How is one saved?

[fhansen]

People are starting to get confused over the two uses of the term “justification”. One is an act of God, the other is an ongoing state. Understanding the difference makes these apparent contradictions vanish.

newadvent.org/cathen/08573a.htm

I think part of the difference relates to the Catholic position that justification can be lost. Gods’ act of justification in Baptism does not guarantee salvation, at least not for the adult because he must also “…pass through a moral preparation, which consists essentially in turning from sin and towards God. This entire process receives its first impulse from the supernatural grace of vocation (absolutely independent of man’s merits), and requires an intrinsic union of the Divine and human action, of grace and moral freedom of election, in such a manner, however, that the will can resist, and with full liberty reject the influence of grace (Catholic Encyclopedia)

This turning towards God is our conversion or metanoia and is an ongoing process that can be resisted or lost at any time. The increase in justification, I believe, means that there’s virtually no end to how much one can be transformed or brought closer to Gods’ image if they cooperate with His grace and plan for them. Holiness, it would appear, is a relative term for humans.

 

[Jerry-Jet]

We are gracefully saved by faith in Jesus provided that we coopearate with that grace and let it continue unimpeded by mortal sin through God willed works unto death.

 

[deanarrca]

We are gracefully saved by faith in Jesus provided that we coopearate with that grace and let it continue unimpeded by mortal sin through God willed works unto death.

I Like that. Nice and succint