A Justification Discussion
Recently I have encountered several post that claim
“Faith Alone” is sufficient for one’s salvation“.
I find this worrisome, not simply because it is biblically untrue,
and it does not matter what any one else says--
Council of Trent: Canons on Justification.
Lutheranism was growing strong in the 1500's. In response to this, the Roman Catholic church convened the Council of Trent in November of 1544 in an attempt to counter the doctrines raised and supported by the Reformers. The official opening of the council was on Dec. 13, 1545 and was closed on Dec. 14, 1563. The council delivered many statements on various subjects. These Canons have never been denied by the Roman Catholic Church.
Following are several of the doctrinal statements made on Justification at the council of Trent. After each Canon are scriptures that contradict that Canon. These scriptures are linked to the KJV on CARM so you can click on them and read them in context.
Finally, you will see the word "anathema" used many times by the Council. This means that those who disagree with the doctrines of this Council are cursed. In Gal. 1:8-9, the word "anathema" is used. The curse must come from God. Therefore, we conclude that according to Roman Catholicism, anyone who disagrees with the following Canons are cursed of God. The Roman Catholic church excommunicates those under anathema. In other words, excommunication means being outside the Christian church. Being outside the church means you are not saved.
In spite of what Catholicism states, the Bible speaks differently. Following each Canon is a list of appropriate scriptures countering the Catholic position.
- CANON 9: "If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema."
- "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin," (Rom. 3:20).
- "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," (Rom. 3:24).
- "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law," (Rom. 3:28).
- "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness," (Rom. 4:3).
- "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (Rom. 5:1).
- "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God," (Eph. 2:8).
- "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost," (Titus 3:5).
- CANON 12: "If any one shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy pardoning sins for Christ's sake, or that it is that confidence alone by which we are justified ... let him be accursed"
- "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name," (John 1:12).
- "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law," (Rom. 3:28).
- 'For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness," (Rom. 4:3).
- "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the peoples: for this he did once, when he offered up himself," (Heb. 7:25-27).
- "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day," (2 Tim. 1:12).
- Canon 14: "If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified, because that he assuredly believed himself absolved and justified; or, that no one is truly justified but he who believes himself justified; and that, by this faith alone, absolution and justification are effected; let him be anathema."
- Canon 23: "lf any one saith, that a man once justified can sin no more, nor lose grace, and that therefore he that falls and sins was never truly justified; or, on the other hand, that he is able, during his whole life, to avoid all sins, even those that are venial,- except by a special privilege from God, as the Church holds in regard of the Blessed Virgin; let him be anathema."
- "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him," (John 3:36).
- "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day," (John 6:40).
- "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand," (John 10:28).
- "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord," (Rom. 5:21).
- "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us," (1 John 2:19).
- "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God," (1 John 5:13).
- Canon 24: "If any one saith, that the justice received is not preserved and also increased before God through good works; but that the said works are merely the fruits and signs of Justification obtained, but not a cause of the increase thereof; let him be anathema."
- "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:1-3).
- "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law," (Gal. 5:1-3).
- Canon 30: "If any one saith, that, after the grace of Justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and the debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise, that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged either in this world, or in the next in Purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be opened (to him); let him be anathema."
- "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (Rom. 5:1).
- "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross," (Col. 2:13-14).
- Canon 33: "If any one saith, that, by the Catholic doctrine touching Justification, by this holy Synod inset forth in this present decree, the glory of God, or the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ are in any way derogated from, and not rather that the truth of our faith, and the glory in fine of God and of Jesus Christ are rendered (more) illustrious;
- let him be anathema.
