You haven’t described Pauline justification, but a Lutheran interpretation of Paul’s epistles. What this interpretation neglects is the need for repentance. That is the error that Trent addresses. Luther inserted the word alone next to Faith in Paul’s epistle. It does not appear in the text.
James 2 says that we are justified by works and not faith alone, and we can see what this means in modern Christianity. In the Protestant church’s I was in, they told me to just believe in Jesus and tell people that you are a Christian and you are saved. They did not stress repentance and holiness, and if someone did preach that, they were called legalistic or a hellfire and brimstone preacher
I was always told that you can never live free from sin, but the Bible doesn’t teach that.
Why does Trent anathematize faith alone? Because the Bible does. 1 Corinthians 13 says that if I have faith as to move mountains (by definition faith alone) and have not Charity, I am nothing. In the Protestant Churches I have attended, they preached forgiveness without repentance. They accuse Trent of preaching a works based gospel, but that is not true as Canon 1 states If anyone says that a man can be justified before God by his own works, whether done by his own natural powers or through the teaching of the law, without divine grace through Jesus Christ, let him be anathema.
What does Jesus say? Not everyone that says to Me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those that DO the will of My Father.
Also, if any man come after Me, first let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me
Repentance is required to receive grace.
True Pauline justification says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17. We need to preach repentance in order for people to ask for grace. What do your churches preach? Do you preach for people to make an act of faith, and then they receive grace? Or do you preach repentance to receive grace?
Pauline justification is stated in Ephesians 2:8-10 states For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man may glory. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them. That is what the Catholic Church teaches.
There are seven heavenly virtues, Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude. The first three are theological in that they come from God Alone, by grace Alone.
Faith is a gift from God and not a prerequisite to receive grace. Grace is a prerequisite to receive Faith, else Faith is a work, and faith is no good alone as 1Cor13 says if I have faith as to move mountains, but have not Charity, I am nothing.
Jesus says that unless you are born of water and the spirit you cannot see the kingdom of God. We receive the three theological virtues in the waters of regeneration or baptism. Jesus was baptized by John. He commands us to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is no excuse for us not to be baptized, if we are physically able.
When you receive the three theological virtues, you are born again. Faith in God to know that He is and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. Hope that He will fulfill His promises and cleanse you of all unrighteousness, not just cover them and leave you stuck in sin, but actually set you free from sin, and Charity where you love God with your whole heart, whole mind and whole soul. Since He desires obedience rather than sacrifice, you actually look for new ways to obey Him. You do not grumble and say God’s ways are too hard, or I can never do it, and you love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t tickle your neighbors ears to get there approval. Everything is done out of love
Once you have the three theological virtues, you are a babe in Christ, and you are ready to begin work on the four Cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Fortitude. Just like going to a gym, these four virtues get stronger with exercise and are part of Training in Righteousness. Prudence requires study so you know what is right and to do it. Justice is giving others their due, and the Bible says to esteem all others as better than yourself and whoever is greater must be your servant. We need to look for all ways to be a servant to others up to the point of sin. It does no one any good to sin for them. Temperance regulates our physical appetites. Our Love is for God, and not for the pleasures of our body.
Fortitude is courage to do all these things despite opposition. Any one that lives righteously in Christ will suffer persecution, as Christ was persecuted to death and a servant is not greater than his master.
hope this helps, as the Catholic Church does not teach another gospel or a gospel of works. Salvation comes from God alone, by grace alone, and this grace is efficacious. I am but dust and a worm, but He that is mighty has done great things for me
