What is the role of God's grace in the process of sanctification?

The role of God's grace in the process of sanctification is fundamentally about enabling believers to grow in righteousness. Grace is understood as the unmerited favor of God towards humanity, which empowers individuals to live in a way that aligns with God’s will. This transformative power of grace is critical because it is by grace that believers are not only justified—declared righteous before God—but also sanctified—enabled to grow in holiness.

In the context of sanctification, grace acts as an internal motivation and strength that encourages believers to pursue a life that reflects Christ's holiness. It fosters a deeper relationship with God and inspires believers to turn away from sin and engage in good works. Consequently, grace is very much an active force in the believer’s life, facilitating spiritual growth and helping them to develop characteristics such as love, patience, and kindness, which are essential for living a righteous life.

The other choices present ideas that do not accurately reflect the nature of grace in the context of sanctification. For instance, suggesting that grace restricts growth contradicts the fundamental understanding of grace as a means of empowerment. Similarly, while personal effort is significant in a believer's sanctification journey, grace does not eliminate the need for it; rather, it provides the strength and