- This council declares that if anyone disagrees with it, they are damned.
because the catholic church is OK with speaking curses over bible belivers--
but the following is patrick j miron commentary
but also because it was not until the 16th. Century that what God Himself Ordained; only One Church
[Matt.16:15-19 and 28:16-20], One Leader, [John 21:15-17], and only One set of Faith beliefs [Eph.4:5; 3: 9-12]were forgotten or pushed aside? Our Lord’s Heart was torn asunder; when more than 1,500 years of God’s Own articulated Will, Desire and Teachings were ignored; or self-interpreted so that man’s own-will could supersede that of their Creator. Innovation, personal opinions, and prideful assumptions that denied, rewrote and manufactured there own personal “religions” were the result, caused and founded on wrong or incomplete understanding of the bible. These new- born faith’s grew feverishly. The Protestant Revolution assumed and usurped rights never wanted by God, needed for salvation, and are completely grounded in a totally unwarranted grab for power and authority that lacks biblical foundation or justification.
Are these claims unsubstantiated ? No. Or unbiblical? No.
THERE IS ONLY ONE INFALLIBLE-RULE FOR RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT GOD TEACHES IN HIS BIBLE;
NEVER-EVER MAY OR CAN ONE PASSAGE OR VERSE INVALIDATE, MAKE VOID OR SUPERCEDE ANOTHER. …WHY? Because this would make the bible worthless to learn or to teach true faith.
Prov.30 Verses 5 to 6: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar” …
2Tim.3 Verses 16 to 17 “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. “
2nd. Peter 1: 19-21
“And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”
Christ directly passed His Own Powers and Authority to the Apostles alone and through them today’s Catholic Church. Here are some admonitions from God:
John 14:26 and 20:21-22
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you [Apostles singular] all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” … AND “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit“.
Matt. 13:9-12
“He who has ears, let him hear.” Then the disciples [Apostles] came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away
.”
Luke.10: 16 “He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Matt. 28:16-20
“Now the eleven disciples [Apostles] went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [and is now being handed on to you] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
2nd. Peter 3:14-17 “
Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, beware lest you be carried away with the error of lawless men and lose your own stability.”
John 5: 36-44
“But the testimony which I [Jesus] have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen; and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe him whom he has sent. You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me; yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men. But I know that you have not the love of God within you.
I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Can one who professes “to be a follower of Jesus” find it acceptable with God by insisting on having their own understanding of the salvation process? Even if it makes void what Christ Himself ordained? It seems at best; extremely unlikely.
The evidence of my claim is further certified by the huge and ever-increasing numbers of Protestants faith’s [religions and churches] in existence today. How can they exist when “TRUTH” is always a singular reality and possibility per issue?
God is among many other good things; “all knowing.” Therefore in an absolute sense God had to know prior to Creating humanity with the freedom to choose “right from wrong” that Both Adam and Eve would literally choose to deny the God that Created them and gave them the same attributes as the Angels and the same extraordinary levels of “intellect; mind, and freewill.” WHY?
God knew before hand that His Creation would sin and deny Him, and yet proceeded with the Creation of humanity anyway; ought this cause us to raise a few questions in our mind?
1. Why did God Create humanity?
2. Why did God Create humanity “in His Own Image?” Genesis 1:26-27?
3. Does confusion over Christ separate roles as Redeemer and Savior by the Protestant communions stem from a “lack of Faith” as intended by God?
4. What was and is Christ role as Redeemer? Is it separate from His Role as Our Savior?
5. What is Christ Role as “Savior and Salvation?”
6. What does the Bible teach on the issue of “personal justification?”
7. Is what the Catholic Church Teaches in full accord with Biblical Teaching?
8. Are protestants in accord with what the bible teaches?
9. Can Justification be lost?
10. Can anyone’s salvation be assured?
11. Christ Instituted Seven Sacraments. WHY?
12. What are the minimum requires of “justification?”
DIFFERING VIEWS AND UNDERSTANDINGS OF JUSTIFICATION
| Protestant | Catholic |
1.
To justify means to account as righteous. 1. To justify means to make righteous:
[This does not account for the necessary [This is accomplished 1. Through God’s
Forgiveness of our sins as God Commands Grace and through the Sacrament of
In John 20:23, or Baptism in John 3:5 / Confession. John 20:19-23 which is a carry
Over from Old testament practices.
Ezek. 18:21-28 and Lev.5:13]
2.
Justification comes by the imputation of 2. Justification comes by an infusion of grace.
Christ’s righteousness.
