Pilgrim writes:
In reply to:


[color:purple]As far as sola fide is concerned, the only plausible explanation I have heard from Protestantism is the statement of "justification is by faith alone, but not a faith that is alone" (RC Sproul, Faith Alone, p 155). That statement from Sproul (and others) makes doublespeak of sola fide, for what is "faith alone, but not a faith that is alone?" RC is saying that something else is necessary to go along with faith (reconciling Protestantism to James 2:24) stating works are necessary to show a saving faith.

I often wonder how it is that Roman Catholics, especially those who have come out of Protestantism and claim to have understood Protestant dogma can make such statements as yours!!

[color:purple]Scott replies: "Protestant dogma?" Isn't that an oxymoron?

Whether you choose to agree or disagree with the doctrine of Sola Fide, it is certainly logical and easily comprehended. What R.C. Sproul and all those who adhere to the biblical formulation of Sola Fide are saying is that JUSTIFICATION is a judicial declaration whereby a sinner is legally pronounced "not guilty" based upon SOLELY upon the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ's vicarious substitutionary atonement effectively and completely satisfied the law of God for the elect in His death. And, likewise those same elect are given His perfect righteousness. Thus they stand LEGALLY righteous (alien righteousness) and therefore are not subject to judgment; that judgment having been executed on the cross. Because, the elect are also regenerated (a necessary means to salvation), in the application of Christ's meritorious vicarious substitutionary atonement for the elect, good works naturally flow from that new nature created within them.

[color:purple]Scott replies: So, is it sola fide or fides + opus? If "good works naturally flow from that new nature created within them" then faith is not alone, for it is "naturally accompanied" by works. You added a lot of text to say the exact same thing I quoted from RC Sproul - "faith alone, but not a faith that is alone." If your faith has no works, it is not a saving faith, so faith alone is NOT a saving faith. That is where sola fide fails.

It is often the case that many modern Protestants in addition to most Catholics, err in making "faith" a work, i.e., the proximate CAUSE of justification, which is annexed to Christ's atonement, which ALONE is acceptable and meritorious. There is absolutely NO VALUE, NOR MERIT in faith. For even that faith is a gift of God which terminates infallibly in Christ and His work.

[color:purple]Scott replies: I have never said "faith is a work." Is this a diversionary tactic to get me to argue for (or against) something I did not even say?

Thus, the Scriptures and the Reformed doctrine of "Sola Fide" clearly teach that justification is the declaration of being not guilty and sanctification is the natural expression of one justified; having been given a new nature that naturally seeks to conform to God's perfect law and which are anterior to justification and having no effect upon it.

[color:purple]Scott replies: Well, again, IF we use Justification in the "final sense," Catholic have no disagreement with what you're saying.

In JMJ,
Scott<<<