A Question of Grace

[Nelka]

Is there a difference between being in a state of Grace and being in a state of Sanctifying Grace?

Is it the same thing or different?

Thanks.

 

[ready]

It is the same thing. God bless you.

 

[God_I_Love]

I would say yes, it is the same thing and also different in quality. Sanctifying grace is when you are in a state that is sanctifying you. Grace exists and abounds despite and because of sin. That grace is actual grace. So while you may stray by sin, the glory of grace in Christ is He provides consequences which ultimately lead you back into a state of Sanctifying grace… until we no longer need sanctification which only occurs after death. Actual grace is that which God uses to bring you back into a state of Sanctifying grace. So grace differs but it all serves to bring you to God.

 

[SighGuy]

Yes, but to add a bit, sanctifying grace can increase in us (see: Merit, at the Catholic Encyclopedia, newadvent.org), and actual graces still abound in us even in a state of sanctified grace.

Basically, sanctified grace is an internal reality. The Holy Spirit is making a dwelling place within you. You have literally the supernatural ability to exist in Heaven at death. Without sanctifying grace, you simply cannot exist in Heaven. Heaven is supernatural, man is natural, therefore he needs such a grace. Even if St. Peter felt bad and said “come on in, anyways,” you wouldn’t be able to, because you lacked the means requisite for existing in Heaven.

Actual graces not only help us move towards sanctification, they help us do things that increase our sanctification and move us towards a holier destiny in Heaven. As per, again, the merit article in NewAdvent.