What do Catholics Believe About Justification? (w/ Jimmy Akin)

What does the Catholic church teach when it comes to the topic of Justification? If you're familiar with a bit of church history, you know that justification, and specifically the doctrine of justification by faith alone, sola fide, was at the heart of the Reformation. Churches have split, anathemas have been pronounced, and no small amount of ink has been shed on the topic of Justification. Since the Second Vatican Council, Protestants and Catholics have been participating in dialogues to see if perhaps they can come together on this doctrine. Most famously, in 1999 the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was signed between the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation. However, despite this progress, Catholics and Protestants remain divided, and many Protestants wonder what it is that Catholics teach about Justification. Do Catholics believe that we're justified by works? Can Catholics agree to the doctrine of justification by faith alone and what does all this talk about "merit" mean? In this interview, we tackle these questions and more as Jimmy Akin carefully guides us through a Catholic understanding of the doctrine of Justification.

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[darlameeks]

I recently converted to Catholicism after 49 years as a Protestant (since I was 11). 35 of those years I spent as an Episcopalian (before that, I was first a Baptist and then a non-denominational charismatic). I was exposed to Arminianism as a student at what is now Asbury University, and pretty much rejected any form of Calvinism (as I still do). Strangely, it was through the teachings of Anglican theologian and Bishop, N.T. Wright, that I learned about cooperating with God's grace. Wright also discusses the term "faith" as meaning "faithfulness" in many NT passages...so "faith" isn't just something you have; it's something you do. Years before that, a Catholic friend, who had also converted from Evangelicalism, this statement that helped me understand the Catholic position most simply: "Faith without works is dead. Works without faith is also dead." I would support this further from Hebrews 11, which starts out with the definition of faith and then moves on to describe a long list of OT saints who showed their faith by their works. "By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain's"..."By faith Enoch was taken...because he pleased God"..."By faith Noah...built an ark..."..."By faith Abraham, when called by God...obeyed...", and so forth. Scripture also discusses that those who endure to the end will be saved (through many tests and temptations, including persecutions). There isn't any "one and done" when it comes to justification...not in Catholic teaching, and not in the Bible, either. Our relationship with God is like any relationship...it must be cultivated, preserved, and maintained. God absolutely does His part in that, but we must also do ours. How do we do that? By God's grace.

[TheBibleCatholic]

Jimmy Akin is a walking encyclopedia. Great interview.

[csterett]

I like how he said that Catholics and Protestants often talk past each other, and not to one another. Your guests have always seemed to want to break things down to where the average person can understand it. They don't engage in attacks or talk down to people. I think that those of any faith who watch your channel can do so without being offended and relate to what's being said.

[JosephLachh]

Protestant here trying to understand what Catholics believe. Your video is a huge help. Thank you!

[truck]

Wow the point on "was I ever saved, I need to get saved NOW" Resonates so much with my current experience. Thank you Jimmy, I'm looking forward to studying more about Catholicism.

[paulnortham]

Jimmy and Austin are like time-lapse twins! Trying to outdo each other in politeness! Great conversation.

[sisirkattempudi]

Jimmy Akin is a Global Treasure. I'm serious. I have never heard anyone that's so open to evidence and yet has firm foundations. Super cool guy! I have really learned how to think properly and be kind to others from him.

[rosiegirl]

Jimmy Akin really does his homework!
He is a serious thinker...and willing to follow the evidence where ever it leads him, to get to the truth!
Which gives me tremendous confidence in his answers!
Wouldn't it be amazing to sit down at a diner, and have coffee with Jimmy Akin and Thomas Aquinis! ☕

[NR-xnji]

Thanks so much for this conversation, Austin! I’m a Protestant currently attending an Anglican Church which is a long way from my Baptist upbringing, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the liturgy and worship there. I’ve been watching all things Catholic for about the last year and although I’m not 100% convinced, I have learned so much about what Catholics believe and I have benefitted from it.

[phoult]

Trent Horn had a good analogy for "merit" vs "earn:"
When an employee does his work, he earns his paycheck from the employer, but when a child helps with household chores, he might merit a treat. The former is an act of justice while the latter is an act of charity. When we merit God's grace, he gives it to us from an overabundance of charity, rather than from a contractual justice.

[myronmercado]

You're choice of guests are just simply amazing Austin. Thank you.

[fsnicolas]

Thanks so much for giving Catholics this forum to explain our beliefs, Austin! I'm Catholic and even I didn't know the meaning of "let them be anathema." Once again, I pray for unity in the body of Christ that our witness to the world may become more powerful and effective. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

[valentinabiebie]

I can’t wait to listen to this one. I am a cradle Catholic and God has led me here to strengthen my faith and my knowledge about Catholic faith! I’ve been praying to God to open my eyes and ears to see the truth and he has answered my prayer! Your channel is one of them that gives me so many insights! Thank you and God bless you! 🙏🙏🙏

[carakerr]

Two of my favorite YouTubers! Thank you and God bless you 🙏💕🙏

[NicklasNylander]

Jimmy Akin is great. I could listen to this for hours.

[actsapologist]

On the one hand I'm delighted because there is none better than Jimmy Akin. On the other hand, I now see that it'd be redundant for us to do a team-up on this subject.

[JohnBoyX]

Wow Austin... The fruits of being invited to one Catholic bible study by your uncle are beyond measure. I love how God speaks to us in the language of life. Praying that you come Home soon.

[douglaswillian]

Please invite Jimmy Akin more often. Thank you for the teachings. A hug from Brazil.

[MrBloodWake]

Just found this channel. All the way from South Africa. This is a brilliant platform, and much needed for interdenominational dialogue. Well done and keep it up.

I'm Anglican, but found Mr. Akin's presentation really gracious, informative and compelling.

[caseymckee]

Please intercede for my salvation brothers and sisters! I have lived a very sinful life