saving grace

noun

1. 1

   a redeeming quality or characteristic

   her love of music remains her one saving grace

   her sense of humor has to be a saving grace

2. 2

   (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is 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