Grace…

May 27, 2005 | 5:27 AM

I’ve been thinking a lot on the concept of grace lately. What does it mean? How does it apply to me? Is the “church” definition really “the undeserved forgiveness of sins by God?” What’s it all about? I thought I’d put a couple definitions out there and let anybody who can, explain what grace is.

Wikipedia: Divine grace is Christian term for gifts granted to humanity by God, that God is under no need or obligation to grant. Most broadly, grace describes all of God’s gifts to humankind, including our life, creation, and salvation, which God gives to us freely. More narrowly but more commonly, grace describes the means by which humans are saved from original sin and granted salvation. This latter concept of grace is of central importance in the theology of Christianity, as well as one of the most contentious issues in Christian sectarianism.

James Richards: Traditionally, we have defined grace as ‘God’s unmerited favor.’ Although this definition is true, it does not tell us what grace really is; it tells us only that it is free. One of the simplest definitions of grace I have found is ‘ability.’ Grace is God’s ability working in man, making him able to do what he cannot do in his own ability.

Merriam-Webster: 1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

The Catholic Encyclopedia: Grace (gratia, Charis), in general, is a supernatural gift of God to intellectual creatures (men, angels) for their eternal salvation, whether the latter be furthered and attained through salutary acts or a state of holiness.

So what is grace? How does it apply to us? Say something, eh? Let’s find a way to explain this in simple but relevant terms. Perhaps discuss, if you actually choose to, how the depths of sin apply to the depths of grace, since “grace abounded more.” Just think and talk. Go at it.

Posted in Theology