Salvation & Grace
Justification and Grace
Justification is a real, gradual transformation worked by grace, not merely a legal declaration while sin remains unchanged within.
Catholic teaching
God's grace does not merely cover sin but truly cleanses and renews the soul, making the believer an adopted child who really participates in divine life. Justification begins at baptism, can grow through cooperation with grace, and can be lost through mortal sin, though it can never be earned by unaided human effort.
Biblical foundation
Paul teaches we are justified by grace through faith, apart from works of the Law, yet he also describes an ongoing process of being conformed to Christ and warns believers can fall from grace. Peter speaks of becoming 'partakers of the divine nature.'
Scripture references
Historical evidence
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) carefully defined justification as a real interior renewal by grace, responding to the Reformation while affirming, against Pelagianism, that grace alone initiates and sustains salvation.
The Church Fathers
“God, by cooperating with us, brings to perfection what he began by operating in us; since he who perfects by cooperation with us... first works so that we will.”