the bidding of one's confessor, or voluntarily, and by…
““the bidding of one's confessor, or voluntarily, and by patiently accepting trials and sufferings. This is the ex press teaching of the Tridentine Council: "If anyone saith that satisfaction for sins, as to their temporal pun ishment, is nowise made to God through the merits of Jesus Christ, by the punishments inflicted by Him and patiently borne, or by those enjoined by the priest, nor even by those voluntarily undertaken, as by fastings, prayers, almsdeeds, or by other works of piety; ... let him be anathema." 29 It is likewise an article of faith that the penitential works just described in some manner actually blot out the temporal punishments due to sin. That this effect is produced not merely per satisfactionem de congruo, but likewise, and in particular, per satisfactionem de condigno, may be deduced from the condemnation of a certain proposition espoused by Baius. 30 However, this is not de fide dogmatic a. Proof, a) The just man can acquire super natural merits de condigno by performing good works. 31 Now between merit and satisfaction there is no formal but only a material distinction, based on their respective effects. Merit increases sanctifying grace and effects eternal beatitude;””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The text argues that true satisfaction for sin is not achieved through human‑performed works or merits, but through divine grace, distinguishing merit (which adds grace) from satisfaction (which removes temporal punishment).
In simple terms: Divine grace, not human works, resolves sin’s punishment.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine grace rather than relying on personal merit.
Themes
theology
penance
grace
merit
sin
church doctrine
Mood
reflective
serious
inquisitive
Type
theological
doctrinal
When to use this quote
- confession
- penitential practices
- spiritual counseling
- theological study
Key Concepts
sacramental theology
canonical law
spiritual discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you understand the role of works in salvation?
- Can merit ever truly replace divine grace?
A Different Perspective
Human efforts may give a false sense of security, leading to neglect of true repentance.