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The concept of Divine grace in Christianity

Divine grace in Christianity signifies the unmerited favor and assistance God provides to individuals, enabling them to achieve spiritual transformation, live righteously, and receive blessings. It reflects God's generosity towards humanity, emphasizing love and support during life’s challenges while playing a crucial role in salvation and spiritual fulfillment. Divine grace aids believers in resisting sin, facilitates redemption, and enhances their spiritual vitality. Overall, it represents God's benevolent influence that empowers individuals to grow in faith and attain a holy life.1
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Synonyms: Spiritual favor, Heavenly blessing, Sacred kindness, Divine mercy, God's grace, Spiritual blessing, Divine blessing, Celestial grace, Divine kindness, Blessing, Benevolence, Mercy, Goodwill, Sanctification

In Dutch: Goddelijke genade; In Finnish: Jumalallinen armo; In Spanish: Gracia divina; In German: Göttliche Gnade; In Malay: Rahmat Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig nåd; In French: La grâce divine

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Divine grace'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Abiding permanently in the solemn pledge of this, we may also persevere in its fruit and its benefit, and it is a quality of God.[1] (2) The text discusses that knowledge can loose what ignorance has bound ill, and those bonds are slackened by human faith and divine grace.[2] (3) Divine grace is mentioned in the context of the true promise of divine grace, which can only be attained by coming to the truth of the Church.[3] (4) This represents the unearned favor of God, which is linked to the valid baptism within the Church, emphasizing the belief that heretics cannot offer this grace because they are outside the established church.[4] (5) Where divine grace is present, all things are found possible with God, and divine grace is a key element of the text.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) Divine Grace pours out upon men by reason only of its own continual tendency to communicate its own fulness and blessedness, according to the text.[6] (2) The text notes that abundant divine grace rested on the whole community, suggesting that their shared practices and unity were a result of the blessings they received from God.[7] (3) This phrase refers to the unearned favor or love of the divine entity, even though it can be obscure and mysterious, it is still a way in which the divine entity makes itself known.[8] (4) The 'divine grace' is a gift that should be received and not be received in vain, which can be counterworked, and which may come to naught if individuals do not yield to it.[9] (5) The unmerited love and favor shown by God towards humanity, emphasizing His generosity and kindness to the undeserving.[10]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This phrase represents the spontaneous and generous giving of God, as revealed and mediated by Jesus Christ.[11] (2) The unmerited favor from God, which is associated with the concept of pleroma in relation to what Christ imparts.[12] (3) The unmerited favor and love of God that extends to all humanity, allowing for the possibility of justification.[13] (4) The unmerited favor and strength provided by God to believers, enabling them to endure suffering and live a holy life.[14] (5) The unmerited favor and assistance from God, which is believed to be transmitted through the sacraments.[15]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This is an act originating in a higher power's love.[16] (2) The unmerited favor and love of God, especially as it relates to the miracles performed by Jesus in the presence of unbelief.[17] (3) The concept of God’s unmerited favor that helped Moses overcome his natural flaws.[18] (4) The principle by which God first provided for the Israelites before requiring obedience.[19] (5) The unmerited favor from God that is essential in the healing and restorative process within the Christian faith.[20]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) The benevolent favor of God that Paul discusses, highlighting the transformative change in the lives of the Ephesians.[21] (2) The concept that through God's grace, believers are empowered to fulfill the law more energetically than they could on their own.[22]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This involves the unearned favor of God, and the text touches upon its role in the remission of guilt, suggesting that the absence of grace after death means punishment continues.[23] (2) The unearned and freely given favor of God, considered in the context of whether the innocent or the penitent is more obligated to give thanks for it.[24] (3) The text references 'Divine grace' as something that humility makes a man open to receive, implying a gift from God.[25] (4) This is the unearned favor of God, which the text suggests is necessary for a creature to avoid sin, and it is a key element in the angels' ability to remain steadfast.[26] (5) Divine grace is the favor and assistance of God, and the text explores how it relates to predestination and eternal salvation.[27]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) Divine grace is the means by which those who love the Order and the friars who persevere shall make a good end, according to the first promise.[28] (2) Special gifts granted by God to individuals who practice virtues and maintain a loving relationship with Him.[29] (3) The states of grace that a soul can attain through the guidance of holy fear.[30] (4) The blessings St. Francis sought from God, reflecting his desire to endure the pain of Christ and to feel divine love.[31] (5) A form of spiritual presence that fell upon Friar John, prompting his deep meditation and experience of fervor during the Mass.[32]