[Salvation is a PROCESS that originates from
[By this is meant Christ alone does all that God’s Grace BUT requires mans “freewill”
--
Is necessary. Man must only “have faith”]
acceptance of grace which leads to Faith
Eph. 2:8; Rom.6:14; Rom 3:24]
3.The grace of God in Christ makes the
3. Sanctifying grace in the believer makes
believer acceptable and pleasing in God’s sight him acceptable to God.
[Means: soley through the love of God for all [The Protestant position FAILS to account 4
Who “believe” /have faith,..One is Justified the precise manner humanity emulates our
God by having similar to God attributes
of a mind, intellect and a freewill. .. ALL
Given and intended by God to be used
In the process of Justification.
4.
Man is justified by an extrinsic righteousness 4. Man is justified by an intrinsic
a righteousness wholly without mans help). righteousness (a righteousness which God
(puts within man). The OFFER of grace
[This means that it’s all God’s doing. Man only [God is the cause; but insist on man’s using
Needs “have faith.”] the attributes given to him for this very
purpose. We MUST cooperate with God in
The process of salvation.] John 3:5; Mt.
19:17; Heb. 6:10; Rev. 2:23; 1st. Peter 1:17
5.
God justifies the ungodly who believe. 5. God justifies only those who are born
again. [John 3:5]
6.
Justification is God’s verdict upon man in the 6. Justification is God’s verdict upon man in
Person of Christ. the Person of Christ.
[By Christ Passion, Death and Resurrection [By these actions ALL are “Redeemed” BUT
ALONE man is “justified” through “faith” alone] Salvation is an individual Process seperate
from “Redemption”] John 3:5; Mt. 19:17;
Lk.14:7; 1st. John 8-10; 1st. John 5:16-17
7.
The sinner is justified by Christ’s imputed 7. The sinner cannot be justified by imputed
righteousness alone. righteousness alone, but by righteousness
poured into his heart
[ALL man HAS to di is say “I believe”]
[Grace in an absolute sense which can be
Freely denied MUST be accepted and
Applied] Lk.14:7; John 20:23; John 3:5
8.
Justification enables God to treat the sinner 8. Justification means that the sinner is really
as if he were just. made just.
[Man has no required role other than simple faith] [Through God’s GRACE manifested through
His Sacraments; man can by cooperating
With God; merit salvation. Especially
Baptism, Eucharist. Confession and
Confirmation] Jn. 3;5; Jn. 6;47-55; Jn. 20:23
9.
The believer is pronounced righteous because 9. The believer is pronounced righteous
Christ, his Substitute, is found righteous before because the Spirit of grace has made him
God. righteous.
[Not biblically grounded; nowhere is this stated or [Grace accepted especially through the
Even implied] Above mention sacraments make
Meriting justification possible]
10.
Justification is a declaration of the fact that 10. Justification is a declaration of what is a
Jesus, who stands in man’s place, is righteous fact in the man himself.
[As stated above there is no biblical foundation [It is biblical fact that MAN MUST cooperate
For this belief. It is a man-made salvation] through baptism: John 3:5; Forgiveness of
Sin GOD’S WAY John 20:23; MUST obey
His Commandments Mt. 19:17 ; John 3:36;
Acts of Charity James 2
11.
Justification is so infinite that it cannot be 11. Justification is an act of grace within
reduced to an intrahuman experience man
[This rewrites and denies Christ own Biblical Same biblical references as above apply
Teachings] here
12.
Justification is received by faith alone. 12. Justification comes by faith which has
become active by charity.
[Clearly an anti-biblical teaching: John 3:5;
John 20:23; Mt. 19:17; Heb. 6:10; Rev. 2:23 James 2:24; Rom. 11:5; Eph. 2:8
And 1st. Peter 1: 17 are examples of this error]
13.
Justification enables God to bring regeneration 13. Regenerating grace enables God to
and sanctification to the heart of the believer. justify the believer.
[Error: stating what God COULD choose to do [This factually and biblically reflects what
BUT instead choose NOT to do. A Grievous God DID CHOOSE TO DO through
Sin of presumption!] man’s freewill cooperation with Grace]
14.
