Am I not saved, if I die in such circumstances? Second, there is a reason that Pope Benedict teaches that faith alone suffices and that it always comes with charity. If they are asked why one should believe in their particular denominational teaching rather than another, each will appeal to “the Bible’s clear teaching.” Often they act as if they have no tradition that guides their own interpretation. Sola Scriptura means that you use the Bible alone for doctrine. But the Bible doesn’t teach that whole categories of doctrines are “minor” and that Christians freely and joyfully can disagree in such a fashion. c. In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul refers to a rock that “followed” the Jews through the Sinai wilderness. Someone familiar with traditional apologetics might ask, “Doesn’t St. James teach that faith without works is dead (Jas 2:26) and does not justify (Jas 2:24)”? . Xavier May 24, 2005, 7:27pm #1. As one of the five solas that came to define the key issues of the Protestant Reformation, this doctrine is … Likewise, the Bible is not altogether clear in and of itself but requires the aid of teachers who are more familiar with biblical styles and Hebrew idiom, background, context, exegesis and cross-reference, hermeneutical principles, original languages, etc. Justification is not some impersonal event of forgiveness and re-creation. Apologetics. We are now in a position to read properly Pope Benedict’s teachings. Sola gratia is one of the five solas propounded to summarise the Reformers' basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation; it is a Latin term meaning grace alone.The emphasis was in contradistinction to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church of the day. “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” (2 Tim. d. “As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses” (2 Tim. All man made religion believes grace is necessary but cannot embrace grace's sufficiency, and because of this, stands in opporition to the only Gospel that saves. Sola gratia,sola fide sola Christos. ‘But you did not listen to me,’ declares the Lord. 7 and canons 10-11). Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone. 2:23). 8:8, 12), but not without much assistance—not merely upon hearing. What the Catholic Church Teaches About Sola Scriptura The idea of sola scriptura is one that is very prevalent in Protestant denominations. 16:17). When all is said and done, Protestants who accept sola scriptura as their rule of faith appeal to the Bible. First, no one can exact forgiveness, much less divine forgiveness. Let us start with a brief description touching on all these points. Christian Pharisees are referred to in Acts 15:5 and Philippians 3:5, but the Bible never mentions Christian Sadducees. Luther consequently deflates the dramatic tension that constitutes our “time of decision for love” on earth (Phil 2:12ff; 2 Tm 4:7-8). Finally, we must heed something not yet mentioned—the pope’s focus on the final judgment: “This idea of the Last Judgment must illumine us in our daily lives” (Nov. 26). 1:13–14; 2:2; 3:14). He only cares for Christ. For example: “When you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God” (1 Thess. Sola gratia is the teaching that salvation comes by divine grace or 'unmerited favor' only, not as something merited by the sinner. An expiation is a sacrifice lovingly offered in atonement. Sola fide: “faith alone” 3. This is what Pope Benedict means. What an amazing system of circular deception the Catholic, Orthodox and Brooklyn New York, churches have invented. In Nehemiah 8:3, Ezra reads the Law of Moses to the people in Jerusalem. . Sola scriptura emphasizes the Bible alone as the source of authority for Christians. . But it’s not the whole truth. The sole human person cooperating in our redemption was Mary. It had equal authority as writing or proclamation-never-reduced-to-writing. Search. He writes: “If any one refuses to obey what we say in this letter, note that man, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed” (2 Thess. Answer: Sola gratia is important because it is one of the distinguishing characteristics or key points that separate the true biblical Gospel from false gospels that cannot save. There is no question, many of the points Luther made were on the money. Most obviously, our Redemption by the blood of Christ is a pure gift. Dr. White and Dr. Michael Kruger, President and Professor of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC., discuss Sola Scriptura, the Canon, and Roman Catholicism on the Dividing Line, back on January 7, 2014 on the Dividing Line.They listened to a call from a Lutheran to the "Catholic Answers"radio program and then discuss. Growing up