Grace

Definition

Grace refers to the unmerited favor and love that God shows to humanity, allowing for salvation and reconciliation despite human sinfulness. It emphasizes the belief that individuals cannot earn salvation through their own efforts, but rather it is a gift from God that brings spiritual renewal and transformation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augustine's view of grace is rooted in the idea that it is essential for salvation, highlighting that human beings are incapable of achieving righteousness on their own.
2. Grace in Augustine's theology is often contrasted with the concept of free will, where he argues that divine grace is necessary to choose good over evil.
3. The notion of irresistible grace suggests that once God bestows grace upon an individual, it cannot be rejected, leading to an inevitable acceptance of faith.
4. Augustine believed that grace not only provides forgiveness for sins but also empowers individuals to live a life aligned with God's will.
5. The discussion of grace had significant implications for later Christian doctrines, influencing debates on free will, merit, and the nature of salvation.

Review Questions

• How does Augustine's understanding of grace shape the relationship between free will and divine intervention?
  • Augustine posits that human free will is weakened by original sin, making grace necessary for true freedom. He argues that while individuals possess free will, they are inclined to choose sin without the intervention of divine grace. Therefore, grace serves as a divine aid that empowers individuals to make righteous choices and fulfill God's will, illustrating the interplay between human agency and divine assistance.
• Discuss the implications of Augustine's view on irresistible grace within the context of salvation.
  • Augustine's concept of irresistible grace implies that when God chooses to grant grace to an individual, it inevitably leads to their salvation. This idea challenges notions of human autonomy in the process of salvation since it suggests that divine action supersedes human resistance. As a result, those who receive grace will invariably respond in faith and repentance, reflecting Augustine’s belief in God's sovereign role in the salvation process.
• Evaluate how Augustine's teachings on grace have influenced contemporary Christian thought regarding sin and redemption.
  • Augustine's teachings on grace have profoundly shaped contemporary Christian thought, particularly in discussions about sin and redemption. His emphasis on grace as an unearned gift from God has led to various interpretations of salvation across different denominations. This understanding challenges beliefs in self-justification or merit-based salvation, encouraging believers to rely on God's mercy. The enduring influence of Augustine's views prompts ongoing theological debates about human agency, moral responsibility, and the nature of divine love within Christianity today.

Related terms

Original Sin: The doctrine that all humans inherit a fallen nature and a tendency to sin due to the first sin committed by Adam and Eve.

Salvation: The deliverance from sin and its consequences, often viewed as a gift of grace from God leading to eternal life.

Predestination:

The theological concept that God has already determined who will be saved and who will not, often associated with Augustine's teachings on grace.