part 2 catholicism

Read Romans 5,6,7 they are primarly the focus of this topic.

Sin is that it is used to represent both the acts and the state of rebellion itself toward God.

This distinction is brought over toward its anti-type. It shows the same confusion. Obediance is both: of the acts (faithfulness) and of the state of trust and loyalty (faith).

The protestant idea of saving faith says that the faithfulness comes from the former (faith). In the same way the act of sin comes from reign of rebellion. It isn't a strectch from scripture. It is right there. This is the causal difference. This supports the statements of sin before the flood as well as about federal headship. This is how also how all die through one sin, and many are made righteous through one act of one man. The passage primarily deals with rebellion/power of sin in Romans 5. And most of Romans 6 does too.

Romans 7 deals almost solely with the acts of sin or things done "in sin". This is a subtle distiction from sin itself since rebellion most assuringly leads to the action in due time. They are both aptly called "sin". Romans 7 shows a constrast because there are two things at work in the members of the body. The spirit and the flesh. It also does not negate Romans six about being slaves of righteousness since it makes a distinction between inner and outer body. The protestant understanding of faith and faithfulness applies.

This means that the state of faith is before and contributing to faithfulness. This state of faith is suffiecent to save since it is the cause of the other. Saved by faith alone, not faith plus faithfulness (which is evaluated with acts done over time). This is why faith is the instrumental cause not faithfulness too. This is shown in how Abraham was accounted righteous before he was circumcised.

Yet, faith is more than assensus. It is shown true (and faithful) when it is of the "saving" variety. With this variety, God is effectual in bringing about faithfulness. Faith is the source, faithfulness the result.

This is because of God's faithfulness, not man's own. It is based upon the promises of new covenant life put forth in scripture. These promises are all based upon trust and faith, not on our faithfulness. It is apart from any law.

Lets look at Romans 3:3. The faithlessness of the jews does not nullify the faithfulness of God. Then, 2 Timothy 2:13. It is clearly not a question of man's faithfulness in these promises. It is a question of God's faithfulness. This does not reject any need for holiness or sanctification. (which consists primarily of faithfulness) It is not at all denying that God WILL in due time work and will that "faithfulness" into a person who is saved by faith alone through grace alone.