From: The city of God

(1) This is what allows one to reach God.[33] (2) This refers to the favor or blessing from God, granted to certain individuals beyond the Hebrews, who were considered worthy of it.[34] (3) The text states that this is what raises us above earthly dignities, rather than human arrogance, highlighting the importance of humility in this context.[35] (4) Divine grace is a concept that is mentioned in the provided text, which is bestowed upon those who have been rescued from evil and is a form of goodness that is gratuitous and not deserved.[36] (5) Divine grace is a concept that allows individuals to be absolved from sin, yet still experience death, and it transforms the punishment of sin into righteousness.[37]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The grace that God produces in the soul through the word, which is tailored to man's understanding and rational faculties.[38] (2) The unmerited favor of God that prepares individuals for glory, as decreed by His sovereign will.[39] (3) The aspect of God’s character emphasized in the new covenant, where forgiveness and love override judgment and condemnation.[40] (4) The unmerited favor and assistance that God extends to humans for redemption and salvation.[41] (5) The unmerited favor and assistance from God which helps individuals resist sin and navigate life's challenges.[42]

From: The Second Helvetic Confession

(1) This represents one of the heavenly and eternal things promised to the fathers, as well as to us, and is found in the Gospel.[43]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) This is the means by which the son who was to be born to Zachariah, beyond hope, was to be a prophet of the God-incarnate work of the Lord Jesus, to be manifested to the world for its salvation, as becomes the Divine goodness.[44]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

The concept of Divine grace in local and regional sources

History Books

Divine grace encompasses God's blessing and influence in appointing bishops, signifies His unearned favor aiding righteousness, and counters Pelagius's denial of God's essential assistance for holiness, empowering individuals toward virtue and eternal dignity.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Viswanatha’s Swarganiki Nicchenalu is concerned with the problem of Evil symbolised by the machine and holds out Divine Grace as the hope of redemption.[45] (2) The support, blessings, or benevolence from a higher power, which aids individuals in their moral and spiritual journeys.[46] (3) The concept of spiritual forgiveness attainable through genuine repentance, as highlighted through Sammy's realization.[47] (4) A benevolent force believed to assist those who are sincerely repentant, reflecting on the role of spirituality in redemption.[48] (5) The spiritual favor that leads to awakening or enlightenment, according to the author.[49]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is the benevolent influence or assistance from the divine, which loosens the attachments and limitations of the soul, allowing it to become free from worldly bonds.[50] (2) This is the strengthened state that the priest possesses, enabling him to defy opposition and command respect, including from the king himself.[51] (3) This is a concept, and it is within the community, and it is associated with Prasada, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and the sharing of divine grace within the community.[52] (4) This is what Lord Buddha showed to the prostitute Ambapali, and what the Lord Jesus Christ showed to the Samaritan woman.[53] (5) Salvation has nothing to do with God's divine grace, as stated in the provided text, indicating a perspective on achieving liberation.[54]

From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England

(1) The unmerited favor of God that empowers individuals to achieve a life of virtue and to attain eternal dignity.[55] (2) The fundamental Christian concept of God's favor and assistance in achieving righteousness and faith.[56] (3) Refers to God's blessing and influence, particularly in calling and ordaining new bishops.[57] (4) The assistance from God that Pelagius's doctrine denies, which is essential for achieving holiness.[58]