The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Common Grace

I have begun a study on the topic of ''common grace'', I have read several links some for and some against this term ,.. I have not come to a final conclusion of this and would like to know what is the Reformed thought as it relates to this topic?

Surely, the differences are more than "some for and some against this term". The doctrine of Common Grace has been hotly debated for decades, the most notable being in 1924 when there was a split in the CRC (Christian Reformed Church). Herman Hoeksema and followers left and formed the PRC (Protestant Reformed Church) over this issue arguing there is no "Common Grace" in Scripture as defined and practiced by the CRC. William Masselink wrote a book in the CRC's defense, expectedly titled, Common Grace.

Personally, I reject the term itself and the popular definition of it, ala: CRC, and I no less reject the PRC's view. I think all three are in error and unbiblical. Here's an extremely brief synopsis of my view:

1. "Grace" in Scripture is anything but "common" but rather always "salvific". Anyone who is the recipient of the grace of God is infallibly saved.

2. God's love is not indiscriminately universal, i.e., the popular belief that "God loves everybody" is patently false and indefensible. No less false is the popular notion that "God desires everyone to be saved." God's love in Scripture is always salvific; whom God loves He saves. It is impossible that God would "desire all men, without discrimination" to be saved, for if that were true, then all would be saved (cf. Isa 46:9,10; Ps 33:11, 135:6, Prov 19:21, Dan 4:35, et al). It is simply NOT God's pleasure to save everyone without exception. Some try to skirt around these immutable truths and posit that the love of God can be divided into two types or expressions; general and special. But again, biblical evidence for this distinction is not to be found. The biblical teaching is that God is beneficent to all men, i.e., treating them with kindness even though they are His mortal enemies from conception and throughout their entire life unless the Spirit of God regenerates them and calls them to faith in Christ (cf. Titus 3:4 where 'love' in the Greek is philanthropia [philanthropy]). And finally, there are a number of passages which clearly teach that God hates certain people; the majority of sinful mankind (cf. Ps 5:4,6; 11:5; Mal 1:1-4; Rom 9:11-13, et al).

3. The PRC's view goes too far the other way. They reject the universal love of God and the "free offer" of the Gospel, i.e., God desires ALL to be saved. Rightly, they hold that those whom God loves (from eternity) are saved in time. And, those whom God has not decreed to save, aka: Reprobate, He hates. However, they wrongly believe that God is not benevolent to the reprobate in any manner, i.e., everything that happens to the reprobate by God's providence originates in God's hatred toward them. Anything which could be construed as relatively 'good' is nothing more than a means to increase their judgment and condemnation. The reprobate, as per their view, cannot do ANYTHING 'good' by any definition of the word 'good'.

Thank you so much for the history of the term and your view on the terms for which you reject as not being biblical in its origin. I to have seen that His grace is anything but ''common'', and there is one particular site that gave much biblical evidence for this conclusion. Grace and peace to you for your quick and informative response.

You are most welcome. I really need to add that I firmly believe that in regard to the proclamation of the gospel it is indiscriminate. There is no 'special people' or 'group' to whom the gospel is restricted, e.g., The gospel only pertains to the elect... etc. And on the other side, the gospel isn't a proclamation that Jesus died for everyone, God wants everyone to be saved, 'God loves you and may have a wonderful plan for your life', etc. The gospel is the proclamation that God sent His Son into the world to die for sinners, was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. Thus the gospel is also a command that ALL must repent and believe upon Christ for the remission of their sins and to be reconciled to God. ALL who by the Spirit's secret and sovereign work of regeneration will come to Christ and they will be openly received and adopted as sons and be given eternal life in Christ.

The gospel is the means ordained by God to call the elect to repentance and faith. No man knows beforehand whom God has predestinated to salvation, thus the gospel is to be preached to everyone without exception.

That latter explanation reminds me of the quote Spurgeon gave when inquired about knowing who the elect are, he replied that if everyone would pull up their shirttail so he can see an E for elect he would give the gospel to them,... we not knowing who they are so we must proclaim it to all,... again with that answer my brother, grace and peace to you.

Hi friends, I'm new and I was looking for a "Like" button because I love what I'm reading here on this thread. I'm guessing there isn't one though because I don't see it.

Hi Leah, Welcome to The Highway

If you look below the message box, on the left, you will see a facebook icon. It puts a notice on your page on facebook. I too have wanted to put a like on some of the posts that I read here. But at least it tells your friends what you are liking on The Highway.

Thank you for the warm welcome. It's really nice to be here with you all.

Welcome to the Highway Leah, I pray that you would find the information and the fellowship as rich as the theology you will encounter, grace and peace to you!