Roman Confutation [Roman Catholic Response to the Augsburg Confession]

[GHansen]

The Augsburg Confession was presented on 25 June, 1530. The Roman Catholic response was presented on August 3. Its authors included John Eck, Johannes Cochlaeus, Julius Pflug and others. They were assisted by Cardinal Lorenzo Campeggio, the papal emissary. In this document, the theological differences between Rome and the Reformers are clearly and systematically set forth. There was some acknowledged agreement between the two sides.

In Article IV, On Justification, for example, it is agreed that the Pelagians* are to be condemned: "In the fourth article the condemnation of the Pelagians, who thought that man can merit eternal life by his own powers without the grace of God, is accepted as Catholic and in accordance with the ancient councils, for the Holy Scriptures expressly testify to this. John the Baptist says: “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven,” John 3:27 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights,” James 1:17."

Pelagians held that man, through his own powers, without the grace of God, could merit eternal life. Roman Catholics held that man's works, assisted by divine grace, could merit eternal life: 

"For if any one should intend to disapprove of the merits that men acquire by the assistance of divine grace, he would agree with the Manichaeans rather than with the Catholic Church. For it is entirely contrary to holy Scripture to deny that our works are meritorious. For St. Paul says "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day," 2 Tim. 4:7 & 8. And to the Corinthians he wrote "We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad," 2 Cor. 5:10."

"Nevertheless, all Catholics confess that our works of themselves have no merit, but that God's grace makes them worthy of eternal life. Thus St. John says: "They shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy," Rev. 3:4. And St Paul says to the Colossians, 1:12: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.""

*Pelagius was a 5th century monk. Augustine wrote  against him. 

[Gustave]

When one categorically rejects the Doctrine of original sin Pelagianism can't help but run down the leg of the adherent making a mess on the carpet. 

[GHansen]

*