CONTEMPORARY PELAGIANISM
An often overlooked Church teaching
52. The Church has repeatedly taught that we are justified not by our own works or efforts, but by the grace of the Lord, who always takes the initiative. The Fathers of the Church, even before Saint Augustine, clearly expressed this fundamental belief. Saint John Chrysostom said that God pours into us the very source of all his gifts even before we enter into battle.[53] Saint Basil the Great remarked that the faithful glory in God alone, for “they realize that they lack true justice and are justified only through faith in Christ”.[54]
[53] Cf. In Ep. ad Romanos, 9, 11: PG 60, 470.
[54] Homilia de Humilitate: PG 31, 530.
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