The Principle of Contingent Causation: The Impossibility of Infinite Regress.

[Nishant Xavier]

Here is Saint Thomas: "Suppose, therefore, a catechumen to have the desire for Baptism (else he could not be said to die in his good works, which cannot be without "faith that worketh by charity"), such a one, were he to die, would not forthwith come to eternal life, but would suffer punishment for his past sins, "but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire" as is stated 1 Corinthians 3:15." https://www.newadvent.org/summa/4068.htm