Replies

I can see where you're coming from and certainly the Scripture passage in question doesn't say that the church is clothed in white because of the righteous deeds of anyone. In other words it's erroneous to claim the white clothing of the bride of Christ is because of deeds done by her members by their own power.

Note the portion in bold because it's key to understanding the Catholic understanding here. My Bible (from iPieta, I don't know what version that is maybe someone does) says in Rev 19:8 "the justification of the saints [clothes the church in white]"

Here we can see what you were saying but I think even clearer and with understanding congruent with Catholic teaching: what clothes the church as the bride of Christ in white are the saints who are justified by Christ. That is, made right by Him (which is what justification is).

How is one "justified by Christ" is the key question to answer here. We Catholics say one is so justified when one accepts Jesus as one's savior and cooperates with such grace by avoiding sin and all its occasions. That is the "justifications of the saints" in Rev 19:8. When one cooperates with God (Jesus) to transform ones life from sin to righteousness one becomes justified. And this is what clothes the church in fine white linens. A love for God and His ways over our ways (which is sin).

I don't see how this could be argued but I guess there always is a way.

>>Note the portion in bold because it's key to understanding the Catholic understanding here.<<

Man doesn't get the credit under any circumstances "Catholic understanding" not withstanding.

>>How is one "justified by Christ" is the key question to answer here.<<

It's God's free gift because Christ paid the price.

>>When one cooperates with God (Jesus) to transform ones life from sin to righteousness one becomes justified<<

"One" doesn't cooperate but can only submit to the working of the Holy Spirit within. It is the Holy Spirit who transforms.

>>A love for God and His ways over our ways (which is sin).<<

It's not "our love for God". It's God's love within us.

Romans 5:5 and the hope doth not make ashamed, because the love of God hath been poured forth in our hearts through the Holy Spirit that hath been given to us.

>>I don't see how this could be argued but I guess there always is a way.<<

No argument but certainly a clarification. The underlying premise of Catholic belief always shows credit to man. Without God's love working through us man is destitute and incapable of loving Him. Without the Holy Spirit working through us our deeds are as filthy rags no matter how good they seem to man.