them for Christ's sake; and they begin to love Him as the fountain of all justice; and are for that reason moved against sins by a certain hatred and detestation, that is to say, by that penitence[1] which must be performed before baptism: lastly, when they propose to receive baptism, to begin a new life, and to keep the divine commandments. Concerning this disposition it is written, He that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and is a rewarder to them that seek him;[2] and, Be of good cheer, son, thy sins be forgiven thee;[3] and, The fear of the Lord driveth away sin;[4] and, Do penance, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost;[5] and, Going, therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;[6] finally, Prepare your hearts unto the Lord.[7]
CHAPTER VII.
What is the Justification of the Impious, and what are its Causes.
This disposition, or preparation, justification itself follows, which is not merely the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the inward man, through the voluntary reception of the grace and gifts, whereby man from unjust becomes just, and from an enemy a friend, that so he may be an heir according to the hope of eternal life.[8]
Of this justification the causes ore these: the final [cause] indeed is the glory of God and of Christ, and eternal life; while the efficient cause is the merciful God, who gratuitously washes and sanctifies,[9] sealing, and anointing with the holy Spirit of promise, who is the earnest of our inheritance;[10] but the meritorious cause is His most beloved only-begotten, our Lord Jesus Christ, who, when we were enemies,[11] for the great charity wherewith he loved us,[12] merited justification for us by His most holy Passion on the wood of the cross, and for us made satisfaction unto God the Father; the instru-
- ↑ Cf. Sess. xiv. 4.
- ↑ Heb. xi. 6
- ↑ Matt. ix. 5.
- ↑ Eccl. i. 21 (Apocrypha)
- ↑ Acts ii. 38. The "do penance" (pœnitentiam agite) is the Romanish translation of μετανοήσατε, which properly signifies "change your hearts, repent."
- ↑ Matt. xxviii. 19.
- ↑ 1 Sam. vii. 3.
- ↑ Titus iii. 7.
- ↑ 1 Cor. vi. 11.
- ↑ Ephes. i., 13, 14
- ↑ Rom. v. 10.
- ↑ Ephes. ii. 4
d
