The Third Principle of Grace

Augustinian theologians made non-arbitrary distinctions regarding the life of grace in us as various effects brought about by the initiative of God. Pervenient operative graces are those that precede our conversion and stir up in us on initial interest in an openness to the mystery of Christ. The grace of justification consists in what Aquinas calls the infused habits of faith hope and charity. In sanctification the soul is given the grace to cooperate actively with the life of God present in it.