrace a life of little or no assurance, and continued Salvation based upon moment to moment behaviour and works related performance. I have repeatedly heard it harped on as a means to elicit proper behaviour. All it does it repress people and I think it is dead wrong.

As to the rest, God is absolutely sovereign in all things, including the eternity of each of His own. I would disagree that things are a tenuous as you appear to think for the elect. However, since He is sovereign, we are at His good pleasure and for His Glory alone.

Firstly, there’s nothing wrong a holy fear of the Final Judgement. There’s also nothing wrong with being concerned with not sinning. Of course, these things can develop into obsessions and anxieties, at which times, the prescription is increasing confidence in God, decreasing trust of self and meditation on God’s promises, His mercy and Christ’s merits.

While it’s true that “no scheme of man, no power of Hell” can pluck us from His hand, but you can never be sure if final perseverance, itself a grace, will be given to you. In this world, Christ is a shepherd to both the sheep and the goats and only on that terrible Day of Judgment will the two be separated. You can’t just say “I’ve been given a lot of grace in the past, therefore I must be elected, therefore I will be saved.” It’s the will of God that some might receive a lot of grace, and still be damned.