Sin still remains in man’s nature after 14. Justification wholly eradicates sin; only
justification and regeneration. concupiscence and weakness remain.
Factually denies the following biblical teachings John 20:19-23
Lev.11: 45 “ For I am the LORD who On the evening of that day, the
Brought you up out of the land of Egypt, first day of the week, [Pentecost
to be your God; you shall therefore be holy, Sunday] the doors being shut
for I am holy.” Where the disciples [Apostles]
were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus
1Pet.1: 15-16 “but as he who called you came and stood among them
is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; and said to them,
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for “Peace be with you.”
I am holy” When he had said this, he
showed Them his hands and
Matt.5; 48 “You, therefore, must be his side.
perfect
, as your heavenly Father is Jesus said to them again,
perfect” “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me,
Christ Command to His Apostles even so I send you.”
John 20: 23 “[23] If you forgive the sins [WITH GOD’S OWN POWERS
of any, they are forgiven; if you retain AND AUTHORITY…
the sins of any, they are retained." SEE ALSO MATT.10:1-8]
And when he had said this,
He breathed on them, and
said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any,
they are forgiven; if you retain
sins of any, they are retained“
15.
The believer can claim no merit for good works 15. Sanctifying grace within the believer
performed by God’s enabling grace. Good works makes good works acceptable to God.
are acceptable only through the mediation of
Christ’s imputed righteousness, which covers
SANCTIFYING GRACE. As
all human deficiencies in the good works of the
Defined in Father John A. Hardon’s
believer.
“catholic dictionary”
[This is a Heresy: It denies the precise “
The supernatural state of being
And planned way God made humanity
Infused by God, which permanently
In His ‘own Image [Gen. 1:26-17 and
inheres in the soul. It is a vital
Explained in Isaiah 43: verses 7 and 31.
principle of the supernatural life, as
With a mind, intellect and FREEWILL.
the rational soul is the vital
principle of a human being's natural
It also denies and makes VOID the
life
. It is not a substance but a real
Following bible passages: THIS
quality That becomes part of the soul
CANNOT be done with impunity.
substance.
Although commonly Associated
Heb.6: 10 “For God is not so unjust as to with the possession of the virtue
overlook your work and the love which you
of charity, sanctifying grace is
showed for his sake in serving the saints, as
yet distinct from this virtue.
you still do.”
Charity, rather, belongs to
the will, whereas sanctifying
Rev.2: 23 “and I will strike her children dead. grace belongs to the whole
And all the churches shall know that I am he
soul, mind, [free] will, and
who searches mind and heart, and I will give
affections. It is called
to each of you as your works deserve.”
Sanctifying grace because it
makes holy those who possess
1 Peter 1: 17
“Now if you invoke as Father
the gift by Giving them a
Him who judges impartially according to
Participation in the divine life.
each one’s works, conduct yourselves with
It is zo
ē (life), which Christ taught
reverence During the time of your
that he has in common with the
sojourning, “
Father and which those who are in
the state Of grace share. “ End QUOTE
“
Matt.19: 17 “If you would enter life, keep
the commandments
.”
Eph.2: 8 “For by grace you
have been saved through faith;
Rom.2: 13 “For it is not the hearers of the law and this is not your own doing,
who are righteous before God, but the doers
it is the gift of God” –
of the law who will bejustified.” BUT IT DOES ALWAYS REQUIRE
THE FREEWILL ASSENT OF
John 3:5
“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say MAN [PJM]
To you, unless one is born of water and the
Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has
Eternal life; he who does not obey the Son
shall not see life
, but the wrath of God rests
upon him]
16.
At all times the believer is accepted only in the 16. Sanctifying grace with in the believer
Person of Christ, his Substitute. makes him acceptable to God
The only reference to something like this that I was able to locate is: Eph. 2:12-22
AND it specifies as “member of Christ Catholic Church“; not one of many thousands of “man- made replacements and substitutes.” NOR does it say or imply THIS position CAN OR MAY OR WILL EXIST without conditions set rightfully by God. REMEMBER THE ONE INFALLIBLE RULE FOR RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE. [above]
QUOTE: “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, [SEE MATT. 19:17] that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [SINGULAR] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; [SINGULAR] in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Haydock’s Biblical-Commentary explanation on Eph. verse 14 through 20
“Ver. 14.
