Question 62 — The Sacraments’ Principal Effect, Which is Grace

We have now to consider the effect of the sacraments. First of their principal effect, which is grace; second, of their secondary effect, which is a character. Concerning the first there are six points of inquiry:

(1) Whether the sacraments of the New Law are the cause of grace?

• (2) Whether sacramental grace confers anything in addition to the grace of the virtues and gifts?
• (3) Whether the sacraments contain grace?
• (4) Whether there is any power in them for the causing of grace?
• (5) Whether the sacraments derive this power from Christ’s Passion?
• (6) Whether the sacraments of the Old Law caused grace?