Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Grace below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that grace is the free and undeserved help God gives to respond to his call — above all sanctifying grace, the divine life infused into the soul. It holds that grace precedes, prepares, and elicits the believer's free response, and that good works done in grace truly merit eternal life.
Source: CCC 1996–2010 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches that grace is the uncreated energy and life of God himself, freely given, by which human beings are healed, illumined, and deified. It holds that grace always respects human freedom, working in synergy with the believer's willing cooperation.
Source: The Orthodox Faith, Vol. III — Saint Gregory Palamas ↗
Lutherans confess salvation 'by grace alone' — that God's favor toward sinners is entirely unmerited and received through faith, not earned by works. They hold that grace is God's merciful disposition in Christ, creating the very faith by which it is received.
Source: Augsburg Confession, Art. IV–V ↗
The Reformed tradition teaches that grace is God's sovereign, unmerited favor by which he effectually calls, regenerates, and preserves his elect. It holds to 'irresistible grace' — that the Spirit's work of regeneration unfailingly accomplishes its purpose in those God has chosen.
Baptists teach that salvation is by God's grace — his gracious purpose by which he regenerates, justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. They hold that election is the gracious purpose of God, consistent with human free agency, and excludes all boasting.
Source: BFM 2000, IV.A; V ↗
Methodists teach grace in three movements: prevenient grace that goes before and awakens every person, justifying grace that pardons the repentant believer, and sanctifying grace that perfects the believer in love. They hold that God's grace is offered to all and can be resisted.
Source: UMC What We Believe ↗
See how the traditions compare on related topics: