Nevertheless, justification was historically at the heart of the Reformation and has been until now central to the problems facing Lutheran-Catholic dialogue. The accord to be signed in Augsburg will not solve all our problems, but it is undoubtedly a great step forward. In signing the Joint Declaration, Catholics and Lutherans are proclaiming to the world their agreement that salvation depends on grace. No one is able to merit his own justification. Both sides agree that good works are necessary, but that this is not the foundation of justification.
All believers have to battle against sin and concupiscence.
We cannot win this battle alone. It cannot be won at all without God's help. The Joint Declaration also testifies to our common belief in the power of the word of God. The Gospel is not merely a source of information. It has the power to utterly transform us - to bring us back to life as Lazarus was brought back to life.