The work opens with an introductory overview of the Redemption, which reconciled humanity to God and established the foundation for individual justification. Pohle systematically divides grace into two primary categories: actual grace, which is a transient supernatural help enabling rational creatures to perform salutary acts, and habitual or sanctifying grace, which renders the soul pleasing to God. The text rigorously analyzes actual grace through its nature, properties, and relation to free will. Part one explores actual grace, detailing definitions, classifications into illuminating and strengthening graces, and the double causality of grace, both moral and physical.
The author addresses the necessity of actual grace, refuting Pelagianism and Semipelagianism by demonstrating that unaided human nature cannot perform salutary acts, although it retains the capacity for naturally good works. Furthermore, the treatise examines the states of unbelief, mortal sin, and justification, alongside the gratuity and universality of actual grace, proving that God sincerely wills the salvation of all human beings and provides sufficient grace to everyone. Part two covers sanctifying grace and the process of justification, detailing the genesis of justification, preparatory acts such as faith, the negative and positive elements of the state of justification, and the fruits of good works through merit. Finally, the volume addresses various theological systems devised to harmonize the dogmas of grace and free will, contrasting Thomism and Augustinianism with Molinism and Congruism. The author concludes by maintaining that human freedom remains entirely intact under the influence of efficacious grace, avoiding both Protestant determinism and Pelagian naturalism.
