The relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and salvation is a complex issue, with the church's doctrine of salvation by means of the sacraments being a central point of contention. Historically, the church's teaching on salvation has evolved, with figures like Augustine and Cyprian contributing to the development of the church's understanding of salvation and its relationship to the visible church. The Donatist controversy and the Reformation played significant roles in shaping the church's doctrine of salvation, with the Reformers relying solely on Scripture for salvation.