Causality
CAUSALITY
BASIC R.C. BELIEF The principle that nothing can exist without a cause, used in Causality of the Sacraments, i.e., the teaching that Sacraments are true causes of grace and not mere by-products of grace already received. The Roman Catholic belief, stated by St. Thomas Aquinas, was that the power of Christ’s Passion is applied by means of Sacraments.
CHRISTIAN COMMENT This is opposed to the Biblical teaching that the redemptive power of Christ is applied by the Holy Spirit through faith. The ordinances (Baptism and Lord’s Supper) are by-products of received Grace.