FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

By Edward Matulanya  Here are meaning, theology, biblical foundation, historical development, effects, Spiritual and Eschatological Significance of Sanctifying Grace in Roman Catholic Theology. 1. Meaning In Roman Catholic theology, sanctifying grace (Latin: gratia sanctificans or gratia habitualis) refers to the supernatural life of God infused into the soul by the Holy Spirit, which sanctifies and transforms a person into a child of God and an heir to heaven. It is a habitual gift that is, a stable and enduring quality within the soul that enables it to live with God and act by divine love (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997/2000, §2000). This grace differs from actual grace, which refers to God’s temporary interventions for specific actions or moments (CCC, §2000). Sanctifying grace remains in the soul unless destroyed by mortal sin and is first received in the sacrament of Baptism (John 3:5). > “Sanctifying grace is an habitual gift, a stable and supernatural disp...