X. Of The Probation Of The Angels
X. OF THE PROBATION OF THE ANGELS
In what state were the angels created?
They were created by God in a state of grace (LXII. 3).
What is meant by saying the angels were created in a state of grace?
By this is meant that at the instant of their creation they received from God a nature adorned with sanctifying grace which made them God's children, and which gave them the wherewith to attain to the glory of life eternal (LXII. i, 2, 3).
Was it by an act of their free will that the angels could attain the glory of life eternal?
Yes (LXII. 4).
In what consisted this act of their free will?
This act consisted in responding to the impulse of grace which inclined them to submit to God and to receive from Him with love and acknowledgment the gift of His glory which He offered to them (ibid.).
Under this impulse of grace, was time at all necessary for the angels to make the choice proposed to them by God?
No, this choice was made by them instantaneously (ibid.).
Did the angels attain to glory as soon as ever they had made this choice?
Yes, they attained to glory on the instant (LXII. 5).