Reply Obj. 3:  In the infusion of justifying grace there is a certain transmutation of the human soul, and hence a proper movement of the human soul is required in order that the soul may be moved in its own manner.  But the conservation of grace is without transmutation:  no movement on the part of the soul is required but only a continuation of the Divine influx. ________________________

FOURTH ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 113, Art. 4]

Whether a Movement of Faith Is Required for the Justification of the
Ungodly?

Objection 1:  It would seem that no movement of faith is required for the justification of the ungodly.  For as a man is justified by faith, so also by other things, viz. by fear, of which it is written (Ecclus. 1:27):  “The fear of the Lord driveth out sin, for he that is without fear cannot be justified”; and again by charity, according to Luke 7:47:  “Many sins are forgiven her because she hath loved much”; and again by humility, according to James 4:6:  “God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble”; and again by mercy, according to Prov. 15:27:  “By mercy and faith sins are purged away.”  Hence the movement of faith is no more required for the justification of the ungodly, than the movements of the aforesaid virtues.

Obj. 2:  Further, the act of faith is required for justification only inasmuch as a man knows God by faith.  But a man may know God in other ways, viz. by natural knowledge, and by the gift of wisdom.  Hence no act of faith is required for the justification of the ungodly.

Obj. 3:  Further, there are several articles of faith.  Therefore if the act of faith is required for the justification of the ungodly, it would seem that a man ought to think on every article of faith when he is first justified.  But this seems inconvenient, since such thought would require a long delay of time.  Hence it seems that an act of faith is not required for the justification of the ungodly.

On the contrary, It is written (Rom. 5:1):  “Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God.”

I answer that, As stated above (A. 3) a movement of free-will is required for the justification of the ungodly, inasmuch as man’s mind is moved by God.  Now God moves man’s soul by turning it to Himself according to Ps. 84:7 (Septuagint):  “Thou wilt turn us, O God, and bring us to life.”  Hence for the justification of the ungodly a movement of the mind is required, by which it is turned to God.  Now the first turning to God is by faith, according to Heb. 11:6:  “He that cometh to God must believe that He is.”  Hence a movement of faith is required for the justification of the ungodly.