Relative vs. Inherent Grace

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KMK

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In Boston's works, (and also in Owen's) the categories of 'relative' and 'inherent' grace are used. I am trying to crystallize in my own mind what the differences are. Relative grace is concerned with justification? And inherent grace with sanctification?
 
Here are a couple of helpful quotes:

The Spirit of God, by the promises of inherent grace, produces inherent and real effects, such as holy dispositions, holy affections, &c. The same Spirit, by the promises of relative grace, and the application of them to the soul, effects a relative change; or produces effects which, merely to distinguish them from real and inherent, I may call moral or relative: such as acquitment from condemnation, right to the favour of God, and privileges of children. Thomas Halyburton, An Essay on the Ground or Formal Reason of Saving Faith; Pg. 129


Here is grace and glory, relative grace, pardon of sin, peace with God, adoption into his family; inherent grace, the restoration of the image of God, the continuation of it, the perfecting of it. Thomas Boston; Sermons on the most Important and Interesting Subjects; Vol I; Pg. 176

Relative grace has to do with the changed relationship between God and man through reconciliation. Inherent grace has to to with the 'new man'.
 
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