in Roman Catholic theology, justification means “making righteous.” It thereby includes what Protestants think of as sanctification. As the Catechism puts it, “Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man.”8 Roman Catholic theology also distinguishes between initial justification and ongoing justification. Thus, good works are not necessary to come into an initial state of reconciliation with God.
This is useful information for any protestant who wants to talk to a catholic.
