Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 341- Part IV.

YOUCAT Question n. 341 – Part IV. Can someone earn heaven by good works?

(Youcat answer - repeated) No. No man can gain heaven merely by his own efforts. The fact that we are saved is God’s grace, pure and simple, which nevertheless demands the free cooperation of the individual.  

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2010 a) Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion. Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life.

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Although it is grace and faith through which we are saved, nevertheless, our good works ought to show the love produced by God’s action in us.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2010 b) Even temporal goods like health and friendship can be merited in accordance with God's wisdom. These graces and goods are the object of Christian prayer. Prayer attends to the grace we need for meritorious actions. 

(This question: Can someone earn heaven by good works? is continued)