noun (n)

• (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence(noun.state)

  Example:
  It was debated whether saving grace could be obtained outside the membership of the church.
  

  Synonym:
  grace, state of grace
  

  source: wordnet30
• a redeeming quality or characteristic(noun.attribute)

  Example:
  Her love of music remains her one saving grace.
  Her sense of humor has to be a saving grace.
  The saving grace for both developments is that they are creating jobs.
  

  source: wordnet30