The Thomistic Institute Luther and Aquinas on Grace and Justification | Dr. Nathaniel Peters
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Nov 20, 2024 
Dr. Nathaniel Peters, Director of the Morningside Institute and a theology expert, dives deep into the contrasting views of grace and justification held by Martin Luther and Thomas Aquinas. He discusses how their perspectives shaped the Protestant Reformation, illuminating Aquinas's notion of transformative grace through works versus Luther's focus on faith and divine grace as an external justification. The conversation uncovers the profound implications these theological differences have on our understanding of salvation.
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Why Justification Solves Two Different Gaps
- Justification answers how sinners are reunited to God by addressing both ontological and moral gaps caused by creaturely limitations and sin.
- Nathaniel Peters explains justification applies Christ's historical salvation to individuals so they can share God's life through infused grace and turning of the will.
Aquinas Fourfold Account Of How Grace Operates
- Aquinas treats grace as an infused, habitual quality that heals and elevates the soul, plus actual aid that moves it to act.
- Peters summarizes Thomas' fourfold scheme: habitual/actual and operative/cooperative graces that prepare and prompt meritorious acts.
Justification As Instantaneous Divine Motion
- For Aquinas justification is an instantaneous movement where God infuses faith, hope, and charity, turning the soul toward God and away from sin.
- Peters stresses the person consents during this operation, but remains passive—the whole operation pertains to grace.