Christ destroyed the enmity which, like a wall of separation, stood between Jew and Gentile, and united them into one people. He did this in his flesh, by his own blood, or the sacrifice he made of his flesh on the cross. … Ver. 19. You are no longer strangers with regard to God and his holy alliance. You are no longer travellers and vagabonds, without a God, as you were before your conversion; not knowing to whom you belonged, nor finding in paganism either solid foundation or truth, neither hopes for this nor consolation for future life. But now you are become citizens of the same city as the saints, and domestics of the house of God. … Ver. 20. The Church is in this place said to be built upon the apostles and prophets; why not then upon St. Peter?”
QUOTED FROM A SOURCE THAT I NOLONGER RECALL…
“St. Paul explains to the Christians in Rome, “For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law (Romans 3:28).” In this epistle to the first Jewish Christians, Paul warns the people not to consider themselves justified by the Mosaic Law expounded in the book of Leviticus. Because Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, St. Paul tells us that Christ’s Passion has merited the gift of grace, “But now without the law the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe in him: for there is no distinction: For all have sinned, [1 John 1:8-10] and do need the glory of God. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption, that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-24).”
Justification is a term that means the cleansing of sin in a person, and the communication by grace of “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22) ” through Baptism. Christ has redeemed the whole world, but we must freely choose to cooperate in the redemption. Justification includes the forgiveness of original and personal sin, restoration of the interior man and sanctification of the soul through grace. Thus justification and sanctification occur together and are not exclusive of each other. Grace is a free gift of God that imputes divine life into the soul as well as the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. Sanctifying grace of the soul must normatively be received through the sacrament of Baptism. Through baptism, God adopts us as his sons and daughters. This is why Catholics baptize infants.
Jesus Christ alone can merit our initial justification and sanctification through his Passion and Resurrection
.
Once grace is imputed in the soul, faith, hope and charity can merit the increase of justification and sanctification.
Faith without good works is dead faith (
James 2:17). The seven Sacraments of the Church increase grace and thus justification in the believer. Prayer for those of the Body of Christ and ourselves can merit increasing grace for others and ourselves. Christian suffering has a redemptive role by allowing us to cooperate with Christ’s Passion and suffering. Rejecting God’s love and grace through mortal sin results in lost justification. [1st. John 5:16-17] Venial sin weakens charity, but does not cut us off from Christ because venial sin (although offensive to God) is not a rejection of the heavenly Father.
No person can have an assurance of their salvation unless they receive an extraordinary revelation from God.
Can Justification be Lost?
St. Paul warns us that justification and sanctification are a life-long process, and we should be vigilant not to turn against God and lose our justification. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews is particularly powerful, “For if we sin willfully after having the knowledge of the truth, there is now left no sacrifice for sins, But a certain dreadful expectation of judgment, and the rage of a fire which shall consume the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).” Paul assures us that those who take justification of grace for granted and continue to rail against God and defy cooperation with grace can lose their justification.
Can we have a definitive assurance of our Salvation?
Assurance of salvation is a presumption upon God that we can infallibly judge the state of our souls. The Bible is very clear that only God and God alone can judge a person’s soul. Paul writes, “For we must all be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as he hath done, END QUOTES
Eph.1 :13 to 14 “In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Matt.12: [37] for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Rom.2:13 “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”
God was fully aware of what Adam and Ever were to choose. His plan for humanities salvation had to include a Messiah, and His Passion. Death and Ressurection from the time of their Creation.
This is the only reasonable explaination for why God Created Humanity “in His Image.” Having a mind, intellect and FREEWILL permnately attached to our souls. Isaiah explains just “why” we are granted such powerful gifts:
Isaiah 43: 7
“every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
AND verse 21: “the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” “MIGHT” being the key word for right understanding.
