Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 04:13 (Dec 2000)
Article: The Catholic View Of Justification By Faith
Author: Mal Couch

CTJ 4:13 (December 2000) p. 370

The Catholic View Of Justification By Faith

Mal Couch

President & Professor of Theology & Languages
Tyndale Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX

Below is the second article in a ten-part series on Catholic Theology and Dogma. Almost all of the material quoted comes from books and articles approved by the Catholic Church. The first article in the March 2000 JOURNAL dealt with the Catholic view of the Church. It is hoped that many Catholics will read these articles and arrive at a conviction of the unbiblical nature of Catholic Theology. It is also hoped that Evangelicals reading this material will understand why it’s impossible for Catholics and Evangelicals to join hands in spiritual endeavors.

Many modern American Catholics argue, “The Church used to teach that salvation comes only through the Church. But it no longer holds this view.” On this and many other doctrines Catholics are not taught the truth about the doctrines proclaimed by Rome. Many contemporary priests want to round off the rough edges of Catholic dogma. They tell Catholics and outsiders that the Church has changed and that it is an open-armed, all-encompassing Mother with arms beckoning to Protestants. Indeed, the window dressing has changed; and Catholic public relations is re-designing the image of the Church to appear more friendly. But none of this has altered the core beliefs.

This is certainly true of the doctrine of justification by faith.

CTJ 4:13 (December 2000) p. 371

What The Catholic Church Teaches

Using a Catholic seminary textbook by one of the most revered Catholic scholars, Ludwig Ott, one is able to read exactly what the Church has always believed about salvation and justification by faith. (Funda, pp. 229–42) Ott quotes copiously the Medieval Church Fathers and the Church Councils. From these writings, rather than from the Scriptures, the Catholic position becomes clear. In essence, the Church believes that grace simply starts the justification process that then must be matured by the sacraments of the Church, as well as by good works.

Justification is a Process Not a Completed Work by Imputation

Ott writes, “supernatural grace is absolutely necessary for the beginning of faith and of salvation” (p. 229). (Italics added) Ott adds, “The Council of Trent similarly teaches that the starting-point of justification is the antecedent grace of God” (p. 230). To complete salvation, which to the Catholic is to complete the long process of holding on to faith, the Lord gives “the influence of immediate enlightening and strengthening grace” (Ibid).

No Catholic lives in assurance of his salvation. He never knows if ...