I have found, in most cases, when Protestants contradict Catholic doctrine, they are wrong, but not entirely. What I mean to say is that the Catholic Church is always right, Catholic doctrine contains no error. But, at the same time, Protestant doctrine contains a grain of truth. Just as an example. Faith alone is dead. But faith is necessary for justification. Faith, in this case, is the grain of truth in the Protestant doctrine. They have simply left out the works necessary to prove that faith (James 2:14).
In this case, although Scripture never expressly states that “transference of righteousness occurs from Christ to the believer”. However, it is clear that there is some sort of transference going on. Scripture says:
Romans 5:
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
This is not an “empty handed” transference however.
As Romans 2:13 says:
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
So that shows that righteousness is “credited”. And is there any difference between “credited” and “merited”? Those who do the law, have “merited” justification.
This idea is very Sacramental because, as any Catholic knows, we present ourselves to receive the Eucharist (and thus eternal life) only in a proper attitude and disposition of faith and in a state of grace.
Any thoughts?
Sincerely,
De Maria
Romans 5:
19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
This is not an “empty handed” transference however.
As Romans 2:13 says:
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Sincerely,
De Maria