A theological understanding of the “powers of these gifts from God to His humanity” knowing full well that many; indeed, all of us [but the Virgin Mary; His Mother] would fail His Will and His Desire it is then possible to concludes that “in this freedom of choice” we are made more powerful than God Himself; BECAUSE that is His Divine Will. WHY?
“Why” is answered: Matt.5: 48] “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” God’s love for His Created humanity is perfect, is proven and is desired in return. The ONLY possibility humanity has to return “perfect love” for “perfect love” if it is FREELY given; FREELY proven.
And this dear friends is the missing understanding in the Protestant community. “Faith” requires only “belief.” Sure faith is improved with love; BUT love in not mandated. One can believe without loving; without self giving; without sacrifice. Clearly this key to one’s salvation is missed or ignored?
SUFFERING
Take Up your Cross and Follow Me
Phil.2: 8 “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross Luke.9 :23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Mark.8: 34 And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Luke.9: 23 And he said to all, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke.14: 7 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
1Pet.4: 13 ” But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’ssufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
1Pet.5: 1, 9 “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world.”
Phil.1: 29 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but alsosuffer for his sake, “
2Thes.1: 5 “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you aresuffering “
Heb. 2: 10
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.
In summation, I’d like to briefy respond to my original questions:
1. Why did God Create humanity?
To Know, Love [proven in obedience to all that He taught] and serve Him in this world so that we MIGHT be happy with Him in the next.
2. Why did God Create humanity “in His Own Image?” Genesis 1:26-27?
To enable us to Freely choose our Love of and for Him
3. Does confusion over Christ separate roles as Redeemer and Savior by the Protestant communions stem from a “lack of Faith” as intended by God?
Yes Absolutely!
“Redeemer” applies to everyone, past, present and future. THAT is what the Cross accomplished once and for all. BUT “salvation” and redemption” DO NOT mean precisely the same things.
4. What was and is Christ role as Redeemer? Is it separate from His Role as Our Savior?
Christ as “Redeemer” makes heaven once again a possibility. Access had been denied to ALL humanity because of the “Original Sin” of Adam and Eve. Christ became the NEW Adam while Mary in a non-essential [but nevertheless extremely valuable role] becomes “the New Eve.” Hell was immediately accessible for those who chose it; but heaven was denied to all who merited it until Christ Arose from The Dead and Ascended back “to the Father.”
5. What is Christ Role as “Savior and Salvation?”
Christ IS our Savior! Salvation is Only Possible through Him. But salvation is only a possibility when it is DONE IN FULL ACCORD with God’s plan and Divine Will. Period! Man-made innovations and shortcuts will NOT accomplish this goal.
6. What does the Bible teach on the issue of “personal justification?”
That is a multi-step process and each step must be completed
7. Is what the Catholic Church Teaches in full accord with Biblical Teaching?
Yes it was before the protestant revolution; has not changed because of it and remains God’s Will and Plan for humanities salvation.
8. Are protestants in accord with what the bible teaches?
No; sadly and the consequences would seem to be DIRE.
9. Can Justification be lost?
Absolutely:
Matt.25: 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” ; Luke.21: 36 “Butwatch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.” Rev.2: 23 “and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.” 1 Peter 1: 17 “Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, “ “ Matt.19: 17 “And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” THESE and many other similar WARNING WOULD BE UNNECESSARY IF SALVATION COULD BE ASSURED!
10. Can anyone’s salvation be assured?
Only by a direct infusion of knowledge by God personally. EXTREMELY RARE
11. Christ Instituted Seven Sacraments. WHY?
Faith is impossible without God’s grace.
Salvation even once attained can be lost
God Created the seven Sacraments as a source of NEEDED grace and demonstrates His unphantomable love for humanity by allowing humanity themselves to control the flow of these graces into our souls; thus having a HUGE effect on ones POSSIBLE salvation.
12. What are the minimum requires of “justification?”
Baptism [John 3:5]; Faith through grace [Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8]; Dying in the “state of grace [no unconfessed / unforvien Mortal sins [John 20:23 and Matt. 5:48]; Acts of charity [1st. Peter 1:7 and James 2]… AMEN!
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