Christian Doctrines: Divine Election
Christian Doctrines: Arminianism
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Grace is the unmerited supernatural assistance God bestows upon rational, sinful human beings for their salvation. It is also described as a divine influence operating in individuals for their regeneration and sanctification.

The English term comes from the Greek charis, which occurs frequently in the Bible’s New Testament, roughly about 150 times, with two-thirds of these attributed to the Apostle Paul (c.4 BCE–c.62 CE). The general concept of grace is captured in Paul’s letter to Titus: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all” (2:11).

Since the early church, Christian theologians have developed and clarified the concept of grace, as was particularly apparent in the controversy between Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE) and Pelagius (c. 354–418).

In the former’s view, since the Fall, humanity and the individual are entirely evil and deserving of damnation in the sight of a righteous God. It is impossible for humans to save themselves as they can only sin, which is why grace is necessary for their salvation.

Pelagius, however, claimed that humans are free to choose the good and are therefore able to take the initial steps to salvation through their own efforts. Grace is given by God so that His commands might be more easily fulfilled.

The monk John Cassian (c. 360–c. 430) attempted to theorize a doctrine of grace that mediated between Augustine and Pelagius, which is called Semipelagianism. Cassian accepted the doctrine of Orignal Sin as theorized by Augustine but rejected total depravity, irresistible grace, and unconditional predestination. Though grace was universally necessary, the will remained free at all stages. 

Theologians of the fifth century holding this view did not deny the necessity of grace for salvation but asserted that the first steps towards the Christian life were taken by the human will and that grace followed later.

References

Livingstone, E. A. 2013. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 ed.). Oxford University Press.

McFarland, Ian A., Fergusson, David A. S., Kilby, Karen., Torrance, Iain R. 2011. The Cambridge Dictionary of Christian Theology. Cambridge University Press