Council of Trent, 1545-1563, Roman Catholic Church

Is justification the gift of God or does it require human effort
1. God does not just make people righteous, they must become righteous. Needs effort.
  1. "In Christ God was... not counting their sins against them" 2 Corinthians 5:19
What is the relationship between faith and good works?
1. Good works are required as a condition for ultimate justification [cooperation]
  1. Grace is a gift, it cannot be earned. [so good works not required, just faith alone]
What is the relationship between justification and the sacraments?
1. Justification has two phases: 1)baptism 2)eucharist, penance, good works
  1. Eternal life is a gift from God (Romans 6:23) [sacraments not required for justification]
Can people know they are justified?
1. People can be relatively but not absolutely assured of their salvation/justification
  1. All you need to do to be saved is believe. (John 6:29) [Just believe and you can know]
Can people earn justification through good works?
1. At first, justification happens by grace, but works are needed thereafter
  1. Good works are not necessary for salvation, but salvation produces good works.

Resource summary

	Created by Mabel South about 7 years ago