What is the fundamental definition of grace in Western Christian beliefs?

Grace in Western Christian beliefs is understood as Gods favor and a persons share in the divine life of God. It is considered a spontaneous, undeserved gift from God that cannot be earned.

How is grace understood in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, grace is identified with the uncreated energies of God. It is seen as the means by which believers partake in the divine nature, as described in 2 Peter 1:4, and is understood as the direct working of God himself, not a created substance.

According to the text, what is the primary manifestation of Gods grace?

Grace, as an attribute of God, primarily manifests in the salvation of sinners. Western Christianity emphasizes that God always takes the initiative in the relationship of grace with an individual.

What is the significance of the phrase "means of grace" in Christian theology?

The concept of "means of grace" is described as a significant dividing line in theological discussions, distinguishing various Christian traditions such as Catholicism from Protestantism, and Calvinism from Arminianism. It refers to the ways or channels through which God imparts His grace.

How do Lutherans define the means of grace?

Lutherans hold that the means of grace are the gospel, specifically as it is conveyed through the Word and the sacraments.

What was John Wesley's view on the Eucharist in relation to grace?

John Wesley described the Eucharist as the "grand channel whereby the grace of his Spirit was conveyed to the souls of all the children of God," highlighting its importance as a means of receiving divine grace.

What is the Calvinist perspective on human helplessness and Gods grace?

Calvinists emphasize the utter helplessness of people apart from grace, believing that no one desires to accept Gods grace until God spiritually enlivens them through regeneration. This doctrine is often referred to as "irresistible grace."

How do Arminians understand the interaction between Gods grace and human free will?

Arminians believe that Gods grace cooperates with an individuals free will in the process of salvation. This means that while God initiates and enables, the individual can choose to accept or reject this grace.

What is the Greek term for grace in the New Testament, and what does it mean?

The Greek term for grace in the New Testament is charis (χάρις). It signifies "that which brings delight, joy, happiness, or good fortune."

How was the Hebrew word 'hen' (חֵן) translated in the Septuagint, and in what context?

The Hebrew word 'hen' (חֵן) was translated as charis (χάρις) in the Septuagint. It is notably used in Genesis 6:8 to explain why God saved Noah from the flood.

What did the Old Testament usage of grace imply regarding human actions?

In the Old Testament, the use of the word for grace included the concept that those who showed favor performed gracious deeds, such as being kind to the poor and demonstrating generosity.

What are some examples of Gods grace mentioned in the Psalms?

Examples of Gods grace found in the Psalms include God teaching the Law (Psalm 119:29) and answering prayers (Psalm 27:7).

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, what is grace?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines grace as favor, the free and undeserved help God gives to respond to His call to become His children, adoptive sons, and partakers of the divine nature and eternal life. It is a participation in Gods life that heals and sanctifies.

What are considered the principal means of grace in the Catholic Church?

The principal means of grace in the Catholic Church include the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, as well as prayers and good works. Sacramentals are also recognized as means of grace.

What did the Council of Trent affirm regarding justification and human merit?

The Council of Trent affirmed that individuals are justified gratuitously, meaning that none of the preceding factors, such as faith or works, merit the grace of justification. Human merit before God arises from Gods free choice to associate humans with His grace.

How does Catholic teaching describe sanctifying grace and actual grace?

Sanctifying grace is described as a stable, habitual gift that perfects the soul, enabling it to live in Gods love. Actual grace refers to specific, non-habitual divine interventions that help produce or maintain sanctifying grace.

What historical theological debate involved Pelagius and Augustine of Hippo?

The historical debate involved Pelagius, who emphasized human free will and the ability to choose good, and Augustine of Hippo, whose theology stressed the necessity of divine grace. Pelagianism was eventually condemned by the Council of Carthage in 418.

What is semi-Pelagianism, and which churches traditionally hold this view?

Semi-Pelagianism is a theological position where both God and the human person participate in the salvation process, with humans making free will choices aided by God. This view, often termed synergism, is traditionally held by the Eastern Orthodox Church and many Reformed Protestants.

How did the Council of Trent address the differences between Catholic and Protestant views on grace?

The Council of Trent aimed to clarify and condemn Protestant objections, establishing an orthodox Roman Catholic teaching that distinguished its views on grace and justification from those of the Protestants. It taught that justification and sanctification are interconnected aspects of the same process.

What was the core theological disagreement between Jansenists and Jesuits in Catholicism?

The Jansenists, influenced by Augustine, emphasized original sin, human depravity, and the necessity of divine grace, while the Jesuits were seen as promoting a more lenient approach, which Blaise Pascal criticized as moral laxity in their casuistry. Jansenism was later condemned as heresy for its perceived similarities to Calvinism.

What is the Eastern Orthodox understanding of grace in relation to Gods energies?

In Eastern Orthodoxy, grace is identified with the uncreated energies of God. This means grace is not a created gift but the very divine power and activity of God Himself, which believers participate in to achieve theosis.

What is the Orthodox concept of theosis?

Theosis is the Orthodox concept of deification, where believers become like God through participation in Gods uncreated energies, notably through practices like hesychasm, signifying a process of spiritual transformation and union with the divine.

What was John Cassian's view on human nature and its capacity in relation to grace?

John Cassian taught that human nature is fallen or depraved but not totally so. He believed that humans retain a moral capacity and can choose to follow God, and that grace works in harmony with this free will, with God strengthening the inclination towards good.

How did Martin Luther's theology react to the medieval Catholic understanding of grace and merit?

Martin Luther's theology reacted strongly against the medieval Catholic concepts of grace and merit, particularly as exemplified by the sale of indulgences. He emphasized salvation by grace alone through faith alone, rejecting the idea that human works or piety could earn salvation or merit Gods favor.

What does "total depravity" mean in the context of Lutheran theology, as influenced by Luther?

In Lutheran theology, "total depravity" refers to the concept that humanity is so affected by sin that it is unable to achieve salvation through its own efforts or intentions. This doctrine highlights human inability and the absolute necessity of Gods grace.

What are the core tenets of Calvinism often summarized by the acronym TULIP?

The core tenets of Calvinism summarized by TULIP are: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.

How does Calvinist theology view the role of Gods grace in salvation?

Calvinist theology posits that Gods grace is irresistible, meaning that when God chooses to save someone (the elect), that person cannot ultimately reject His grace. This is tied to the concept of predestination, where God has foreordained who will be saved.

What is "prevenient grace" as understood in Arminian and Wesleyan theology?

Prevenient grace is understood as an enabling grace that precedes regeneration, acting upon all people to convince them of the Gospel, draw them toward salvation, and make sincere faith possible. It is a grace that can be resisted.

How does Arminianism reconcile divine foreknowledge with human free will?

Arminianism affirms the compatibility of human free will with divine foreknowledge, asserting that predestination is based on Gods foreknowledge rather than a deterministic decree. This allows for human choice in responding to Gods grace.

What are the three types of divine grace distinguished in Wesleyan theology?

Wesleyan theology distinguishes three types of divine grace: prevenient grace (enabling grace that precedes regeneration), justifying grace (which can bring regeneration but is resistible), and sustaining grace (which helps believers remain in regeneration and achieve sanctification).

What shift occurred in the Protestant understanding of sacraments, moving away from Luther and Calvin?

For a significant portion of the Protestant world, the sacraments lost some of the importance attributed to them by Luther and Calvin. They were de-emphasized and often referred to as "ordinances," with their effect limited to the voluntary impact on the worshippers soul, rather than being seen as direct channels of grace.

What is the Churches of Christ perspective on grace and the plan of salvation?

The Churches of Christ believe that grace is the plan of salvation itself, which includes Jesus life, death, and resurrection, as well as the gospel and faith. They see grace as operating through this obedient faith, leading to salvation.

What biblical passage is central to the Churches of Christ understanding of grace as Gods gift?

Ephesians 2:8, which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God," is central. They interpret "it" as referring to grace, defining it as Gods gift that operates through living faith.

How does the concept of grace contrast with the Law of Moses in Christian theology?

Grace is often contrasted with the Law of Moses, with the former representing Gods unmerited favor and the latter representing a system of works. This contrast highlights the shift from Old Covenant obligations to New Covenant faith and obedience.

What is the meaning of sola gratia in the context of the Protestant Reformation?