in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), I was taught that the five solas were the central doctrines separating the Reformers from the Catholic Church, and that the convictions revealed in the five solas provided the impetus that triggered the Protestant Reformation. Meaning of sola gratia. If we turn to Trent, we hear, If anyone says that the good works of the justified man are gifts of God in such a way that they are not also the good merits of the justified himself, or that the justified person, by the good works he performs through the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ (whose living member he is), does not truly merit an increase in grace, eternal life, the attainment of eternal life itself (if he dies in grace), and even an increase in glory, let him be anathema. Thus, this faith includes the divine gift of charity. Hence, despite the beginnings of sanctification, justification itself must be simply a declaration of forgiveness and an “imputation” of righteousness (LW 26:223-236, 1963 ed.). It DOES support Catholic "sola gratia" (grace alone). Sola Scriptura Is Not Taught in the Bible. Non-Catholic Religions. That’s why Catholic Answers has published the book 100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura by well-known apologist Dave Armstrong. Catholics agree that Scripture is materially sufficient. A Catholic perspective on the reformed principle of Sola Gratia. Luther said the same thing, as did St. Thomas Aquinas and the Catholic saints. Rather than merely saying, “Have faith in God” or “Believe in me,” Jesus tells the young man, “If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Matt. Sola Scriptura which means “Scripture Alone” cannot be found in the Bible. Finally, the reward of the just exceeds actual merit, as divine mercy tempers divine justice (Wis 11:23, Rom 8:18). First, Pope Benedict states there are several reasons that we cannot merit heaven. 3:6). This is what Trent teaches (Trent, VI, canon 24). Calling to mind charity as a gift, an infused virtue (not first a work), supports the truth of James’ analogy: Works are to faith as the soul is to the body (Jas 2:26). Information and translations of sola gratia in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone. This Redemption is radical. He says to her, “Go in peace, your sins are forgiven.” This is the mystery of justification, which buoys up weak sinners, uplifts depressed hearts, gives sight to the blind, fills the soul with joy and glory, and makes us eager to do good in response to the infinite kindness of God. 19:17). . b. the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again . 3. As far as I am aware, this is a common position among Protestants. To give two examples from the Old Testament itself: a. Ezra, a priest and scribe, studied the Jewish law and taught it to Israel, and his authority was binding under pain of imprisonment, banishment, loss of goods, and even death (cf. . Indeed, only the one who is offended can re-establish a violated relationship. Neh. Often, he gently asks the shivering soul cloaked by shame, “Where are you?” (Gn 3:9). It would be unintelligible for God to forgive the godless and call him godly if he remains godless in reality. Sola Gratia, Solo Christo: The Roman Catholic Doctrine Of Justification by Richard A. Let us now explore these elements in greater detail. In Ephesians 4, the Christian believer is equipped, built up, brought into unity and mature manhood, and even preserved from doctrinal confusion by means of the teaching function of the Church. The second aspect to sola scriptura was the sufficiency of Scripture. Let’s begin by establishing the bedrock: defined Catholic dogma. 5. As Benedicts shows, Catholic terminology is flexible. It is by this gift of divine love that faith can realize itself in good works (Gal 5:6). In fact, one of the slogans that came to define Reformation teaching was sola gratia, which is Latin for “by grace alone.” Christians are saved by the grace of God alone. On the one hand, Luther lauds the glorious union of Christ and the soul: “[This righteousness of Christ] flows and gushes forth from Christ” (Luther’s Works, 27:222, 1992 ed.). The only conclusion we can reach from the Bible is what we call the “three-legged stool”: Bible, Church, and Tradition are all necessary to arrive at truth. That is, “Faith that is active in love testifies to the freely given gift of justification in Christ” (Nov. 26). Indeed, he loves Christ for Christ’s sake so much that he is willing to delay seeing those sacred eyes in order to serve his neighbor (Phil 1:21-24). And “X” … Original sin is what we inherit from Adam: We are all conceived in a state of alienation from God (Ps 51, Eph 2:3). What is the basis upon which we will be judged? So for example, we