The Life of Grace

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the doctrine of grace, virtues, and the sacraments.

Grace

A supernatural gift from God given to us through Jesus Christ.

Free Gift

Called a 'free gift' because it is something we have no right to and cannot merit on our own.

Sanctifying Grace

A supernatural gift which abides in our soul and makes us holy, children of God, and heirs of heaven.

Mortal Sin

The only thing that can remove sanctifying grace from us.

Supernatural Virtues

The virtues given by sanctifying grace: Faith, Hope, Charity.

How do we receive sanctifying grace?

Through the seven sacraments.

Actual Grace vs. Sanctifying Grace

Actual grace gives us day-to-day help to do good and avoid evil, while sanctifying grace makes us holy and pleasing to God.

Virtue

A good habit that helps us to do good and avoid evil.

Types of Virtues

Natural (earned) and Supernatural (theological, given by God).

Theological Virtues

Virtues that come from God and help us live for Him: Faith, Hope, Charity.

Faith

The theological virtue by which we believe God and all He has revealed to us.

Hope

The theological virtue by which we trust God to provide what is necessary to obey Him and earn eternal life.

Charity

The theological virtue by which we love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves.

Sacrament

An efficacious and visible sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

Who lost the gift of grace?

Adam and Eve.

Who won back the gift of grace?

Jesus, by dying on the cross and rising from the dead.

Seven Sacraments

Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.

Who gave us the seven sacraments?

Jesus, to give us grace.

Grace in the Sacraments

Jesus gives grace through the sacraments performed by the priest.

Efficacious Signs

Unlike ordinary signs, sacramental signs have the power to do what they signify.

Sacred Mysteries

Called sacred mysteries because they are difficult to understand, yet we accept them as revealed by God.

Matter in a Sacrament

The actions or things that bear a message in a sacrament.

Form in a Sacrament

The special words pronounced by the minister when administering the sacrament.