Catholic Scripture

JUSTIFICATION

All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
as from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3, 18

Therefore, we are not discouraged;
instead, although our outer self is wasting away,
our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4,16

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation:
the old things have passed away;
behold, new things have come.
2 Corinthians 5, 17

The text from 2 Corinthians 3:18 reflects a profound theological concept about transformation through the work of the Holy Spirit. The verse emphasizes that individuals who engage with the glory of the Lord are not only gazing at it but are also being actively transformed into that same glory. This transformation occurs “from glory to glory,” suggesting a progressive journey of spiritual growth and maturity. Paul articulates that this ongoing transformation in believers is fundamentally driven by the Holy Spirit’s influence and work within them. Unlike the Reformed Protestant view of justification, which may be seen as a one-time declaration of righteousness through the concept of imputation, this understanding emphasizes an inner change that is both dynamic and continuous, often referred to as “infusion.”

This perspective suggests that a believer’s spiritual state is not a fixed point but rather an evolving journey characterized by growth and development over time. It is significantly shaped by their faith, which acts as a foundational pillar, and their active obedience to God’s commands as outlined in the deposit of faith. As believers earnestly seek the Lord and engage with His glory through practices such as heartfelt prayer, authentic worship, participation in the sacraments, and corporal works of mercy, they undergo a profound and transformative process. This journey is marked by a deep-seated change in their attitudes, behaviors, and values, enabling them to align more closely with the image of Christ. By embodying His love, compassion, humility, and righteousness in their daily lives, they reflect His character and virtues, becoming living testimonies of their faith to those around them. Such spiritual growth not only enriches their relationship with God but also enhances their ability to serve and positively impact their communities.

This understanding of faith presents the journey as an ongoing process of spiritual growth and maturation, rather than simply a one-time declaration of belief. It underscores the notion that becoming more Christ-like is a lifelong endeavor, one that intricately weaves together divine grace and human responsibility. This journey involves daily choices and actions that reflect the teachings of Christ, as well as the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within individuals. Ultimately, this holistic approach to faith encourages believers to view their spiritual lives as dynamic and evolving, ever drawing them closer to the likeness of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:16 presents an acute understanding of justification, viewing it not merely as a one-time event but as an ongoing, transformative journey that unfolds within us over time. This scripture emphasizes the duality of our existence by highlighting the distinction between our outer self—representing our physical body and its inevitable decline—and our inner self, which reflects our spiritual essence and potential for renewal. The phrase “outer self is wasting away” serves as a vivid reminder that, while our physical bodies may face deterioration and challenges as we age, our inner selves can experience daily renewal and revitalization through faith and spiritual growth. This dynamic process encourages believers to focus on cultivating their inner life, finding strength and hope in the continual transformation that occurs within, even amidst the trials of earthly existence.

Justification is a complex concept that unfolds gradually over time, rather than manifesting as an instantaneous declaration of righteousness. This perspective emphasizes that justification is not merely a legalistic or external validation; it is profoundly connected to the continual evolution of our inner nature and character. Each day presents myriad opportunities for personal growth, learning, and spiritual renewal, allowing individuals to reflect on their actions and motivations. This ongoing journey involves introspection, the development of virtues such as compassion and humility, and the pursuit of deeper understanding. As we engage with life’s challenges and experiences, we are invited to cultivate a richer inner life, ultimately leading to a more authentic sense of justification that resonates with our evolving self.

The notion of being “renewed day by day” embodies a dynamic and evolving relationship with faith and spirituality. This concept suggests that individuals actively engage in specific practices—such as prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts—that promote their ongoing inner transformation. As this process unfolds, it encourages believers to engage in meaningful self-reflection, examining their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in light of their spiritual values. By cultivating virtues such as compassion, patience, and humility, individuals can foster personal growth and enhance their character. Moreover, this continual renewal deepens their understanding of themselves and their unique spiritual journeys, allowing them to nurture a more heartfelt and intimate relationship with the divine. Through this ongoing commitment to inner work, individuals not only transform themselves but also positively impact their communities and relationships, embodying the principles of their faith in everyday life.

2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” This powerful verse from Paul highlights the transformative nature of being in a relationship with Christ. It signifies not just a moment of conversion, but rather an ongoing and dynamic process of spiritual renewal. The phrase “new creation” conveys a profound transformation in identity and purpose, implying that individuals who embrace faith in Christ undergo a radical metamorphosis. The term “old things” refers to past behaviors, thoughts, and patterns that no longer define the believer. Conversely, “new things” embody the fresh attributes, values, and spiritual life that emerge through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

This interpretation of justification as a continuous journey challenges the Protestant view, which often confines it to a one-time legal declaration of righteousness, akin to a judge pronouncing a verdict. Instead, Paul presents justification as an ongoing relationship with Christ, marked by growth, transformation, and deeper understanding. It emphasizes that faith initiates a lifelong process of inner renewal—a journey not only of ethical improvement but also of deepening communion with God and becoming increasingly reflective of Christ’s character. This nuanced perspective invites believers to engage actively in their spiritual development, encouraging them to embrace the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

This view of justification challenges the Protestant notion of faith as a static state of being. Instead, it presents spiritual growth as a dynamic and lifelong endeavor that necessitates daily choices and commitments. Each moment in life presents opportunities for introspection and self-examination, where believers are encouraged to reflect on their motivations and actions. As they navigate the complexities and challenges of various life situations—whether facing personal struggles, engaging with others in their communities, or encountering moral dilemmas—they have the chance to cultivate essential virtues such as humility, compassion, and love.

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, First Principles, I:I,3 (A.D. 230)

“For He was made man that we might be made God…”
Athanasius, Incarnation, 54 (A.D. 318)

“For what else does the phrase ‘being justified’ signify than being made righteous, — by Him, of course, who justifies the ungodly man, that he may become a godly one instead? For if we were to express a certain fact by saying, ‘The men will be liberated,’ the phrase would of course be understood as asserting that the liberation would accrue to those who were men already; but if we were to say, The men will be created, we should certainly not be understood as asserting that the creation would happen to those who were already in existence, but that they became men by the creation itself…In like manner, we attach one meaning to the statement, ‘God sanctifies His saints,’ and another to the words, ‘Sanctified be Thy name; ‘ for in the former case we suppose the words to mean that He makes those to be saints who were not saints before, and in the latter, that the prayer would have that which is always holy in itself be also regarded as holy by men, — in a word, be feared with a hallowed awe.”
Augustine, On the Spirit and the Letter, 26:45 (A.D. 412)

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