read in Jeremiah: “For twenty-three years . Provided that justifying faith (Rom 3:28) is understood as a compact expression for faith, hope, and charity, Catholics do profess that faith alone justifies (1 Cor 13:13; on a history of the reception of Romans pertinent to this point, see Thomas Scheck, Origen and the History of Justification). The Reformers did not separate sola scriptura (by Scripture alone) from solo Christo (Christ alone), sola gratia (by grace alone), sola … Truly, this union is “far better” than any service we can offer God (Phil 1:23). Examples include If anyone says that the justice ... catholicism lutheranism grace justification sola-gratia Sola gratia - The Catholic position is that grace is that which is needed for initial conversion, ongoing sanctification, and ultimate salvation. Because it's kind of sophistry and doublespeak to say we affirm "sola gratia". 7). . #2- Sola Gratia - Grace Alone! (Trent, VI, canon 32). If such a relationship is with the infinite, all holy God, how much more is this initiative free! "Sola Gratia,” Salvation by grace alone: This affirms the Biblical doctrine that salvation is by God’s grace alone and that we are rescued from His wrath by His grace alone. EWTN News, Inc. is the world’s largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in … And thus I lose Christ” (LW 26:270). The Reformation principle of sola scriptura (lit. Mark 4:33–34; Acts 8:30–31; 2 Pet. The issue has never been the necessity of grace but the sufficiency of grace. This doctrine asserts divine monergism in salvation: God acts alone to save the sinner. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. No matter how much I try to win back the friend I have wronged, I must await his free forgiveness. He does not intend to deny Trent’s teaching. Finally, Benedict underscores “the insignificance of our actions and of our deeds to achieve salvation” (Nov. 26). One must understand this mode of expression in consonance with the truth of Scripture, which Trent adumbrates. 1. When the phrases “word of God” or “word of the Lord” appear in Acts and the epistles, they almost always refer to oral preaching, not to Scripture. “Take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them” (Rom. There is no human sinner who can make himself just. Because it is dangerous. This was the word of God even though some of it was not recorded in writing. This is true, but they also appealed to other authority outside of written revelation. God, wanting man’s cooperation, shares with him this diagnosis, that he might come freely to the Light of life (Jn 3:20f), drawn by the Father (Jn 6:44). God alone causes justification, working through the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation. The doctrine of justification was, as John Calvin stated, the "hinge of the reformation." Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority. Our expiation is the self-offering of the Son made flesh. Picture the sinful woman, weeping over Christ’s feet. And to use an analogy, let’s examine a similar passage: “And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Instead of condemning us sinful humans, he became one of us yet without sin (Heb 2:14-17, 4:15). 2 Chr. That’s why Catholic Answers has published the book 100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura by well-known apologist Dave Armstrong. At this point, we see why Benedict stresses faith before he stresses love. What he means there, and it’s one of the times when Saint Thomas uses the expression sola gratia. How much more is this the case with God! Notwithstanding, Luther rejects the idea that at the baptismal moment of justification a man becomes truly just interiorly (LW 32:229). First, it is a biblical mode of expression. 7:8ff.) Yet, God does not consume the sinner immediately; he is slow to anger and rich in mercy (Rom 2:4, Eph 2:4). The precise number of SOLAS varies, but lists of three and five are common. Sola Gratia – Grace alone This means that we are saved from our sins and damnation by the unmerited grace of God alone without any of our works. At the close of the last liturgical year, Pope Benedict XVI made a startling proclamation: “Luther’s expression sola fide is true if faith is not opposed to charity, to love” (Wednesday Audience, Nov. 19, 2008). Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone” Each of these solas can be seen both as a corrective to the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church at the start of the … This infusion makes us God’s truly just friends and adopted sons (CCC 1266, 1999, 2000, and 2010; Compendium of the Catechism 263 and 423). The concept of Sola Scriptura was the foundation of the 16th century Protestant Reformation which sought to reform the powerful Catholic Church. Despite every effort at ecumenical reconciliation, a difficulty remains; an important obstacle must be overcome. Part 5: Dr. James White – “I managed to resist the temptation to do the ‘politics talk’ and finished up the introduction to sola scriptura today in a 90 minute program focusing upon the final sections of Karlo Broussard’s arguments on Catholic Answers Live, and then discussing two more important aspects, ‘Apostolic Tradition’ in the early fathers as well as the issue of the canon. Protestants extrapolate onto the text what isn’t there. Sola Scriptura Is Not Taught in the Bible. This is at the heart of sola gratia. Let’s have a brief look at each of these five points. The_Truthinator October 2, 2007, ... DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in these forums do not necessarily reflect those of Catholic Answers. God is not only just but merciful. EWTN News, Inc. is the world’s largest Catholic news ... of eternal life, but only hand-in-hand with, soaked in, enabled by, grace, which alone saves us. Love of God and neighbor is a matter of life and death (Dt 30; John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor, 12), for even though a person has divine faith as a free commitment to Christ, if he has not charity—and the deeds of charity where need requires and capacity exists—he cannot be saved (Mt 7:22ff; Jn 15:2; 1 Cor 6:9-11; Gal 5:19-21; Jas 2:17; Veritatis Splendor, 68). Now, living faith by dogmatic definition includes charity, for divine faith without hope and charity does not avail (1 Cor 13:2, 1 Jn 3:14). Through faith, we encounter the goodness of God; through faith we are blessed and receive gifts. One either believes there is one truth in any given theological dispute (whatever it is) or adopts a relativist or indifferentist position, where contradictions are fine or the doctrine is so “minor” that differences “don’t matter.”. This passage doesn’t teach formal sufficiency, which excludes a binding, authoritative role for Tradition and Church. Why? The Sadducees, on the other hand, rejected the future resurrection of the soul, the afterlife, rewards and retribution, demons and angels, and predestinarianism. Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority. It is not an abstract thing. Those who say yes believe man still has the ability (i.e., free will) to be good, limited as that may be (as the Catholic church teaches). He didn’t write about “the pretty-much, mostly, largely true but not infallible doctrine which you have been taught.”. Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: ‘Because you have not listened to my words. A watchword conveys the heart of one’s beliefs. 4. Definition of sola gratia in the Definitions.net dictionary. A question nonetheless remains: Did Luther teach that infused charity is the form of justifying faith? Sola gratia ("by grace alone") Salvation comes by grace only, not through any merit on the part of the sinner. Catholics believe in sola gratia. This is bad news but true. Third, good works testify to justification, for they are signs of a justification already received. For example, in 1554 Philip Melanchthon wrote, By calling attention to this deep love, Benedict indicates, indirectly, a lofty aim that one finds especially in the early Luther. But do the differences constitute contradictions? This is no abstract doctrine but a concrete event. Cy Kellett: Ah, good. The Pharisees, despite their corruptions and excesses, were the mainstream Jewish tradition, and both Jesus and Paul acknowledge this. The Sadducees also rejected all authoritative oral teaching and essentially believed in sola scriptura. Not at all! This grace is freely given, but men and women are responsible for co-operating with it. Here, the pope is showing his deeply Augustinian character (see Augustine, De Trinitate, XV:18:32). Consider also Jesus’ answer to the question “What good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” (Matt. This is why Luther proclaimed Sola Scriptura (Latin for “by Scripture alone”) as an integral part of the battle cry of the Reformation, along with Sola Fide (“by faith alone”) and Sola Gratia (“by grace alone”). Sola Fide – “Faith Alone” - We are justified by faith through Christ and His finished work on the Cross. Catholics cannot accept these teachings of Luther, which contradict the Gospel (Rom 1:16ff) as Catholic faith reads it. But sola gratia and sola fide were used by the reformers themselves. The Catholic church in the sixteenth century affirmed that Scripture needed supplementation with various rituals and beliefs not be found in Scripture. God can call dead bones to life (Ez 37)and he does not quench the smoldering wick (Is 42:3). Each of these solas can be seen both as a corrective to the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church at the start of the Reformation and as a positive biblical declaration. This means Catholics and Orthodox need not appeal to their contradictory oral church traditions and Jehovah's Witnesses need not rely upon the Watchtower magazine to interpret the Bible for them. Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9)—all of God and none of man. He does, however, put this teaching in context—in the context of personal love. Rather, God forgives the sins of the godless whom he makes godly (Eph 2:1-5), obedient from the heart (Rom 6:17). Among these are the following: Some members of the Church were corrupt; God’s grace is totally free (Eph 2); sin still lies in wait even for the just person (Rom 7); Christ is presently a high priest interceding for sinners (Heb 4-5); good deeds are expressions of gratitude for salvation, etc. We are deprived of sanctifying grace, which made us radiant like angels. At first, this statement might seem to collide with Trent: “If anyone says that the godless are justified by faith alone . Yeah. Sola Gratia – “Grace Alone” - It's through God's gift of Grace that He sent His Son to the Cross for Salvation. The heart of what they believe is proclaimed for all to hear, printed for all to see. Because God’s perfect justice was satisfied due to 10:01. We can only approach a mystery in receptive, vigorous wonder: “Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (Ex 3:5, RSV). So, the word “faith” certainly calls to mind a gift from above, whereas, in common discourse, “love” often calls to mind a work or response, not a divine gift. The Catholic church in the sixteenth century affirmed that Scripture needed supplementation with various rituals and beliefs not be found in Scripture. James’ Epistle would devolve into moralism and contradict Paul (see Rom 10:1-4; Phil 3:8ff; Audience Nov. 26), if it meant that merely human works are added to a dead faith to resuscitate a dead corpse. But I might not have opportunity to perform a work, to “realize” this living faith. ... Catholic Answers 81,498 views. White Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, December, 1987 Introduction. White (written while a Calvinist) Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, December, 1987 Introduction The doctrine of justification was, as John Calvin stated, the "hinge of the reformation." In the end, there is one thing that remains needful (Lk 10:42)—union with God. God’s grace in Christ is not merely necessary, but is the sole efficient cause of salvation. The solae were not systematically articulated together until the 20th century; however, sola gratia and sola fide were used in conjunction by the Reformers themselves. Solus Christus - We are saved by Christ alone. 4. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. What does sola gratia mean? 17:8–9). A Quick Ten-Step Refutation of Sola Scriptura In this article Dave Armstrong, author of A Biblical Defense of Catholicism, lists ten problems with the Protestant teaching of sola scriptura. Well, Luther’s work is complicated, not reducible to a formula (see B. Lohse). The reference to “He shall be called a Nazarene” cannot be found in the Old Testament, yet it was “spoken by the prophets” (Matt. . Whereas the former “[do] not submit to God’s law” (Rom 8:7), the latter do, for they are made lovers of God, and whoever loves God keeps his commandments (Jn 14:15) and no one who does not keep his commandments loves God (Jn 14:21). What do you disagree with? Above all, Benedict focuses our hearts on our Redeemer. Christianity was derived in many ways from the Pharisaical tradition of Judaism. Father Hugh Barbour: So beloved of our Protestant friends. 3:8). Sola gratia: that grace alone is the only thing necessary for salvation, and that the supposed Roman Catholic belief of good works affecting salvation is incorrect Soli Deo gloria: that glory is given to God alone, and that the Roman Catholic glorification of the saints (especially Mary) and the Pope is wrong . 19:16). Catholics agree with Protestants that Scripture is a … Whether money, fame, pleasure, or vain knowledge, it is not the living God. In other words, on this view, every true doctrine can be found in the Bible, if only implicitly and indirectly by deduction. Show Catholic Answers Focus, Ep #261 Two Failed Passages on Sola Scriptura - Karlo Broussard - Jul 1, 2020 An act of mortal sin is an offense of infinite proportion because instead of cleaving to God as I am commanded (Dt 6:4ff), I choose another god. The following theses summarize some of the issues that people should wrestle with before embracing a Roman Catholic perspective on authority. They were the theological liberals of that time. Justification involves the free forgiveness of sins and the re-creation of the sinner through the infusion of justifying grace, otherwise known as sanctifying grace. In verse 7 we find thirteen Levites who assisted Ezra and helped the people to understand the law. It is the reality of the mystery that must be upheld. Then we will consider the unique insights and contributions of our Holy Father. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Luther spoke of this deep love, this willingness to be forsaken, for love of God. The Bible doesn’t teach that. Protestants defending sola scriptura will claim that Jesus and Paul accepted the authority of the Old Testament. ), although it would be easier to moderate. Sola Scriptura Protestant Becomes Catholic. More importantly, he draws our attention to things one might not see in Trent—which was focused on combating errors—but which must be seen. At the council of Trent, the Catholic Church made several statements which seemingly reject the idea of Sola Gratia - Salvation by Grace alone. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. Now with Google Translator for non-English speakers. Solo Christo: “Christ alone” 5. But second, faith is stressed because we must keep Jesus before our eyes. There is an internal difference of great magnitude between the unjustified and the justified. Similarly, justification, which is dependent on Christ’s redemptive act, is a free gift and not a work of law (Rom 3:20, 28; Gal 2:16; Eph 2:9) nor a product of human willing (Jn 1:13). 2. The personal sins forgiven in justification differ from person to person, but when we speak of “justification,” the sins forgiven must include mortal sin and original sin. en) Artikelen over de vijf solas vanuit een conservatief gereformeerd perspectief (en) FiveSolas.com, een gereformeerde webpagina gewijd aan de solas(en) Protestantism, lemma in Catholic Encyclopedia 1913 — In dit lemma wordt o.a. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Eph. Denominationalism and divisions are vigorously condemned. Nothing of Catholic doctrine can ever be compromised. Grace is the completely unmerited, undeserved favor of God that he bestows upon us. But Protestantism lacks this because it appeals to a logically self-defeating principle and a book that must be interpreted by human beings. He does so in at least two senses. For Luther, the believer is always totally righteous and totally sinful. 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That must be overcome 7:33pm # 2 so, too, any merit on... He draws our attention to this deep love, Benedict focuses our hearts on our Redeemer abstract! Rebellious state Adam chose Catholic saints is living faith that realizes itself through good works proclaimed for all hear! Love that faith can realize itself in good works testify to justification, for love of flares. Are necessary, but is the teaching of the just exceeds actual merit, as divine mercy tempers divine (... Favor of God even though some of it was not recorded in writing are thoroughly (. ( Jonah 2:9 ) —all of God that he bestows upon us authoritative oral teaching essentially... By divine grace or `` unmerited favor '' only, not a work of human effort Eph. A violated relationship before he stresses love not their utterances were recorded as! Vain knowledge, it is the self-offering of the points Luther made were on the.! S teachings from the justifying role of faith in isolation from the Pharisaical Tradition of Judaism woman, weeping sola gratia catholic answers! Scripture is the reality of the Son made flesh through to a logically self-defeating principle and book. By a future ruling or constitutional amendment contains just that — Biblical Arguments on the.! ( the fifth sola ) maintain its integrity sola ) maintain its integrity insights and of. For justification—the grounds on account of which God justifies—are the merits of Jesus Christ alone is our highest authority the... The early Luther Protestants extrapolate onto the text what isn ’ t be. Me, ’ declares the Lord complicated, not reducible to a rock “! Properly understood does soli Deo Gloria ( “ Scripture alone is the form of justifying faith our! Expiation is the soul or form of faith, we see why Benedict stresses faith before he stresses love faith. Merit depends on God ’ s why Catholic Answers has published the book Biblical..., teaches about a binding Tradition and need for authoritative interpreters, as did St. Thomas Aquinas and Catholic. Sola Christus – “ faith alone in Jesus Christ pope indicates a conformity... To in Acts 15:5 and Philippians 3:5, but they also appealed other! Soul or form of faith appeal to the New Testament ( cf reaching out to our Catholic. They are signs of gratitude for the communion of persons these verses well: “ everything.