1. The first action of God on the soul unjustified or in the state of mortal sin cannot be merited either by that soul's own action or by the action of any other human being interceding or offering his own merits. And when the sinner corresponds to that first grace and begins to turn towards God, he does not thereby merit justification and sanctifying grace. It is only when this grace has been infused that the soul is able to merit through union with Christ and the possession of the promises. Till then we are simply vessels of mercy and not of merit.
2. Another thing that is not to be merited is the last step in the path of salvation, the most necessary of all, our final perseverance in grace; for this includes a number of special aids from God that have not been guaranteed, and are beyond our due claims. Salvation is uncertain to the last, and remains the free gift of God and the absolute work of grace. Thus the beginning and the ending are entirely in the hands of Our Lord and are in no sense due to us. "There is a remnant saved according to the election of grace. And if by grace it is not now by works: otherwise grace is no more grace" (Rom. xi. 5, 6). Therefore the Prophet says: "All you that thirst, come to the waters: and you that have no money, make haste, buy and eat: come ye, buy wine and milk without money and without any price" (Isa. Iv. 1). See how thoroughly you are in the hand of God from first to last. Ask Him to watch over your coming in and your going out. Continue Reading.
