The concept of Merit in Christianity

Merit in Christianity encompasses various aspects related to deserving recognition or rewards based on one's actions and qualities. It reflects Christ's obedience, the good works needed for divine mercy, and the spiritual benefits gained through cooperation with grace. Merit indicates the worth of individuals, influencing how they are viewed in the afterlife, and is tied to concepts of reward in the spiritual realm. Early Christianity echoes these themes, emphasizing that deserving actions result in acknowledgment and divine recognition.1
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Synonyms: Worth, Value, Quality, Excellence, Character, Virtue, Advantage, Benefit, Accomplishment, Achievement, Credit, Meritocracy, Usefulness, Significance, Distinction

In Finnish: Merit; In Swedish: Merit; In Malay: Merit; In Dutch: Verdienste; In Spanish: Mérito; In German: Verdienst; In French: Mérite

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Merit'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

(1) Merit refers to the act of earning something, and in the context of the text, it is determined that the Incarnation did not fall under merit, as no merits of Christ could have preceded the union.[1] (2) Merit is a concept associated with actions that earn divine favor, and the text mentions that the angels could merit in the first instant of their creation.[2] (3) Merits refer to actions and deeds, and the text discusses whether the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination.[3] (4) This refers to the qualities or actions that make someone deserving of reward or recognition, particularly in the context of spiritual or moral evaluation.[4] (5) This represents a quality or action deserving reward or praise, and it is a quality that deserves recognition, as well as a positive attribute or accomplishment.[5]

(1) The merits of Friar Giles allowed the dead friar to be delivered from Purgatory, highlighting the impact of Friar Giles's actions and virtues.[6]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

(1) The quality of being good or worthy, and the text states that like deed involves like merit.[7] (2) This signifies the quality of deserving reward or praise, suggesting that actions and behaviors that are worthy of acknowledgment result in deserved recognition or positive outcomes.[8] (3) This refers to the qualities that deserve reward, and the Lord will not fail to provide recognition for those who are participating in charity.[9] (4) The text mentions a retribution proportioned to the merits, and it discusses the merits of men.[10] (5) The qualities or actions that confer worthiness or deserve recognition.[11]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

(1) This is a quality of Christ's obedience and atoning death, which, when made the foundation of our prayers, makes them rise up to God.[12]

(1) This is the idea that one earns something, and the text explains that the merit of future faith cannot be the ground for election, and it is not an incentive to God.[13]

Plural form: Merits.