Bible Encyclopedias
Satisfaction, Romish

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Satisfactional View of the Atonement

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The catechism of the Council of Trent defines "satisfaction" as "the compensation made by man to God by doing something in atonement for the sins which he has committed." The satisfaction which Christ makes on the cross, it is declared, ‘ gives to man's actions merit before God." "Canonical satisfaction" is something — prayer, fasting, or alms — deeds — "which is imposed by the priest, and must be accompanied with a deliberate and firm purpose carefully to avoid sin for the future." This satisfaction is directed by the Council of Trent to be proportioned to the nature of the offence and the capability of the offender. It directly opposes the doctrine of justification by faith only, and is closely connected with the Romish notion of the merits of good works. (See PENANCE).