condignity
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun Merit; desert.
- noun In scholastic theology, specifically, the merit of human actions considered as constituting a ground for a claim of reward.
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
- noun Merit, acquired by works, which can claim reward on the score of general benevolence.
Examples
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They ascribe unto them a condignity of the heavenly reward, making it of works, and so not of grace; with many other defiling imaginations.
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But, even then, the explanation of the schoolmen ought to have been added, "that God will do this, not from (the merit of) condignity, but from (that of) congruity; and not because the act of man merits any such thing, but because it is befitting the great mercy and beneficence of God."
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The Scotists hold that the entire condignity of the good work rests exclusively on the gratuitous promise of God and His free acceptance, without which even the most heroic act is devoid of merit, and with which even mere naturally good works may become meritorious.
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Besides, from their patient suffering, it appeared that, according to the righteous judgment of God, they should be counted worthy of the heavenly glory: not by worthiness of condignity, but of congruity only; not that they could merit heaven, but they were made meet for heaven.
Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume VI (Acts to Revelation)
Note
The word 'condignity' comes from a Latin word meaning 'wholly worthy'.
