Source : WordNet®

saving grace
     n : (Bhristian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the
         state of one who under such divine influence; "the
         conception of grace developed alongside the conception of
         sin"; "it was debated whether saving grace could be
         obtained outside the membership of the church"; "the
         Virgin lived in a state of grace" [syn: {grace}, {state
         of grace}]