Kevin, (continued)
Nothing we can do ourselves ("good deeds/works" - fasting, paying tithes, etc.) can earn or merit justification. St. Paul tells us that "justification" comes through or by faith. But not any kind of faith whatsoever. St. James teaches in Holy Scripture (James 2:19) that even the demons have a certain kind of faith or belief, but it certainly does not bring them the grace of God. Even the demons tremble with fear. The kind of faith we need for justification is a repentant faith. Sorrow for sin and the sincere desire to change are what is missing from the "faith" which even the demons and wicked people can have. This repentant faith which leads to justification includes hope in God's mercy, and is itself possible only when the sinner receives actual grace which enables him/her to turn in contrition towards God's mercy. For those who fall from grace because of grave sin, the Sacrament of Penance is necessary (John 20:22-23).  Continued