Sola gratia, meaning "by grace alone," was a foundational principle of the Protestant Reformation. It asserted that salvation is solely the result of Gods unmerited favor, not dependent on human works or merits.

What is the Catholic understanding of "actual grace" and its purpose?

Actual grace, in Catholic theology, refers to specific, timely interventions by God that assist individuals in choosing good and moving towards salvation. These graces are distinct from sanctifying grace and are seen as necessary for initiating and sustaining the process of justification and sanctification.

How did Augustines views on grace influence the development of Western Christian theology?

Augustines emphasis on the necessity of divine grace and his debates with Pelagius profoundly shaped Western Christian theology, particularly regarding concepts like original sin, predestination, and the role of Gods initiative in salvation.

What is the significance of the term theosis in Eastern Orthodox theology?

Theosis is a central concept in Eastern Orthodox theology, referring to the process of deification or becoming like God. It is achieved through participation in Gods uncreated energies, particularly through prayer and the sacraments, leading to spiritual transformation.

What is the Lutheran understanding of "imputed righteousness"?

Lutheran theology teaches that believers are not made righteous in themselves but are considered righteous because Christs righteousness is imputed, or credited, to them through faith. This imputed righteousness covers their sins and makes them acceptable to God.

What is the Arminian understanding of "prevenient grace" and its effect on human will?

Arminian theology posits that prevenient grace is universally extended by God to all people. This grace enables individuals to respond to Gods call, making a sincere choice for or against salvation possible, thus affirming human free will in the salvation process.

What is the Catholic view on the relationship between sacraments and grace?

The Catholic Church teaches that sacraments confer the grace they signify because Christs power and His Spirit act through them, irrespective of the ministers personal holiness. However, the effectiveness of the sacraments also depends on the recipients disposition.

What is the distinction between sanctifying grace and actual grace in Catholic theology?

Sanctifying grace is a stable, habitual gift that transforms the soul, making it holy and capable of living with God. Actual grace, conversely, refers to temporary divine helps that prompt or sustain the soul in its journey toward God and the increase of sanctifying grace.

How did the Council of Trent define the relationship between justification and sanctification?

The Council of Trent declared that justification and sanctification are integral parts of the same salvific process. Justification, the initial acceptance by God, leads into sanctification, the ongoing process of becoming holy.

What is the Jansenist emphasis that distinguished them from other Catholic theological movements?

Jansenists placed a strong emphasis on the themes of original sin, human depravity, and the absolute necessity of divine grace, drawing heavily from the writings of Augustine of Hippo to advocate for a more rigorous spiritual life.

What is the core difference between Calvinist and Arminian views on the nature of Gods grace?

The core difference lies in whether Gods grace is considered irresistible (Calvinism) or resistible (Arminianism). Calvinists believe Gods saving grace cannot be rejected by the elect, while Arminians hold that individuals can choose to resist Gods grace.

What is the significance of the term synergism in relation to grace and free will?

Synergism, as discussed in the context of grace, refers to the belief that salvation is a cooperative effort between Gods grace and human free will. This contrasts with monergism, where salvation is solely the work of God.

What is the Protestant Reformation's core reaction against late medieval Catholic theology concerning grace?

The Protestant Reformation reacted against the late medieval Catholic theology of grace and merit, which it perceived as overly focused on human works and the accumulation of merit, thereby obscuring the sufficiency of Gods unmerited grace.

What is the role of the sacraments in Lutheran theology regarding grace?

In Lutheran theology, the sacraments are considered "means of grace" through which the Holy Spirit works to grant new life, faith, and union with Christ. They are seen as necessary instruments for conveying Gods grace.

What does the term charis imply about the nature of grace in its Greek origin?

The Greek term charis implies that grace is something that brings delight, joy, happiness, or good fortune, suggesting a positive and beneficial quality inherent in Gods favor.

How is grace understood as an attribute of God in relation to His actions?

Grace is understood as an attribute of God that influences His actions, particularly in His relationship with humanity. It is seen as His favor that is freely given, especially in the act of salvation, and it is the initiative that drives the relationship between God and individuals.

What is the Catholic view on the permanence of sanctifying grace?

According to Catholic teaching, sanctifying grace remains permanently in the soul as long as a person does not commit a mortal sin, which is understood to sever the friendship with God. While venial sins can wound charity, they do not necessarily remove sanctifying grace.

