Catholic Scripture

SANCTIFICATION & JUSTIFICATION

But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy,
he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that
we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
Titus 3, 4-7

Paul’s Epistle to Titus 3:4-7 emphasizes several key theological themes central to Catholic teaching, particularly regarding salvation, grace, and the nature of God. The text begins by highlighting the “kindness and generous love of God our Savior,” which reflects the core belief in God’s nature as loving and merciful. This kindness is not based on human merit or righteous deeds, but solely on God’s mercy. This underscores the fundamental Catholic understanding that salvation is a gift rather than something earned through good works.

The passage points out that God saved humanity “through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” This is interpreted as a reference to baptism, which Catholics view as essential for salvation. Baptism is seen as a sacrament that not only cleanses a person of original sin but also signifies a rebirth into the Christian faith, incorporating the believer into the Body of Christ.

The Holy Spirit is described as being “richly poured out” on believers. In Catholic teaching, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life of the Church and the individual believer, guiding, sanctifying, and renewing them. The renewal by the Holy Spirit is also a reminder of the ongoing sanctification process that occurs in a believer’s life.

Paul’s Epistle to Titus states that we are “justified by his grace,” emphasizing the Catholic doctrine of justification, which asserts that while humans can cooperate with God’s grace through faith and works, it is God’s grace that ultimately justifies and saves. This stands in alignment with the Catholic view that faith and works are interconnected in the process of salvation.

Paul concludes by stating that believers become “heirs in hope of eternal life.” This reflects the Catholic belief in the promise of eternal life through Christ and the importance of hope as a theological virtue. He highlights the hope offered to Catholics that, through God’s grace, they can attain eternal life in communion with Him.

In essence, Titus 3:4-7 encapsulates key elements of Catholic faith, particularly the transformative nature of God’s love and mercy, the significance of sacraments like baptism, the continued presence and action of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives, the role of grace in justification, and the ultimate hope of eternal life. These themes are foundational to Catholic teachings and the lived experience of faith within the Church.

Embracing the concept of putting on the new self begins with a foundational belief in God and His promises, which serve as the bedrock of our faith. This foundational understanding requires not just an acknowledgment of God’s existence but a deep, personal relationship characterized by love, trust, and faithfulness. Such a relationship is essential for inviting the Holy Spirit to take an active role in our lives. This invitation is a pivotal moment, enabling the Holy Spirit to guide us toward living a life that reflects faith, devotion, and the principles of love and compassion.

As we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, we embark on a transformative journey aimed at overcoming our flawed human nature. This transformation empowers us to aspire to “share in the divine nature,” a notion that emphasizes our call to reflect God’s character and attributes in our daily interactions. In doing so, we actively work to break free from the entrapments of our “evil desires” that arise in a “corrupt world.” Recognizing the challenges posed by societal influences, it becomes imperative to consciously enhance our faith by incorporating virtues into our lives.

This enhancement can include the pursuit of knowledge, which helps us deepen our understanding of Scripture and God’s will. Self-control, a vital virtue that encompasses temperance and moderation, is critical for resisting the temptations of excess and impulsive behavior that often arise from our desires. Furthermore, endurance—an unwavering perseverance during trials—strengthens our faith and cultivates resilience in the face of adversity.

The journey of spiritual growth is not solely for personal enrichment; it also deepens our devotion to God while inspiring us to extend genuine care for the interests of others. This love, which embodies unconditional support, becomes a powerful testament to faith in action. It flourishes in an environment of acceptance and encouragement, sustained by a steadfast commitment to perseverance in faith. Ultimately, our spiritual evolution not only enriches our relationship with God but also transforms us into beacons of hope and love in a world that often desperately needs both.

The infused theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity manifested by how we conduct our lives in the Spirit bear fruit (merit) that lasts to eternal life in and through the merits of our Lord and Saviour. We baptized members of Christ’s body, united with the Head, mustn’t slumber or be idle in our knowledge of the Lord, who has taught us how to live a life in grace as adopted children of God. We shall “never stumble” if we “make our call to the election firm” through the perseverance of faith. Those who do stumble gravely risk being barred from “entering God’s heavenly kingdom” (2 Pet 1:3-11).

Indeed, St. Augustine wisely teaches us that it is insufficient for us to be merely and formally declared justified based solely on the merits of Christ’s righteousness. To truly inherit the kingdom of heaven and be deemed just in the eyes of God, we must cultivate a righteousness of our own, which is developed through divine grace—grace made accessible to us through the meritorious work of our Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. This righteousness cannot be passive; it necessitates our active cooperation with God in His dispensation of grace. We are called to bear fruit that endures and leads to eternal life. As stated in the Gospel, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven will enter” (Mt 7:21). This underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will, highlighting that mere verbal acknowledgment of Christ is inadequate for our salvation.

God justly declares us to be inherently righteous and just in His sight, not due to any merit of our own but because of the transformative work He has completed in us through our collaboration with His grace (Eph 2:8-10). This partnership with the divine is essential; through our faith, combined with our works that reflect that faith, we fulfill our heavenly calling and cultivate a relationship with God that leads to eternal life.

Saving faith is characterized by active participation on our part. Simply having belief and knowledge is insufficient for achieving justification. Engaging in good works, particularly those driven by charity and grace, is essential for fulfilling our faith and positively impacting our souls. Through spiritual sacrifices and acts of self-denial, we replace our selfish desires with what aligns with God’s will. This process helps us to diminish our excessive self-love in favor of God’s love and goodness. Such actions are meritorious because they stem from divine grace. God considers us just because that aligns with His original intention, but this requires us to respond sincerely and invite the Holy Spirit to work within us.

“And since many saints participate in the Holy Spirit, He cannot, therefore, be understood to be a body, which being divided into corporeal parts, is partaken of by each one of the saints; but He is manifestly a sanctifying power, in which all are said to have a share who have deserved to be sanctified by His grace.”
Origen (A.D. 230)
First Principles, I:I,3

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