which the Holy Ghost communicates to our souls, and by which from sinners we are made just, children of God, and heirs of Heaven.
Together with sanctifying grace ' the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us' (Rom. V. 5). With it God enters into our hearts, according to the words of Jesus: 'If any one love me, my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him' (John xiv. 23). Through it we are born again children of God, and our soul receives supernatural life: ' Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God' (1 John iii, 1).
11. Why is sanctifying grace called 'a gratuitous gift'?
Because it is an entirely free gift, flowing from the compassionate love of God.
'For all have sinned, and do need the glory of God; being justified freely [i,e., without their desert] by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus' (Rom. iii. 23, 24).
12. Why is sanctifying grace also called ' Grace of Justification '?
Because by sanctifying grace man is justified — that is, passes from the state of sin to the state of righteousness and holiness.
13. What, then, does the justification of the sinner include?
Justification includes, 1. Cleanness from all grievous sins at least, together with the remission of eternal punishment; and 2. The sanctification and renewal of the interior man.
'You are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God' (1 Cor. vi. 11).
14. What first gives rise to the justification of the sinner?
God by grace enlightens the sinner, and excites him to turn to Him.
15. What must the sinner do on his part, in order to attain to justification?
