Definition

Noun: 1. (Christian theology) A condition of being sanctified by God; a condition of being under divine favor and influence, free from sin. This term describes a spiritual condition where a person is reconciled with God, having received forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

Examples of Usage

• According to Christian doctrine, baptism brings a person into a state of grace.
• She lived her life striving to remain in a state of grace.
• The sacrament is intended to restore the penitent to a state of grace.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in a state of grace": This is the most common phrase, meaning to currently exist in this condition of divine favor and sanctification.
  • Before receiving communion, one must ensure they are in a state of grace.
• "To fall from a state of grace": To lose this condition, typically through committing a serious sin.
  • The theologian wrote about the danger of falling from a state of grace through deliberate action.
• "To die in a state of grace": A concept important in some Christian traditions, meaning to be in this sanctified condition at the moment of death, which is believed to be necessary for salvation.
  • The priest prayed that the sick man would die in a state of grace.

Variants and Related Words

• Grace (n): The unmerited favor and love of God. "State of grace" is a specific condition resulting from this favor.
• Sanctifying Grace (n): The grace that establishes the "state of grace" within the soul, according to Catholic theology.
• Justification (n): In Protestant theology, the act by which God declares a sinner righteous, closely related to the concept of being in a state of grace.

Synonyms

• Sanctification
• Justification (in some theological contexts)
• Divine favor
• Communion with God

Related Phrases

• State of mortal sin: The opposite condition, being alienated from God's grace due to grave sin.
• In fellowship with God: A phrase with a similar meaning, emphasizing relationship over legal state.

Noun

1. (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
   • the conception of grace developed alongside the conception of sin
   • it was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church
   • the Virgin lived in a state of grace