Justification by a 2nd Adam, the new human being

[Erick_Ybarra]

Hello everyone,

Does the following view fit in line with the Catholic view of justification?

I noticed that in Paul there is still the condition of obedience and righteousness in order to obtain eternal life (Rom 6:21-23). That is is a pre-requisite to bear fruits of righteousness in order to have eternal life, and that failure to put to death the deeds of the flesh will result in eternal hell (Rom 8:13).

But I also notice a difference in definition to the word “righteousness” in Romans Chapter 1-5 and the word “righteousness” in Rom 6-8.

Could it be that, just as we have an original sin from Adam from which explodes our own sin and our lives in the flesh, so also there is an original righteousness which Christ gives us which comes through the forgiveness of sin but which explodes forth the practice of righteousness which is conditional in order to enter eternal life?

 

[grannymh]

Hello everyone,

Does the following view fit in line with the Catholic view of justification?

I noticed that in Paul there is still the condition of obedience and righteousness in order to obtain eternal life (Rom 6:21-23). That is is a pre-requisite to bear fruits of righteousness in order to have eternal life, and that failure to put to death the deeds of the flesh will result in eternal hell (Rom 8:13).

But I also notice a difference in definition to the word “righteousness” in Romans Chapter 1-5 and the word “righteousness” in Rom 6-8.

Could it be that, just as we have an original sin from Adam from which explodes our own sin and our lives in the flesh, so also there is an original righteousness which Christ gives us which comes through the forgiveness of sin but which explodes forth the practice of righteousness which is conditional in order to enter eternal life?

I am not familiar with all the views on justification. However, when I see the reference to a “2nd Adam” I think of Romans 5 12-21 which points to the meaning of Original Sin as defined by Catholicism. In addition, I am not sure if I would describe Original Sin as something “which explodes our own sin and our lives in the flesh.” One of the results of Adam’s prideful disobedience is that his nature was wounded not destroyed.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition uses “original holiness and justice” as a description of Adam’s human nature before he freely scorned his Creator. Could justification after the Fall have two meanings? One meaning being close to redemption and the other referring to the process used by the individual to gain eternal life.

 

[Della]

The CCC tells us this:

416 By his sin Adam, as the first man, lost the original holiness and justice he had received from God, not only for himself but for all human beings.

417 Adam and Eve transmitted to their descendants human nature wounded by their own first sin and hence deprived of original holiness and justice; this deprivation is called “original sin”.

418 As a result of original sin, human nature is weakened in its powers, subject to ignorance, suffering and the domination of death, and inclined to sin (this inclination is called “concupiscence”).

Justification reverses these loses, but since they are a part of our fallen nature, we have the proverbial “one hand tied behind our back” because we are handicapped/wounded. This is why being virtuous is a constant battle and why we must be contiually on our guard against temptation to sin as well as fully cooperating with the grace God gives us.