Divine Grace

Definition

Divine grace is a theological concept referring to the unearned and unconditional love and assistance granted by God to humanity. It emphasizes the belief that salvation and spiritual growth are not earned through human effort, but rather are freely given by God, often associated with the Protestant Reformation and influential in shaping early American religious thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Divine grace became a central theme during the Great Awakening, as preachers emphasized personal experiences of salvation over traditional religious practices.
2. The concept challenged established religious norms by promoting individual interpretation of scripture and direct relationships with God.
3. Preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield used emotional sermons to convey the necessity of divine grace for true conversion.
4. Divine grace played a significant role in shaping American identity by influencing ideas about freedom, individualism, and moral responsibility.
5. The emphasis on divine grace contributed to the rise of new denominations and sects in America, reflecting diverse interpretations of Christianity.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of divine grace influence the themes presented in the sermons during the Great Awakening?
  • During the Great Awakening, the concept of divine grace significantly influenced sermons by shifting focus from established rituals to personal experiences of faith. Preachers emphasized that salvation was a gift from God rather than something earned through good deeds. This approach encouraged listeners to seek a direct and emotional connection with God, which was a departure from traditional religious practices.
• Analyze how divine grace contributed to the development of new denominations in early American religion.
  • The emphasis on divine grace led to a more individualistic interpretation of faith, allowing people to break away from established churches. As preachers stressed personal relationships with God over institutional authority, new denominations emerged that embraced varying beliefs about salvation. This diversity highlighted a significant shift in American religious life, as different groups sought to articulate their understanding of grace and faith.
• Evaluate the impact of divine grace on American literature in relation to themes of individualism and morality during this period.
  • Divine grace had a profound impact on American literature by intertwining themes of individualism and morality with religious undertones. Writers began to explore characters’ personal struggles with faith and salvation, often reflecting on the transformative power of grace in their lives. This literary trend not only mirrored the changing religious landscape but also contributed to the broader cultural narrative emphasizing personal responsibility and moral choice in shaping one’s destiny.

Related terms

Predestination: The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom he intends to save, leading to the belief that individuals cannot influence their salvation through good works.

Faith Alone: A key tenet of Protestant theology stating that faith in Jesus Christ is the only means by which individuals can attain salvation, without the necessity of works or rituals.

Revivalism: A movement within Christianity aimed at revitalizing religious faith, characterized by intense preaching and a focus on personal conversion experiences, prominent during the Great Awakening.