Grace In Christianity Wiki: Divine Grace: An Exploration of Christian Theology

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Understanding Grace

God's Unmerited Favor

In Western Christian theology, grace is understood as God's favor—a divine attribute and a participation in the divine life. It is characterized as a spontaneous, undeserved, and freely given gift from God, which cannot be earned through human effort.^[1]^[2]

Eastern Orthodox Perspective

Eastern Orthodox Christians view grace primarily as the uncreated energies of God, representing a direct participation in the divine nature as described in 2 Peter 1:4. It is seen as the working of God Himself, not a created substance, and is accessed through the Church's sacraments and spiritual practices.^[4]^[5]

Initiative and Salvation

Across most Christian traditions, the initiative in the relationship between God and humanity regarding grace rests solely with God. Grace is central to the process of salvation, enabling believers to respond to God's call and participate in His divine life.^[3]

Grace in Scripture

Old Testament Roots

The concept of grace in the Old Testament is often linked to the Hebrew word חֵן (hen), signifying favor or kindness. Examples include God's favor towards Noah, enabling his salvation from the flood.^[15] The Torah frequently describes God's gracious actions, such as His covenantal faithfulness and provision for His people.^[16]^[17]

New Testament Emphasis

In the New Testament, grace is primarily translated from the Greek word χάρις (charis), meaning that which brings delight, joy, or good fortune. The Apostle Paul frequently uses this term, emphasizing that salvation is achieved by grace through faith, not by works.^{[Ephesians 2:8]}^[1]

Roman Catholic Doctrine

Definition and Means

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines grace as God's "favour, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call."^[20] Catholics believe grace is conferred through the sacraments, prayer, and good works, transforming the soul and enabling participation in the divine life.^[21]^[23]

Justification and Merit

The Church teaches that justification is gratuitous, meaning it cannot be merited by human actions prior to faith. However, the justified individual, through God's grace, can cooperate with God's ongoing work. Merit, in this context, arises from God's choice to associate humans with His grace, with ultimate credit belonging to God.^[28]

Significant theological discussions have occurred within Catholicism regarding grace:

Augustine vs. Pelagius: The debate centered on the extent of human free will versus divine grace in salvation. Pelagianism emphasized human ability, while Augustine stressed the necessity of grace, leading to condemnations of Pelagianism and influencing later doctrines like semi-Pelagianism.^[42]
Jansenists vs. Jesuits: This 17th-century debate within Catholicism mirrored Protestant discussions, with Jansenists emphasizing divine sovereignty and human depravity, while Jesuits were accused of moral laxity and promoting a less stringent view of grace.^[47]

Sanctifying vs. Actual Grace

Thomas Aquinas categorized grace into two types: gratia gratum faciens (grace making pleasing to God), which sanctifies and justifies, and gratia gratis data (grace freely given), which empowers ministry. Sanctifying grace is a stable disposition enabling life in God, while actual grace refers to specific divine interventions that maintain or increase this state.^[33]

Eastern Orthodox Understanding

Uncreated Energies

Eastern Orthodoxy identifies grace with the uncreated energies of God, enabling believers to partake in the divine nature. This perspective emphasizes synergy, where human will cooperates with divine grace in the process of salvation and deification (theosis).^[4]^[5]

Rejection of Western Concepts

Orthodox theology generally rejects Western concepts like original sin as formulated by Augustine and the Calvinist doctrines of total depravity and irresistible grace. Scholastic and systematic approaches are often viewed as rationalistic deviations from the patristic tradition.^[53]

Synergy and Theosis

The Orthodox Church teaches that salvation requires cooperation between human free will and divine grace. This synergistic process aims at theosis, or deification, where believers are transformed into the divine likeness through union with God's uncreated energies.^[5]^[54]

Protestant Reformation Views

Luther and Sola Gratia

Martin Luther initiated the Reformation partly in response to the medieval doctrine of indulgences, emphasizing salvation by grace alone (sola gratia) through faith alone (sola fide). He taught human helplessness before God's justice, viewing good works as expressions of gratitude rather than means to earn salvation.^[61]

