Final answer:
Sanctifying grace, also known as habitual grace, is the theological concept that describes the divine help given to individuals to enable them to live according to God's will, which raises important questions about free will and morality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Concept of Sanctifying Grace
Another name for sanctifying grace in theological discourse is habitual grace, which refers to the inner quality that empowers and inclines us toward living a good and holy life. This concept of habitual grace pertains to our inclination and capacity for good, which is believed to be infused into the souls of the faithful by God, enabling them to live in accord with God's will. The idea of sanctifying grace emphasizes the transformative power that makes a person holy and capable of living in eternal communion with God.
From the perspective of various Christian traditions, it is suggested that without the divine aid provided by grace, human nature is inadequate for choosing and doing good. The concept touches upon philosophical and theological debates about free will, morality, and the nature of good and evil. For instance, Immanuel Kant asserts that a good will is intrinsically good, not by its outcomes but by its willing nature. Additionally, the argument put forward by John Calvin on the doctrine of predestination questions the existence of free will in light of divine omnipotence, suggesting that some are preordained to receive God's grace.
In summary, the capacity for good and inclination towards it, referred to as sanctifying or habitual grace, is viewed as a necessary condition for achieving the ultimate good within Christian theology.