Sanctifying Grace

Sanctifying grace is the grace which heals our human nature wounded by sin by giving us a share in the divine life of the Trinity. It is a habitual, supernatural gift which continues the work of sanctifying us — of making us holy and Christlike (CCC 1999). It is called "sanctifying" because it is the grace by which God makes us holy, not merely by declaring us forgiven, but by truly elevating our nature to participation in his own life.

What Sanctifying Grace Does

The Catechism identifies several effects of sanctifying grace: it justifies us before God, making us righteous; it adopts us as children of God and heirs of eternal life; it enables us to act by the love of God; and it unites us to Christ and to the Holy Trinity (CCC 1996–2000). It is received at Baptism and sustained through the other sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation.

Sanctifying Grace and Mortal Sin

Mortal sin destroys sanctifying grace — it breaks the bond of love with God and deprives the soul of the divine life. The Catechism is clear: mortal sin results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace (CCC 1861). It is restored through the Sacrament of Penance (CCC 1856).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sanctifying grace and actual grace? Sanctifying grace is a permanent, habitual gift that transforms the soul; actual grace refers to God's specific, temporary helps — interventions of divine assistance for particular acts. Sanctifying grace is the stable condition; actual graces are the moment-by-moment promptings and helps God gives to support us in living it out (CCC 2000).