Calvin and Arminius

John Calvin expanded on Augustinian themes, developing doctrines like total depravity and irresistible grace (often summarized by TULIP). Jacobus Arminius, conversely, emphasized God's foreknowledge and prevenient grace, allowing for human free will to accept or reject God's offer of salvation.^[62]^[63]

Wesleyan Perspective

John Wesley, following Arminian principles, taught that God's grace comes to all through prevenient grace, enabling a response to God's initiative. Justifying grace, though resistible, leads to regeneration, followed by sustaining grace for continued spiritual growth and sanctification.^[69]

Key Theological Debates

Augustine vs. Pelagius

Pelagius argued for human free will's capacity for good, while Augustine stressed the necessity of divine grace due to original sin. This debate profoundly shaped Western views on grace, predestination, and free will.^[42]

Catholic vs. Protestant

The Council of Trent addressed Protestant Reformation theology, affirming justification by grace through faith but maintaining the role of sacraments and cooperation with grace. Protestants generally emphasized sola gratia, often viewing sacraments as signs or seals rather than direct conduits of grace.^[48]

Calvinism vs. Arminianism

This debate focused on predestination, election, and the nature of grace. Calvinism posits unconditional election and irresistible grace, while Arminianism emphasizes election based on foreknowledge and resistible grace, allowing for human free will.^[63]

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Grace In Christianity" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about grace_in_christianity while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

north carolina

economic development in india

cousin marriage in the middle east

treaty of breda 1667

kassim rimawi

alec peterson

north germanic peoples

multuggerah

class a television service

question time tv programme

References

Pomazansky, Protopresbyter Michael. Orthodox Dogmatic Theology. Platina CA: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1984. LCCN 84-051294, pp. 257â261

Gregory (Grabbe), Archbishop. The Sacramental Life: An Orthodox Christian Perspective. Liberty TN: St. John of Kronstadt Press, 1986

What is a sacrament?

Roetzel, Calvin J., PhD. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, Paul J. Achtemeier, General Editor. HarperCollins, 1996. Pp. 386â387

Genesis 6:8

Deuteronomy 7:8

Numbers 6:24â27

Psalm 119:29

Psalm 27:7

Deal W. Hudson, "Grace Alone"

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1999

Pomazansky, Protopresbyter Michael. Orthodox Dogmatic Theology. Platina CA: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1984. LCCN 84-051294, pp. 257â261.

Conferences of John Cassian, Part 2, Conference 13, Chapter 11.

John MacArthur, Jr. The Salvation of Babies Who DieâPart 1. 1986. Accessed September 7, 2009.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Grace in Christianity Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not theological advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional theological consultation, study of primary sources, or guidance from qualified religious leaders. Always consult with appropriate authorities and engage in personal study for matters of faith and doctrine.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Divine Grace

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Understanding Grace ✨

🎁 God's Unmerited Favor

☦️ Eastern Orthodox Perspective

❤️ Initiative and Salvation

Grace in Scripture 📖

📜 Old Testament Roots

🇬🇷 New Testament Emphasis

Roman Catholic Doctrine 🇻🇦

⛪ Definition and Means

⚖️ Justification and Merit

✨ Sanctifying vs. Actual Grace

Eastern Orthodox Understanding ☦️

🔥 Uncreated Energies

🚫 Rejection of Western Concepts

🤝 Synergy and Theosis

Protestant Reformation Views 🔥

📜 Luther and Sola Gratia

🧠 Calvin and Arminius

✨ Wesleyan Perspective

Key Theological Debates ⚖️

🤔 Augustine vs. Pelagius

⚔️ Catholic vs. Protestant

⚖️ Calvinism vs. Arminianism

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding Grace

God's Unmerited Favor

Eastern Orthodox Perspective

Initiative and Salvation

Grace in Scripture

Old Testament Roots

New Testament Emphasis

Roman Catholic Doctrine

Definition and Means

Justification and Merit

Sanctifying vs. Actual Grace

Eastern Orthodox Understanding

Uncreated Energies

Rejection of Western Concepts

Synergy and Theosis

Protestant Reformation Views

Luther and Sola Gratia

Calvin and Arminius

Wesleyan Perspective

Key Theological Debates

Augustine vs. Pelagius

Catholic vs. Protestant

Calvinism vs. Arminianism

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice