the grace of god - bunyan ministries the outset of studying the grace of god in this chapter, we...

CHAPTER VI

THE GRACE OF GOD

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Bywayofillustration,Dr.D.MartynLloydJoneswrites:

ThiswordgraceisoneofthegreatwordsoftheNewTestament.ItisnotsurprisingthatPhilipDoddridgeintheeighteenthcenturyshouldwriteasfollows:

Grace!Tisacharmingsound, Harmonioustotheear:

Heavenwiththeechoshallresound Andalltheearthshallhear.

Gracefirstcontrivedtheway Tosaverebelliousman,

Andallthestepsthatgracedisplay Whichdrewthewondrousplan.

Thereisnomorewonderfulwordthangrace....Whatisyourreactiontothisword?InmanywaysthisistheacidtestofanyprofessionoftheChristianfaith.TheChristianis onewho reacts in the sameway asPhilipDoddridge in the lines that Ihave justquoted.ThesamethoughtisalsoexpressedbyCharlesWesley:

HisonlyrighteousnessIshow, Hissavinggraceproclaim.

Doyoufeelthatthiswordgraceopenstheverygatesofheaventoyou?ThatisreallywhatitmeanstobeaChristian.1

At the outset of studying the grace ofGod in this chapter,wewould encouragedistinguishingbetweengraceasacooltheologicaltopicandthebiblicalperspectiveofgrace,withwhichLloydJoneschallengesus,thataddressesmanasagreatsinner,thoroughly lost, and its sovereign, particular saving dominion that brings aboutwonder,passion,worshipandindomitablespirituallife.

2. Byway of illustration,when the light ofGods truth concerning grace dawned

uponMartinLuther,heusedthoseverytermsthatLloydJonesrelatedaboutitbeingagate toheaven.With regard tohisquest tounderstand thegospelwhichPaulexpoundsinRomans,hewrites:

1 MartynLloydJones,Romans,AtonementandJustification,pp.578.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD 114

NightanddayIpondereduntilIsawtheconnectionbetweenthejusticeofGodandthestatementthatthejustshalllivebyfaith.ThenIgraspedthatthejusticeofGodisthatrighteousnessbywhichthroughgraceandsheermercyGod justifiesusthroughfaith.ThereuponIfeltmyselftoberebornandtohavegonethroughopengatesintoparadise.ThewholeofScripturetookonanewmeaning,andwhereasbeforethejusticeofGodhadfilledmewithhate,nowitbecametomeinexpressiblysweetingreaterlove.ThispassageofPaulbecametomeagatetoheaven....IfyouhaveatruefaiththatChristisyourSavior,thenatonceyouhaveagraciousGod,forfaithleadsyouinandopensupGodsheartandwill,thatyoushouldseepuregraceandoverflowinglove.2

3. Here thenwe ought to remind ourselves, as Luther has taught us because of his

passionatequest,ofthepriorityofknowingagraciousGodinourquestforpersonalencounterwithHisgraceinourownlives.

a. Thepreoccupationofmultitudesof religiouspeople today ishow theymight

experienceGodsgraceandappeargraciousbeforemen.Godisperceivedasautilitarianvehicleofgrace.

(1) Formany,thesupremeendoflifeistheattainmentofgenuinefulfillment,

personal happiness, bubbling vitality, real personal identity, and asatisfyingselfimage,frequentlyviareligion.Thesepeoplemayevenagreethat theyneedgrace toattain thisend.ButGod ismerelyperceivedasausefulmeanstoanendandnotgloriouslygraciousinHimself.Itoughtnotto surprise us then that such people never attain true graciousness.WhereastheEnglishpreacherSamuelDavieshaswritten:

GreatGodofwonders!AllThywaysArematchless,Godlikeanddivine;ButthefairgloriesofThygraceMoreGodlikeandunrivaledshine.

(2) In contrast with this modern day pervasive subjectivity is the primarysearchofMartinLuther,inthemidstofbeingoverwhelmedwiththejusticeofGodand thestricturesofacloistered lifeasanAugustinianmonk,notfortheanswertothequestion,HowcanIreceivegraceandbegracious?but for a graciousGodHimself and reconciliationwithHim.Hence thefocus here is upon God and not man, that is knowing His graciouscharacter. This is not a trivial distinction since it strikes at the heart ofcontemporarymancenterednessinchurchlife..

b. The difference between these two concepts is crucial and fundamental. The

ramificationseffectevangelismandpersonalspiritualgrowth.

2 RolandBainton,HereIStand,pp.4950.

THE GRACE OF GOD 115

(1) ThesearchforagraciousGodshouldfinditsfulfillmentintheembraceofthegoodnewsconcerningaGodofgracewhoisadoredforwhoHeisandnot simply forwhatHedoes. It is thisGodcentered emphasiswhich iscentral to the New Testament and lacking today. Supremely, God isgraciousinHimselfandmustbeadoredassuch.Ourstudyofthisattributeseekstoregainthisemphasis.SoFrancisXavierwrote:

MyGod,IloveThee;notbecauseIhopeforHeavnthereby,NoryetbecausewholoveTheenotMayeternallydie.

EensoIloveThee,andwilllove,AndinThypraisewillsing,SolelybecauseThouartmyGod,AndmyeternalKing.

(2) However,aprimarysearch forgrace thatsatisfiesmygroaningcondition,

based on the assumption that God is gracious, only leads to subjectivefrustrationwithoutthelongedforfulfillment.GrowthingracewillonlybeexperiencedwhenIcontinuetopraiseandenjoyGodasbeingwonderfullygracious in Himself. The Christian ought to be frequently exhortinghimself, Behold [the lovingindness/grace of] your God. . . . Like ashepherdHewilltendHisflock,inHisarmHewillgatherthelambsandcarry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes (Isa.40:9b11).

B. THEGRACEOFGOODASANASPECTOFHISLOVE

1. ThedistinctivenatureofGodsgraciouscharacter.

WhereasGod is essentially and admirably good,His expression of that goodnesstowards thoroughly polluted and rebelliousmankind is that facet of love calledgrace.

a. GraceisGodsgoodnessbestoweduponmaninthefaceofhisunholybadness,

hissinfulnessandmisery,hisgreatguilt,therebeingnorightfulclaimtoit,nomerit to obtain it, no ground for the deserving of it, because ofmans utterdisqualifyingcharacter.(1) IntheOldTestament,themost importantterm istheHebrewworddcexe ,

chesed, used 240 times,which describesGods loyal, covenant love andmercy,Hissteadfastfaithfulnessand lovingkindness thatconfrontsmans


unfaithfulness and ungodliness. They [Israel] refused to listen, and didnot remember Yourwondrous deedswhich You had performed amongthem; so theybecame stubbornandappointeda leader to return to theirslavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious andcompassionate,slow toangerandabounding in lovingkindness;andYoudidnot forsake them. (Neh. 9:17; cf.Ex. 34:67;Ps. 103:811; Jonah 4:2).Gods promise to save and keep according to His sovereign, electing,covenental determination, knows only unremitting commitment,irregardlessofhumanfailureinthehistoryofIsrael.Thereisalso] "x,chn,used 69 times, which means grace as favor, compassion, and personalgraciousness(Prov.Ps.45:2;22:11);itisfirstmentionedinGenesis6:8:ButNoahfoundfavorintheeyesoftheLORD.

(2) IntheNewTestament,themost importantterm istheGreekword,

charis,which,inthecontextofGodsrelationshipwithman,describesHisfree,gratisfavorandmercybestoweduponsinfulandguiltymanwithoutregard to absent worthiness and present unworthiness. For all havesinnedand fall shortof thegloryofGod,being justifiedasagiftbyHis[GodtheFathers]gracethroughtheredemptionwhichisinChristJesus(Rom. 3:24; cf. 4:45; 5:15; Eph. 2:89; Titus 2:11).Here the basis of thismercybestoweduponsinners is thesamecovenantfaithfulnesspromisedin theOldTestament toAbrahamandDavid, followedby thepromiseofaneverlastingcovenantandanewcovenantandacovenantofpeaceforIsrael(Jer.31:3134;32:3640;Ezek.37:2428),andtheclimactic,fulfillingeternalcovenantcut in termsof theshedbloodof theLord Jesus(Heb.13:20). All of this is grounded upon Gods sovereign initiative andaccomplishmentforthepurposeofHisglory;furtheritisinspiteofmansstrenuousrebellionagainstthegoodnessandkindnessofGod.

b. Grace isnotmerelyGods love in the faceofmans indifferenceor supposed

neutrality, but ratherHisdeep anddetermined affectiondirected toward theopenly hostile and aggressive sinner. And although you were formerlyalienatedandhostileinmind,engagedinevildeeds,yetHehasnowreconciledyou [bymeansofgospelgrace] inHis fleshlybody throughdeath, inorder topresentyoubeforeHimholyandblamelessandbeyondreproach(Col.1:2122;cf.Rom.5:12,68;Eph.2:19).HenceGraceisnotmerelyunmeritedfavor,butalsodemeritedfavor.GodisformaneventhoughmanplotsandschemesandpositivelyopposesGod(Ps.2:13).

(1) Graceisinadequatelydescribedbythepopularanagram,GodsRichesAt

Christs Expense. But why the necessity of this grace? Such arepresentation iswhollymute concerningmansessentialproblemwhich


graceaddresses; itdoesnot inanywayspeakofmanssinfulantagonismagainstGoduponwhichgraceispredicated.

(2) Grace isnot simply thatGod iskind towards sinnerswho come shortof

offering acceptable righteousness anddefile themselves,but ratherHe iskindtowardssinnerswho,likeSaulwhobecamePaul,aremilitantlyaversetoGodandasaconsequencestoreupdemerit.Saulbegan ravaging thechurch,enteringhouseafterhouse,anddraggingoffmenandwomen,hewouldputthem inprison(Acts8:3).InJerusalem,notonlydidI[Saul]lockupmanyof thesaints inprisons,havingreceivedauthorityfrom thechiefpriests,butalsowhen theywerebeingput todeath I castmyvoteagainstthem.AndasIpunishedthemofteninallthesynagogues,Itriedtoforce them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I keptpursuingthemeventoforeigncities.(Acts26:914).YetPaullatertestifies,It isa trustworthystatement,deserving fullacceptance, thatChrist Jesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners,amongwhomIamforemostofall.Yetfor this reason I foundmercy,so that inmeas the foremost, JesusChristmightdemonstrateHisperfectpatienceasanexampleforthosewhowouldbelieveinHimforeternallife(ITim.1:1516).

(3) SoinPsalm2weseethisconflictinstarkrelief,thatisthesupremacyofthe

grace of God over a rebelliousworld.God alone takes the initiative indeterminingtosavesinners.ManisnotmerelyindifferenttowardGod,butamilitantrebel,anenemyofGodthatonlygracecanconquer(Rom.5:2021;Eph.2:110).

(a) Thenationsoftheworld, inanunholyalliance,strenuouslyconspire

andrageagainstthemoralrestraintsofaholyGodandHisSonJesusChrist,likeawildkickingmule,vs.13.

(b) The LORD scoffs at this human arrogance. Yet Jesus Christ has

sovereignly been appointed by His Father as ruler overZion/Jerusalem,aswellastheGentilenations,vs.49.

(c) NeverthelessGodgraciouslypersistsincallingupontheconspirators

tobowwithfaithallegiancebeforeHisSon.SuchworshipperswillbeblessedwhilepersistentrebelswillsufferthewrathofGod,vs.1012.

c. GraceisnotsimplythedistinctiveloveofthehistoricLordJesusforsinners,but

rather the identical loveof the threePersonsof the triuneGod, theFather, theSon,andtheHolySpirit.TheloveofGodtheSonisessentiallythatoftheloveofGodtheFatherandGodtheHolySpirit.


(1) ThereisthegraceofGodtheFatherwhichismediatedtosinnersthroughHisgraciousSon.SothosewhohavesinnedarejustifiedasagiftbyHis[theFathers]gracethroughtheredemptionwhichisinChristJesus(Rom.3:2324;cf.Acts20:24,32;Rom.5:15;Philem.3).

(2) ThereisthegraceofGodtheSonwhichisactivelymanifestinhisearthly

condescension. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, thatthoughHewasrich,yetforyoursakeHebecamepoor,sothatyouthroughHispovertymightbecomerich(IICor.8:9).

(3) There is the grace ofGod theHoly Spirit, the Spirit of the truthwho

proceeds from theFather,who Jesus said will testify aboutMe (John15:26).ThisSpiritofGodisthetheSpiritofthegracewhichwitnessestotheSonofGodandthebloodofthecovenant:(Heb.10:29).

d. GraceisGodsloveforsinnersthatispurposedandoriginatessolelywithinthe

heartof theEternal; itdoesnotcome in response toworthandvalue inman.ThegraceofGodisaccordingtothekindintentionofHiswill,...themysteryofHiswill,...accordingtoHispurposewhoworksallthingsafterthecounselofHiswill(Eph.1:5,9,11).

(1) Being justified freely [asagift]byHisgrace (Rom.3:24;cf. John15:25),

means thatwithin the sinner there is nomerit or cause for him to bejustified, no effective human persuasion. The freedom here resideswithGod,beingHisgracefreelypurposedandprovided.ThecauseexclusivelyresideswithinGod;itisforthisreasonthatitisoftencalledfreegrace.

(2) However,Gods grace is not capricious or fickle, but according to holy

wisdom,thekindintentionofHiswill,...tothepraiseandgloryofHisgrace....InallwisdomandinsightHe[GodtheFather]madeknowntousthemysteryofHiswill(Eph.1:5,89).Yetthiswisdomisalsoconditionedbyrighteousness(Rom.3:2426;ICor.1:30).

(3) Therefore,graceislovethatispurposeful,intentional,willful,steadfast,the

emphasisbeingplacedonGodsvolitionandloyaltytoHispromise.Heis,theFatheroflights,withwhomthereisnovariationorshiftingshadow.IntheexerciseofHiswillHebroughtusforthbythewordoftruth(Jas.1:1718;cf.John3:16;Rom.11:29;IJohn4:10).

e. Grace is not love that overlooks, neglects, or disregards sin. This isworldly

perversion born of a lack of understanding concerning the immutablemoralcharacterofGod. IfGodwere to sweep sinunder the carpet, so to speak,Hewouldnotbegracious,butunholyandwithout integrity.Attheestablishment


ofthegardenofEdenGoddeclaredconcerningthetreeoflife,Youshallnoteatfromitortouchit,oryouwilldie[asjudgment](Gen.3:3;cf.2:17;Rom.3:23).Asaresult,followingAdamstransgression,throughonemansinenteredintotheworld,anddeath throughsin,andsodeathspread toallmen,becauseallsinned[inAdam?](Rom.5:12).SothisjudgmentofGodcameuponallmenfor all have sinned (Rom. 3:23; 5:1819). Yet the grace of God righteouslypardonsthissinthroughfaithintheatoningrighteousSonofGod(IJohn1:9).

(1) Every sin of every sinnerwithwhomGod dealswith graciously is also

dealtwithjustly!ForthisreasonthegraceofGodisalwaysrighteousgrace,providingrighteousnessandsalvation.TheLordputonrighteousnesslikeabreastplate,andahelmetof salvationonHishead (Isa.59:17; cf.45:8;61:10;62:1).

(2) Grace is Gods love, with integrity, for sinners, so that He maintains

unblemished justiceandyet justifies thesinner.Sothat inChristbeingapropitiation [atoning sacrifice] in His blood, God demonstrated Hisrighteousness, being just and the justifier of the onewho has faith inJesus(Rom.3:2526).

f. J.I.Packercomments:

ThegraceofGod is love freely shown towardsguilty sinners, contrary to theirmerit and indeed in defiance of their demerit. It isGod showing goodness topersonswho deserve only severity, and had no reason to expect anything butseverity.Wehaveseenwhy the thoughtofgracemeansso little tosomechurchpeoplenamely,becausetheydonotsharethebeliefsaboutGodandmanwhichitpresupposes.Nowwehave toask:whyshould this thoughtmeansomuch toothers?Theanswerisnotfartoseek;indeed,itisevidentfromwhathasalreadybeensaid.It issurelyclear that,onceaman isconvinced thathisstateandneedareasdescribed,theNewTestamentgospelofgracecannotbutsweephimoffhisfeetwithwonderandjoy.ForittellshowourJudgehasbecomeourSavior.3

2. ThemajorcategoriesofGodsgrace.

Common grace, preceding grace, and saving grace, are facets of the one jewel ofgrace,andaswehavealreadyseen,allpresupposemantobeaguiltysinnertotallyvoidofmeritinthesightofGod.Theyallreflect,invaryingways,aspectsofGodsbroad loving concern formankind,both ingeneraland inparticular.There isalsoprogression here from theuniversal bestowing of common grace to theparticularpursuitofprecedinggraceandontotheparticularrealizationofsavinggrace.

3 J.I.Packer,KnowingGod,p.120.


a. Commongrace.

Common grace is universal grace and favor that, although nonredemptive,toucheseveryhumancreaturetowhomGodhasgivenexistence,nomatterhowdefiledapersonmaybe,whetherasareprobateorasoneofGodselect.

(1) It is thatgeneral, comprehensive, andkindprovidenceofGodmediated

throughHis Spiritwhich finds all of creation under the dominion of sin(Rom.8:1922).JohnMurraydescribesitas,everyfavorofwhateverkindordegree,fallingshortofsalvation,whichthisundeservingandsincursedworldenjoysatthehandofGod.4

(a) Common grace accounts for sinfulman having some knowledge of

God,someappreciationoftruth,somevirtueonahorizontal,mantomanbasis,andavarietyoftalentsandaccomplishments.SuchwasthecasewithAbimelech,akingofPhilistia(Gen.20:118),aJewishscribe(Mark 12:2834), and Cornelius the centurion (Acts 10:14). Broadtravelwillsometimes lead toourmeetingcertainpaganpeoplewhoyetevidenceconsiderablecivilkindness,hospitality,andintegrity.

(b) While common grace focuses upon a degree of favor and kindness

thatman receives fromGod as a sinner, that is in a universal andmultitudinoussense,benevolence focusesuponman,bothbefore theFallandafter,whoisinneedofinnatesupportandmaintenance,andthusreceivesgenerouswelfare(Acts14:1617).Commongracecomesto all men as sinners; benevolence comes as welfare to a needycreation.Hencecommongraceandbenevolencearecloselyconnected.

(2) Variousaspectsofcommongraceinclude:

(a) The living existence of allmen as sinners (Lam. 3:22;Acts 17:278).

Every breathwe breathe is awonder of common grace since Godcouldhave justly extinguished thewholehuman race in immediatejudgment. He defers the execution of our sentence by means ofcomprehensive grace so that we might receive the offer of a fullpardonbyparticulargrace(Rom.3:2425).

(b) Restraintuponsin,divinewrath,evil,andthebestowalofgoodwith

limitation, the overlooking of the times of ignorance for adeterminedperiodof time (Acts 17:23, 30), the forbearanceofGod[whereby]Hepassedoverthesinspreviouslycommitted(Rom.3:25).

4 JohnMurray,CollectedWritings,II,p.96.


JohnMurraywritesthat,

TheevidencedrawnfromScripture, then,compels theconclusion thatthe world as a whole, though subject to the curse incident to sin,receivestheshowersofmanifoldblessing,thatmenwhostilllieunderthedivinecondemnationofsin, includingeven thosewhowill finallysuffer the full weight of that condemnation in perdition, are therecipients in this life of multiple favors that proceed from Godslovingkindness,thatofunregeneratemenispredicatedmoralgoodthatexternally or formally is that required by the law of God, thatunregeneratemenwhocome intocontactwith therevelationofGodsgrace in the gospelmay even taste the goodword of God and thepowers of the age to come, and that in the institutions of civilrighteousnessandorderwehaveadivineprovisionthatensuresevenfortheungodlyrestraintupontheirevilworksandoutwardtranquilityandpeace.SothatviewingGodsgovernmentofthisworld,evenfromtheaspectofhiscommonornonsavinggrace,wemaysay,theearthisfullofthegloryoftheLordandallpeoplesseehisglory.5

(c) Thegeneral callandwooingof theHolySpirit (Gen.6:3;Acts7:51).

Mans accountability isheightenedbymeansof someknowledgeofGod,Hebeingunderstoodthroughwhathasbeenmade(Rom.1:20)andtheworkoftheLawwrittenintheirhearts(Rom.2:1416).Thenthereisthetruthofthegospelcommunicatednotonlytotheearsofallmen, but also to their hearts. This is not amere presence, but anearnest,persuasivestrivingthroughtheconvictingHolySpiritofsinand righteousness and judgment (John 16:711).Thiswork isquitedistinctfromtheparticulargiftofsavingfaiththattheHolySpiritalsobestows.

(d) Theuniversal offer of saving grace (John 3:16; 6:35; 7:37).The bonafideofferofthegospel,throughtheHolySpirit,istoallofmankind.28CometoMe,allwhoarewearyandheavyladen,andIwillgiveyou rest. 29 TakeMy yoke upon you and learn fromMe, for I amgentleandhumble inheart,andyouwill find rest foryour souls. 30ForMyyokeiseasyandMyburdenislight.(Matt.11:2830).Thisgospel of the kingdom shall be preached in thewholeworld as atestimonytoallthenations,andthentheendwillcome(Matt.24:14).Somankind,beingspirituallyblind,isyetconfrontedwiththetruthofthe gospel (Luke 4:18; John 9:39). This spiritual inability andimpotencealso includesmankindsdeafness (John8:3;Acts7:5658),deadness (Eph.2:1,5;Col.2:13),andunwillingness (John3:19;5:40).Howeveritisinmansunwillingnesstobelievethatheisaccountable

5 Ibid.,pp.97112.


(John5:40).GodsuniversalofferisgenuineinthatHewhobelievesintheSonhaseternallife;buthewhodoesnotobeytheSonwillnotseelife,butthewrathofGodabidesonhim(John3:36).6

(3) Although common grace is for the temporal blessing of all souls, such

goodnessought tobepointedout toallsouls,evenasPauldidatLystraconcerningalivingGod,whomadetheheavenandtheearthandtheseaandallthatisinthem....YetHedidnotleaveHimselfwithoutwitness,inthatHedid good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,satisfyingyourheartswithfoodandgladness(Acts14:1517).LikewiseattheAreopagus inAthens,Paulmadeproclamation concerning theGodwhomadetheworldandallthingsinit....HeHimselfgivestoallpeoplelifeandbreathandallthings(Acts17:24).

(a) Commongraceoughttoresultinrepentance,ahumbleturningtothe

only living God, though man often responds with presumptionconcerningthismercy,thinkinglightlyoftherichesofHiskindnessandtoleranceandpatience(Rom.2:45).

(b) Commongraceoughttoresult inpraise, thoughmanoftenresponds

withperversionof thiskindness,exchanging the truthofGod foralieandworshippingandservingthecreatureratherthantheCreator(Rom.1:25;cf.Ps.65:413;104:135).

(c) Commongraceoughttobeproperlyunderstoodinrelationtosaving

grace.Theformerisaccordingtotime,thelatteraccordingtoeternity,theformerisconcerningthehealthofthebody,thelatteraccordingtothehealthofthesoul,theformerisaccordingtouniversalinterest,thelatteraccordingtoparticular,electiveinterest.Murraypointsout:

[W]emust jealously guard the distinction between the grace that iscommonandthegracethatissaving.Tochangetheterms,wemustnotobliteratethedistinctionbetweennatureandgrace.Savinggracediffersin itsnature, itdiffers in itspurposeand itdiffers in itseffect.Butwemustbewareofa falsedualismwherebywe incline to regard specialgraceasnullifyingorannihilatingthegoodthingsitfindsinthatsphereuponwhichitfalls.CommongraceisafterallGodsgrace.Itisagiftof

6 JohnOwen,inupholdingtheparticulardefinitenessofChristsatonement,yetwritesofauniversalofferof

thatsamegospelasfollows:Aministerisnottomakeenquiryafter,nortotroublehimselfabout,thosesecretsoftheeternalmindofGod,namely,whomhepurposethtosave,andwhomhehathsentChristtodieforinparticular.Itisenoughforthemtosearchhisrevealedwill,andthencetaketheirdirections,fromwhencetheyhavetheircommissions....Theycommandandinvitealltorepentandbelieve;buttheyknownotinparticularonwhomGodwillbestowrepentanceuntosalvation,norinwhomhewilleffecttheworkoffaithwithpower.Works,X,pp.299300.


God and every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, andcomethdownfromtheFatheroflights,withwhomisnovariableness,neithershadowofturning(Jas.1:17).Specialgracedoesnotannihilatebutratherbringsitsredemptive,regenerativeandsanctifyinginfluencetobearuponeverynaturalorcommongift; it transformsallactivitiesanddepartmentsoflife;itbringseverygoodgiftintotheserviceofthekingdom of God. Christianity is not a flight from nature; it is therenewalandsanctificationofnature.Itisnotflightfromtheworld;itistheevangelizationoftheworld.7

b. Precedinggrace.

(1) Bydefinition,precedingorpreventingorprevenienthereallmean

to go before.Hence these terms refer to grace that comes to a personbeforeorprecedesconversionandissometimesdesignatedasprevenientgrace. It is thatparticularmeasureofgracepouredoutuponGodselectbefore actual salvation and conversion; it effectually prepares, guides,instructs, and draws the sinner toChrist for saving grace. All that theFather givesMewill come toMe, and the onewho comes toMe Iwillcertainlynotcastout. . . .Noonecancome tomeunless theFatherwhosentMedraws/leads/impels[,helk]him(John6:37,4445).

(a) It is a particular work of grace that is to be distinguished from

universalWesleyanArminianprevenientgrace,whichissaidtobebestowed upon all of Adams sinful race so as to restore limitedability,sothatanymancansavinglybelieveinChristifhewills.JohnWesleywritesconcerningJohn1:9:

Naturalfreewill,inthepresentstateofmankind,Idonotunderstand:Ionlyassert,thatthereisameasureoffreewillsupernaturallyrestoredtoeveryman [byChrist], togetherwith that supernatural lightwhichenlightenseverymanthatcomethintotheworld[John1:9]8

Wesleywill elsewhere acknowledge thatman is dead in trespassesand sins (Eph. 2:13), yet here he vainly attempts to avoid savingparticularitybymeansofanunbiblicalapplicationoftheatonement.

(b) Bywayofpersonalillustration,JohnBunyandescribesthisparticularpreventinggraceinhisownlifebeforeconversion.

Ibid.,p.117.8 JohnWesley,Works,X,pp. 22930.We believe this to be awrongunderstandingof John 1:9which, as

elsewhereinthisGospel(3:19;8:12;12:46),describeslightconfrontingmankindingeneralasdistinctfromgivinginwardilluminationofthesoul.RefertoBarrett,John,pp.1345.


Yea,suchprevalencyhad the lustsand fruitsof the flesh in thispoorsoulofmine,thathadnotamiracleofpreciousgraceprevented[gonebefore],Ihadnotonlyperishedbythestrokeofeternaljustice,buthadalso laidmyself open, even to the stroke of those laws,which bringsometodisgraceandopenshamebeforethefaceoftheworld.9

(c) Bywayofexplanation,RichardSibbeswrites:

Preventingmercy is thegreatest.Howmany favorsdothGodprevent[gobefore]uswith!Weneveraskedforourbeing,norfor that tenderlovewhichourparentsboretowardsusinourtenderyears.Weneveraskedforour...engraftingintoChrist.Whatamotivethereforeisthattostirusup,that...wemaypleadwiththeLord,andsay,Thouhadstacareofmebefore Ihadabeing;and thereforemuchmorewilt thounowhavea careofme,whom thouhast reconciledunto thyself,andremembermeinmercyfortimetocome.10

(d) By way of illustration, the Scottish hymn writer, James G. Small,

drawinguponHosea11:14,hassoaptlywritten:11

IvefoundaFriend,OsuchaFriend!Helovedmeere[before]IknewHim;Hedrewmewiththecordsoflove,AndthusHeboundmetoHim;AndroundmyheartstillcloselytwineThosetieswhichnoughtcansever,ForIamHis,andHeismine,Foreverandforever.

(2) ThusthisparticularprecedinggracedealsonlywiththeelectofGodsinceHischoiceofindividualsbeforethefoundationoftheworldsuggeststhenecessityof theirbeingdivinelydrawn towardsaving faith inChristandresultantconversion(Eph.1:36;Col.3:12).Soparticularprevenientgraceisfinallyeffectual(ICor.1:9),thoughitmayberejectedforaperiod(Acts8:1;26:14).Inthissenseitisultimatelyirresistibleandefficaciousgraceasissowell illustrated in theparticulargrace thatsovereignlyoperatedandtriumphed inthe lifeofdisturbedyetresistantPaul(Acts8:1;9:19;26:14;7:58;0Gal.1:1516).

9 JohnBunyan,Works,I,p.7.10 RichardSibbes,TheCompleteWorksofRichardSibbes,VII,p.198.11 JamesG.Small,TrinityHymnal,433.


(a) Preventinggracenotonlyprotectsthesinnerfromsatanicclaims,butalsodirectshimalongahedged inway,as itwere, that leads to thefootofthecross(Gen.27:4144).HereChristwelcomesthosegiventoHimbyHisFather,anddoesnotloseone(John17:2,6,9,12,24).

(b) Preventinggrace effects the safe arrival and certain salvation of the

chosen sinner, by the sanctifyingwork of the Spirit, that youmayobeyJesusChristandbesprinkledwithHisblood(IPet.1:12).HeretheworkoftheSpiritispreparatoryfortheobedience(offaith,Rom.1:5;16:26)andtheapplicationofChristsatoningblood(John3:38;IIThess.2:13;Tit.3:5).

(3) Bywayof illustration, in1865C.H.Spurgeonpreacheda sermon titled,

PrevenientGrace,baseduponGalatians1:15.Underthistitleheincludesas subdivisions, formative, restraining, preparatory, and convictinggrace.Hedeclaresthat,

Prevenient grace comes before regeneration and conversion. I think wesometimesoverlook it.Wedonotattachenough importancetothegraceofGodinitsdealingswithmenbeforeheactuallybringsthemtohimself.PaulsaysthatGodhaddesignsoflovetowardshimevenbeforehehadcalledhimoutofthedeadworldintospirituallife. . . .Itisamercyforsomementhattheycannotdowhattheywould.Ah!Myfinefellow,ifyoucouldhavehadyourownway,youwouldhavebeenatthetopofthemountainbynow!Soyouthink,butno,youwouldhavebeenovertheprecipicelongbeforethisifGodhadletyouclimbatall,andsohehaskeptyouinthevalleybecausehehasdesignsoflovetowardsyou,andbecauseyoushallnotsinasotherssin.Divinegracehas itshandupon thebridleofyourhorse. . . .Another inchforwardandyouwillbeovertheprecipiceandlost.AndthereforeGodhasputthathandtheretothrowyourhorsebackonitshaunches,andmakeyoupauseandthink,andturnfromtheerrorofyourways....LookatthelifeofSt.Augustine,howwearilyhewandershitherandthitherwithadeaththirstinhissoul,thatnofountofphilosophy,orscholasticargument,orhereticalteaching could ever assuage. He was aware of his unhappy estate, andturnedhiseye round thecircleof theuniverse looking forpeace,not fullyconsciousofwhathewanted,thoughfeelinganachingvoidtheworldcouldneverfill.Hehadnotfoundthecenter,fixedandsteadfast,aroundwhichallelse revolved in ceaseless change.Now, all this appetite, this hunger andthirst,Ilookuponasnotofthedevil,norofthehumanheartalone.ItwasofGod!Hestripsusofallourearthlyjoyandpeace,that,shiveringinthecoldblastwemightflee,whendrawnbyhisSpirit,totheManwhoisasahidingplace from thestorm,acover from the tempest,and theshadowofagreatrockinawearyland.12

12 C.H.Sturgeon,TheMetropolitanTabernaclePulpit,XI,pp.589600.


(4) Bywayofapplication, letanyChristianconsiderhisownconversionandrecall how Gods preventing or preceding grace led him by manymarvelousandoften circuitousways to the footof theCross.OughtnotsuchanawarenesscausehimtoeruptinpraiseofGodasdidPaul?NowtotheKingeternal, immortal, invisible,theonlyGod,behonorandgloryforeverandever.Amen(ITim.1:1517;cf.Rom.11:3335;Gal.1:1316,).

c. Savinggrace.

From the outset,we are notmerely considering that grace ofGodwhich issupposed to be on offer toman. In this scenario,Godpropositionsman andawaitsforhisresponse;man,beingautonomous,determineswhethertoacceptor reject thisoffer.Thismeans that the end result ismans todetermine andultimatelyheavenispopulatedaccordingtohumandecision.This,wepropose,ispopularmancenteredtheologythatfailstocomprehendthebiblicaltruthofthe sovereigntyandactual savingnatureofgrace. Inotherwords,wedeclarethatsavinggracehaspotency;itisnottheresimplytobetakenaswithanitemataselfservicestore!Goddoesmorethanpropositionasinfulman;Heactuallysaveshim,asissodramaticallyseenintheconversionofPaul(Gal.1:1117).Sohedeclares:Wheresin increased,graceaboundedallthemore,sothat,assinreigned in death, even so grace would reign [have dominion] throughrighteousnesstoeternallifethroughJesusChristourLord(Rom.5:2021).

(1) Itisgracethatrescuesthesinner.

(a) Essentially, God provides and applies saving grace through the

redemptive,atoningworkofChristtoimpotent,miserable,andguiltysinners (Rom. 3:926; Eph. 2:110; Tit. 3:37). This grace has severalsavingaspects:

1) In justification,God throughChristpronounces theunrighteous

sinner to benotguilty and acceptably righteous (Rom. 1:1617;3:2124,28;5:1;Gal.2:16;3:11,24).Thisisjustgrace.

2) In redemption, thesinner isdelivered from theslavemarketand

captivity of sin through Christs ransom sacrifice (Mark 10:45;Rom.3:24;Gal.3:13;4:45).Thisisliberatinggrace.

3) In substitution, the sinners judgement isvicariouslybornbyan

offended anotherwho isyetwilling andqualified according totheFathersjustdemands,namelytheatonementofChrist(Mark10:45;IICor.5:21;IPet.2:24).Thisisfreeandcostlygrace.


4) In reconciliation, God befriends the sinner, through Christ themediator,bytakingawaythatguiltandenmitywhichdivide(IICor.5:19;Eph.2:1516;Col.1:2122).Thisisrapprochementgrace.

5) In adoption, the sinner believing in Christ is lifted from sins

captivity as a slave and placed as a son and heir in Godskingdom(Rom.8:1417;Gal.4:47;Eph.1:5).Thisisfilialgrace.

6) In sanctification, the saved sinner yet continues to be saved

throughChrists intercessorywork, the indwelling of theHolySpirit,andthemilkandmeatoftheWordofGod(Matt.4:4;Acts20:32;Rom.5:15;8:117; ICor.1:39;Heb.7:25; IPet.2:2; IIPet.3:18).Thisistransforminggrace.

7) Inglorification,thesavedsinnerreceivestheconsummationofhis

salvation, the promised full inheritance (Eph. 2:7). When He[JesusChrist]appears,wewillbe likeHim,becausewewillseeHim just asHe is (I John 3:2).This is consummating, radiantgrace.

(b) Bywayofillustration,A.W.Tozerwrites:

Noonewaseversavedother thanbygrace, fromAbel to thepresentmoment.SincemankindwasbanishedfromtheeastwardGarden,nonehaseverreturnedtothedivinefavorexceptthroughthesheergoodnessofGod.Andwherever grace found anyman itwas always by JesusChrist.Grace indeedcameby JesusChrist,but itdidnotwait forHisbirth in the manger or His death on the cross before it becameoperative.Christ is theLamb slain from the foundationof theworld.ThefirstmaninhumanhistorytobereinstatedinthefellowshipofGodcame through faith inChrist. In olden timesmen looked forward toChrists redeemingwork; in later times they gaze back upon it, butalwaystheycameandtheycomebygracethroughfaith.WemustkeepinmindalsothatthegraceofGodisinfiniteandeternal.Asithadnobeginning, so it canhavenoend,andbeinganattributeofGod, it isboundlessasinfinitude.13

(c) Bywayof illustration,theChristianhascertainlybeensavedbypast

tensegrace(Eph.1:13), isstillbeingsavedaccordingtopresenttensegrace (II Cor. 2:15), and will be saved consummately at his

13A.W.Tozer,TheKnowledgeOfTheHoly,p.102.


glorification by future tense grace (Phil. 1:6; Jude 24). Thus JohnNewtoncouldwrite:14

Thromanydangers,toilsandsnares,Ihavealreadycome;Tisgracehasbroughtmesafethusfar,Andgracewillleadmehome.

(2) Itisgracethatissovereignoverthesinner.

(a) Bywayofdefinition,Sovereigngrace is thatdominionand reignof

gracewhich certainly and effectually accomplishesGods particularsavingpurposes,eventhoughsinmayragewithallofitsfoulnessandpower(Rom.5:2021).

1) God issovereign in theparticulardistributionofgrace14What

shallwesaythen?ThereisnoinjusticewithGod,isthere?Mayitneverbe!15ForHesaystoMoses,IwillhavemercyonwhomIhave mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I havecompassion.16Sothenitdoesnotdependonthemanwhowillsorthemanwhoruns,butonGodwhohasmercy.(Rom.9:1416;cf.Ex.33:19;Rom.9:11).

2) Godissovereignintheapplicationandmaintenanceofgrace.4

justasHechoseus inHimbefore the foundationof theworld,thatwewouldbeholyandblamelessbeforeHim. In love 5Hepredestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ toHimself,accordingtothekindintentionofHiswill,6tothepraiseofthegloryofHisgrace,whichHefreelybestowedonusintheBeloved.(Eph.1:46;cf.2:810).

(b) Sovereign grace contrasts with that impotent, offered grace which

man,withhissupposedautonomy,mayfreelyacceptorreject.1) By way of illustration, of what use is it to place the most

delectablefoodoutsidethetombofLazarus.Suchofferedgrace,assumingability that isnonexistent, has littlevalue foradeadmanunlessheisfirstmadealive(Eph.2:17).

2) TheFatherhasnotsentHisbelovedSontosufferanddiesothat

men might be saved. Otherwise, might not all men refuse to

14 JohnNewton,TrinityHymnal,402.


believe? Sovereign gracemeans thatmen will be saved (Luke10:22;John6:37,44;10:13,11;17:12,6,9,12,24;Rom.8:32).

3) Thus, whoever God elects to salvation, He also, through

appointed means, applies the gracious merits of Christsatonement tobelieving sinners (Rom.8:2930; IPet.1:12).SuchauthenticfaithisonemeansthatGodemploys(Acts13:48).

4) Byway of illustration,Goddoesnot, as itwere,merely throw

downaropeintothepitofmanspredicamentandinvitehimtohaulhimselfout.Rather,heactuallyclimbsdownintothepitandliftshissheepout(Luke15:37).

(c) Bywayofexplanation, inasermonentitledReigningGrace,C.H.

SpurgeoncommentsonRomans5:21asfollows:

Just as sin has reigned, andwithdespotic and irresistiblepower hasgroundhissubjectsintheverydust,andthencastthemintotheflames,so doth grace with irresistible goodness, constrain the chosenmultitudestoyieldobedience,andthuspreparesthemforeternalbliss....Itellyoubrethren,ifallthetroublesthatevercamefromheaven,allthepersecutions thatevercame fromearth,andall theafflictions thatever arose from hell, could meet on your poor devoted head, thereigninggraceofGodwouldmakeyoumasterof themall.Youhaveneverneedtofear.Stormsarethetriumphofhisart,andgracecansteerthe ship thebetter for tempestuouswaves.Trust in theLord,anddogood;restthouonhisgrace,andhopethouinhismercy.15

(d) SovereigngracewastheespecialconstantdelightoftheApostlePaul

because:

1) It isgracegiven inhismotherswomb.God,whohad setmeapartevenfrommymotherswombandcalledme throughHisgrace,waspleasedtorevealHisSoninme(Gal.1:15).

2) It isgracethat is thegiftofGod.8Forbygraceyouhavebeen

saved through faith;and thatnotofyourselves, it is thegiftofGod;9notasaresultofworks,sothatnoonemayboast(Eph.2:89).

3) Itisgracegiventothechiefofsinners.13ThoughIwasformerly

ablasphemerandapersecutorandaviolentaggressor,yetIwas

15 Spurgeon,MetropolitanTabernaclePulpit,VI,pp.349,354.


shownmercy because I acted ignorantly inunbelief; 14 and thegraceofourLordwasmore than abundant,with the faith andlove which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthystatement,deservingfullacceptance, thatChristJesuscame intotheworldtosavesinners,amongwhomIamforemostofall(ITim.1:1315).

4) It isgrace that reignsover sin. 20TheLawcame in so that the

transgression would increase; but where sin increased, graceaboundedallthemore,21sothat,assinreignedindeath,evensogracewouldreign throughrighteousness toeternal life throughJesusChristourLord(Rom.5:2021).

5) It is grace that abounds. And God is able tomake all grace

abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency ineverything,youmayhaveanabundanceforeverygooddeed(IICor.9:8).

(3) Itisgracethatisfree.

(a) There are inadequatedescriptions of the freeness of the gospel that

aboundtoday,asifitwerelikesomefreecommercialoffer.HoweverRomans 3:24 declares something much more wonderful. Here thebelievingsinner is,justifiedasagift/freely[,drean]byHis[Gods]gracethroughtheredemptionwhichisinChristJesus.1) Freely,,drean,heremeans,withoutacause,justas

the sameword in John15:25 isusedby Jesus todeclare,Theyhatedmewithout a cause/freely [,drean].Therewasno causewithinChristas towhyHewashated; the causewassolelywithinman.Soheremanhasnomeritoriouscontributionto make, arising from within, that contributes toward hissalvation;thoughmandoescontributedemeritoriouscorruption.ThecauseofjustificationissolelythegraciouspurposeofGod.

2) Hence,thereisnogoodcausewithinthesinnerwhichGodwould

regardasagroundforjustification.TheonlycauseiswithinGod,according toHisgraciouspurpose. Hemadeknown tous themystery of His [Gods] will, according to His [Gods] kindintentionwhichHepurposedinHim[HisSon]. . . .InHimalsowe have obtained an inheritance, having been predestinedaccordingtoHispurposewhoworksallthingsafterthecounsel


ofHiswill(Eph.1:9,1011).Thusthebelievingsinnerisjustifiedgratuitously,orforgratis.

(b) Bywayofexplanation,JohnMurraycommentsonRomans3:24:

NoelementinPaulsdoctrineofjustificationismorecentralthanthisGods justifying act is not constrained to any extent or degree byanything thatweareordowhichcouldbeesteemedaspredisposingGodtothisact.Andnotonlyisitthecasethatnothinginusordonebyus constrains to this act but all that is ours compels the oppositejudgment thewholeworld isbrought inguiltybeforeGod (cf.vs.9,19).ThisactiononGodspartderivesitswholemotivation,explanation,anddeterminationfromwhatGodhimselfisanddoesintheexerciseoffreeandsovereigngrace.Meritofanykindon thepartofman,whenbrought into relation to justification,contradicts the firstarticleof thePaulinedoctrineandthereforeofhisgospel.ItisthegloryofthegospelofChristthatitisoneoffreegrace.16

(c) However,asiscommontoday,thetermfreegracecanlenditselfto

misunderstanding.

1) Itisnotfreegracethatisreceivedascheapandeasy.

a) Free grace is wholly gratis to the recipient, neverthelesscostlywithregardtothedonor.Thustherecipientisdeeplyaware, respectful, and responsive concerning this cost. 2Fixingoureyeson Jesus, theauthorandperfecterof faith,whoforthejoysetbeforeHimenduredthecross,despisingtheshame,andhassatdownattherighthandofthethroneofGod.3ForconsiderHimwhohasenduredsuchhostilitybysinnersagainstHimself,sothatyouwillnotgrowwearyandloseheart.(Heb.12:23cf.IICor.8:9;Phil.2:58).

b) Bywayof illustration,freeheredoesnotrelatetoafree

samplethatonemightchooseandfancytoacceptatafoodstore.Many a child, even a prodigal, has received a freeinheritance. But the parents as benefactors haveaccumulated such an inheritance only at sacrificial cost tothemselves. So the freeness here is indicative of theabsolute purity of gracewholly onGod the Fathers part,concerning the offering up ofHis Son, that admits of noadmixtureintheslightestofhumanmerit.

16 JohnMurray,TheEpistleToTheRomans,p.115.


2) Itisnotfreegracethatisreceivedwithapathy.

a) Bywayofexplanation,freegraceisnotofferedtoamanasheisofferedavacationpackagebyatelemarketer.Rather,itis liberty offered to a miserable, agonizing, confinedprisonerwho isdeservedlybound.Thereforehis receptionoffreegraceresultsinspontaneousjubilation,astonishment,praise,thanksgiving,andasenseofindebtedness,especiallywithregardtohisemancipator.

b) Free grace confronts aman as beingwholly unworthy of

pardon and worthy of condemnation. Yet should such acriminal,beforea judge,receiveafreepardon,hisresponsewillnotbecasualbutintensedelightandrejoicing.Graceisregarded in proportion to the sinners estimate of his sin,guilt, and condemnation (Luke 7:47).Onlywhen personalcorruptionistrulyunderstoodisgraceadored.

3) Itisnotfreegracethatisreceivedforabuse.

a) AlthoughgraceaboundsinRomans5:17,20,yetinRomans

6:12Paul isrepulsedbythethoughtthatsin is justifiedbygrace.1Whatshallwesaythen?Arewetocontinueinsinsothatgracemayincrease?2Mayitneverbe!Howshallwewho died to sin still live in it? Such an attitude isdisgraceful.

b) Rather, grace is to be the justification of both judicial and

personalrighteousness.17ButthanksbetoGodthatthoughyouwereslavesofsin,youbecameobedientfromtheheartto that form of teaching towhich youwere committed, 18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves ofrighteousness. (Rom. 6:1718).The grace that saves is thegracethatisproductivegraciousness(Matt.18:2135).

(4) Itisgracethatisrichtothebelievingsinner.

(a) In Ephesians 1:7; 2:7, the believer is declared to be the inheritor of

spiritual treasure, that is the wealth of the riches of His [Gods]grace, which, according to Hebrews 6:9,may be the things thataccompanysalvation,andproceedfromgrace.


1) Bywayofexplanation, clearlyPauland theauthorofHebrewsenvision a multitude of blessings that accrue to the genuineChristian through the gospel. But specifically what are theseriches?While thefollowing listof thirtycategories is farfromexhaustive,17yetitdoesreflectsomethingofthewealththatflowsforth from thegrace ofGod for the believer.Thus the child ofGodreceives:

a) AcknowledgmentbyGodthathehasbeentheobjectofparticular

loving interest from eternity past, before the foundation of theworld. Specifically he has been foreknown, predestinated,elected,chosen,called.4NowthewordoftheLORDcametome saying, 5 Before I formedyou in thewomb Iknewyou,And before youwere born I consecrated you; I haveappointedyouaprophettothenations(Jer.1:45;cf.Rom.8:2930;Gal.1:1317;Eph.1:45,11;IThess.1:4;IPet.1:12).

b) RegenerationfromdeathinthesouluntothelifeofGod.11Even

soconsideryourselvestobedeadtosin,butalivetoGodinChristJesus.13Anddonotgoonpresentingthemembersofyour body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; butpresentyourselvestoGodasthosealivefromthedead,andyour members as instruments of righteousness to God(Rom.6:11,13;cf.Eph.2:45;Titus3:56).

c) Justification byGod for theunjust. 1Therefore,havingbeen

justifiedbyfaith,wehavepeace[hencereconciliation]withGod through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). 18 ForChristalsodiedforsinsonceforall,the just[righteous]fortheunjust [unrighteous],so thatHemightbringus toGod[asformeraliens],havingbeenputtodeathintheflesh,butmadealiveinthespirit;(IPet.3:18;cf.Rom.3:2;Gal.2:16;3:11;Titus3:7;).

d) RedemptionbyGodfromcaptivitytosin.18knowingthatyou

werenotredeemedwithperishablethingslikesilverorgoldfromyourfutilewayoflifeinheritedfromyourforefathers,19 butwithprecious blood, as of a lambunblemished andspotless,thebloodofChrist.(IPet.1:1819).Beingjustified

17 This listofTheRichesofDivineGrace isanadaptation taken fromLewisSperryChafersSystematicTheology,III,pp.230266.


asagiftbyHis[Gods]gracethroughtheredemptionwhichisinChristJesus(Rom.3:24;cf.8:23;Eph.1:7;).

e) Reconciliation to God from past alienation. 17 Therefore if

anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old thingspassed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now allthese things are fromGod,who reconciled us toHimselfthroughChristandgaveustheministryofreconciliation,19namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world toHimself,notcountingtheirtrespassesagainstthem,andHehas committed to us theword of reconciliation. (II Cor.5:1821;cf.Eph.2:1318;Col.1:1923).

f) PeacewithGodthroughpropitiationofHisrighteousness.19For

itwastheFathersgoodpleasureforallthefullnesstodwellin Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things toHimself,havingmadepeacethroughthebloodofHiscross;throughHim, I say,whether things on earth or things inheaven. 21And although youwere formerly alienated andhostile inmind, engaged in evil deeds (Col. 2:1921; cf.Rom.3:2426;5:1;IJohn2:2;4:10).

g) Adoption from slavery to sonshipwithGod. 4 Butwhen the

fullnessofthetimecame,GodsentforthHisSon,bornofawoman, born under the Law, 5 so thatHemight redeemthosewhowereunder theLaw, thatwemight receive theadoptionassons.6Becauseyouaresons,GodhassentforththeSpiritofHisSonintoourhearts,crying,Abba!Father!(Gal.4:46;cf.Rom.8:15,23;Eph.1:5).

h) ForgivenessofallsinthroughthesatisfactoryatonementofJesus

Christ.13Whenyouweredead inyour transgressionsandthe uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alivetogether with Him, having forgiven us all ourtransgressions, 14havingcanceledout thecertificateofdebtconsistingofdecreesagainstus,whichwashostiletous;andHehastakenitoutoftheway,havingnailedittothecross.(Col.2:1314;cf.Eph.1:7;).

i) MarriagetoChristhavingdiedtotheMosaiclaw.1Thelawhas

jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? 2 For themarriedwomanisboundbylawtoherhusbandwhileheisliving;butifherhusbanddies,sheisreleasedfromthelaw


concerning thehusband. 4Therefore,mybrethren,youalsoweremadetodietotheLawthroughthebodyofChrist,sothatyoumightbejoinedtoanother,toHimwhowasraisedfrom thedead, inorder thatwemightbear fruit forGod(Rom.7:14;cf.Rev.19:79).

j) Freedom fromcondemnationandaccusation.1Therefore there

isnownocondemnationforthosewhoareinChristJesus.2For the lawof theSpiritof life inChrist Jesushas setyoufree from the lawof sin andofdeath. 3Forwhat theLawcould not do,weak as itwas through the flesh,God did:sendingHisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulfleshandasanofferingforsin,Hecondemnedsinintheflesh,(Rom.8:13;cf.John5:24;Rom.8:3334).

k) Freedom from the dominion of the law. For sin shall not be

masteroveryou,foryouarenotunderlawbutundergrace(Rom.6:14).Butbeforefaithcame,wewerekeptincustodyunderthelaw,beingshutuptothefaithwhichwaslatertoberevealed....ButifyouareledbytheSpirit,youarenotundertheLaw(Gal.3:23;5:18;cf.7:16;IICor.3:613).

l) Placement in the body of Christ through Spirit baptism.

ThereforewehavebeenburiedwithHimthroughbaptisminto death, so that as Christ was raised from the deadthrough the glory of the Father, sowe toomightwalk innewnessof life.(Rom.6:4).ForbyoneSpiritwewereallbaptized into one body,whether Jews orGreeks,whetherslavesorfree,andwewereallmadetodrinkofoneSpirit.(ICor.12:13)

m) Union with the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 4

PreservetheunityoftheSpiritinthebondofpeace.ThereisonebodyandoneSpirit,justasalsoyouwerecalledinonehope ofyour calling; 5 oneLord,one faith, one baptism, 6oneGod andFatherof allwho isoveralland through allandinall.(Matt.28:19;Eph.4:46).

n) Declared,positionalsanctification.9Butyouareachosenrace,

A royalpriesthood,aholynation,apeople forGodsownpossession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies ofHimwhohascalledyououtofdarknessintoHismarvelouslight;10foryouoncewerenotapeople,butnowyouarethe


peopleofGod;youhadnot receivedmercy,butnowyouhavereceivedmercy.(IPet.2:910;cf.ICor.1:2;6:11;Col.3:12).

o) Security,havingbeengivenby theFather to theSon forcertain,

safesalvationandkeeping.6IhavemanifestedYournametothemenwhomYougaveMe out of theworld; theywereYoursandYougave them toMe,and theyhavekeptYourword. . . . 12WhileIwaswiththem,Iwaskeepingthem inYournamewhichYouhavegivenMe;andIguardedthemandnotoneof themperishedbut the sonofperdition, sothattheScripturewouldbefulfilledJohn17:6,12;cf.6:37).

p) CitizenshipintheheavenlyhouseholdofGod.19Sothenyouare

no longer strangers and aliens,butyou are fellow citizenswith thesaints,andareofGodshousehold, 20havingbeenbuiltonthefoundationoftheapostlesandprophets,ChristJesusHimselfbeingthecornerstone,21inwhomthewholebuilding,beingfittedtogether,isgrowingintoaholytempleintheLord,22inwhomyoualsoarebeingbuilttogetherintoadwellingofGodintheSpirit.(Eph.2:1922;cf.Phil.3:20).

q) Deliverancefromthepowerofdarknessuntobecomingchildrenof

light in Christ. 12 giving thanks to the Father, who hasqualifiedustoshareintheinheritanceofthesaintsinLight.13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, andtransferred us to the kingdom ofHis beloved Son (Col.1:1213;cf.John8:12;Acts26:18;Eph.5:8;;IPet.2:9).

r) SealingbytheHolySpirit.13InHim,youalso,afterlistening

tothemessageoftruth,thegospelofyoursalvationhavingalsobelieved,youweresealed inHimwith theHolySpiritofpromise, 14who isgivenasapledgeofour inheritance,withaview to theredemptionofGodsownpossession, tothepraiseofHisglory(Eph.1:1314;cf.IICor.1:22).

s) Heirship and an imperishable inheritance fromGodwithChrist.

16 The SpiritHimself testifieswith our spirit thatwe arechildrenofGod, 17and ifchildren,heirsalso,heirsofGodand fellowheirswithChrist, if indeedwesufferwithHimsothatwemayalsobeglorifiedwithHim(Rom.8:1617;cf.Gal.4:7;IPet.1:34).


t) Inheritance of every spiritual blessing. 3 Blessed be theGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whohasblesseduswithevery spiritual blessing in the heavenly places inChrist, 4just asHe chose us inHim before the foundation of theworld, thatwewould beholy and blameless beforeHim(Eph.1:34).

u) Usefulness for theglorificationofGod. 12To theend thatwe

whowerethefirsttohope inChristwouldbetothepraiseof His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to themessage of truth, thegospel ofyour salvationhaving alsobelieved, youwere sealed inHimwith theHoly Spirit ofpromise,14whoisgivenasapledgeofourinheritance,withaview to the redemptionofGods ownpossession, to thepraiseofHisglory(Eph.1:12,14).

v) ReceptionofChristsvictoriousspoils.Buttoeachoneisgiven

themanifestationoftheSpiritforthecommongood.(ICor.12:7).7Buttoeachoneofusgracewasgivenaccordingtothemeasure ofChrists gift. 8Therefore it says, whenHeascendedonhigh,Heledcaptiveahostofcaptives,andHegavegiftstomen.(Eph.4:78).

w) Crowns of life and glory. Blessed is amanwhoperseveres

under trial; foroncehehasbeenapproved,hewill receivethecrownoflifewhichtheLordhaspromisedtothosewholove Him. (Jas. 1:12). And when the Chief Shepherdappears,youwill receive theunfading crown ofglory. (IPet.5:4).

x) Appointment to rule theworldand judgeangels.2Ordoyou

notknowthatthesaintswilljudgetheworld?Iftheworldisjudged by you, are you not competent to constitute thesmallest lawcourts? 3Doyounotknow thatwewill judgeangels?Howmuchmoremattersofthislife?(ICor.6:23).

y) Creation anew according toGodsworkmanship. Therefore ifanyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old thingspassedaway;behold,newthingshavecome(IICor.5:17).Forwe areHisworkmanship, created inChrist Jesus forgoodworks,which God prepared beforehand so thatwewouldwalkinthem(Eph.2:10).


z) Receptionof theblessingsofAbrahamashisseed.7Therefore,be sure that it is thosewho are of faithwho are sons ofAbraham.8TheScripture,foreseeingthatGodwouldjustifythe Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand toAbraham,saying, All thenationswillbeblessed inyou. 9SothenthosewhoareoffaithareblessedwithAbraham,thebeliever.(Gal.3:79,29).

aa) Participation inChrists foldandpasture.1Truly, truly, Isay

toyou,hewhodoesnotenterbythedoorintothefoldofthesheep, but climbs up some otherway, he is a thief and arobber.2Buthewhoentersbythedoorisashepherdofthesheep. 3Tohim thedoorkeeperopens,and the sheephearhis voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leadsthemout(John10:118).

bb) FellowshipwiththesaintsinChrist.1ThereforeI,theprisoner

oftheLord,imploreyoutowalkinamannerworthyofthecallingwithwhichyouhavebeencalled,2withallhumilityand gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for oneanotherinlove,3beingdiligenttopreservetheunityoftheSpiritinthebondofpeace(Eph.4:13;cf.John17:11,2123).

cc) HavingaccesstoGod,thatisaccessintoHisgrace,accessuntothe

Father, access with reassurance. For throughHimwe bothhaveour access inone Spirit to theFather (Eph. 2:18). 1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peacewithGod throughourLord JesusChrist, 2 throughwhomalsowe have obtained our introduction by faith into thisgraceinwhichwestand;andweexultinhopeofthegloryofGod(Rom.5:12;cfHeb.4:16;10:1920).

dd) Glorification,intotheimmortal,incorruptibleimageofChrist.18

ForIconsiderthatthesufferingsofthispresenttimearenotworthytobecomparedwiththeglorythatistoberevealedtous.19Fortheanxiouslongingofthecreationwaitseagerlyfor the revealing of the sons ofGod. (Rom. 8:1819, 30; ICor.15:53;Col.3:4;IJohn3:2).

2) Byway of illustration, apersonmay be anheir to a large and

wealthyestate.However,unlesshehasreadan inventoryofhisinheritance, hewill not fully appreciate his actual possessionsand thegrace ofhisbenefactor!AChristian ought toknow all


about those inherited richesofgrace thatarebestowed throughJesusChrist.ButifyouarenotaChristian,thenyouhavenosuchinheritance,noranyinterestinsuchspiritualwealth.RatheryoumusttoilforSatanswageswhicharewellearned,namelydeathandjudgment(Rom.6:23).

(b) InEphesians2:7,thebelieverisgivenhope7thatintheagestocomeHe [God]mightshow thesurpassingrichesofHisgrace inkindnesstowardusinChristJesus.Bywayofexplanation,ThomasGoodwincomments:

Whatispardonofsintoheaven?Itisbutsomanyrichesburiedinthefoundation.WhatistheSpiritspouringforthhere?Itisbuttheearnest[downpayment]ofthatricheswhichistocome.Allthathehathdonehere,itisbutthathemightshowforththeexceedingrichesofhisgraceonus,inagestocome,inkindnesstowardsusinChristJesus.Allthatisdoneforushere,itisbutlikealightermetal;asalwaysinminesyoushallhavea lightermetalbeforeyou come to themine itself.All therichesofgraceexpendeduponushere,theyarebutthatlightermetaltothatgreatminethatisthentobebrokenup.18

AccordingtotheauthorityofJesusChrist,thepersonwhoisnotrichtowardGodinhissoulisafool(Luke12:1621).Further,itisthatsameJesusChristwho,thoughHewasrich,yetforyoursakeHebecamepoor,thatyouthroughHispovertymightbecomerich(IICor.8:9).Inspiritual terms, the rich/poorgap is aswide asour separation fromJesusChrist.So,letthewordofChristrichlydwellwithinyou(Col.3:16); let theWordofGodbemoredesirable thanmuch finegold(Ps.19:10).

(c) InITimothy6:1719,thebelieveristo17instructthosewhoarerichin

this presentworld not to be conceited or to fix their hope on theuncertainty of riches, but on God,who richly supplies uswith allthingstoenjoy.18Instructthemtodogood,toberichingoodworks,to be generous and ready to share, 19 storingup for themselves thetreasure of a good foundation for the future, so that theymay takeholdofthatwhichislifeindeed.HencethebelieverwhoismateriallyrichoughtrathertofixhishopeontheenjoymentofGodsgenerousspiritualwealth.Thenasaconsequenceheought tobe rich ingoodworks.

18 ThomasGoodwin,TheWorksofThomasGoodwin,II,p.308.


C. THEGRACEOFGODEVIDENTINTHEBELIEVER

1. As God is gracious towards the rebellious sinner, so the redeemed sinner isconsequently to be gracious towards other redeemed sinners aswell as rebellioussinnerswhoscornevenhisSavioraswellashimself.Weknowthatwehavepassedoutofdeathintolife,becausewelovethebrethren....Beloved,ifGodsolovedus,wealsooughttoloveoneanother(IJohn3:14;4:11;cf.Matt.5:44).

a. Grace becomes a subjectwhich the believer delights to study in detail. The

gospelhasbecomeourintroductionbyfaithintothisgraceinwhichwestand(Rom. 5:2; cf. I Pet. 5:12). Consequently it is good for the heart to bestrengthened bygrace (Heb. 13:9).The believersdesire is to grow/increase[, auxan] in the grace and knowledge of ourLord and Savior JesusChrist(IIPet.3:18).

b. Gracemotivatesorconstrainsthebelievertobegracious.Beingbornagain,he

reflectsthecharacterofhisdivineProgenitor.14FortheloveofChristcontrolsus,havingconcludedthis,thatonediedforall,thereforealldied;15andHediedforall,so that theywho livemightno longer live for themselves,but forHimwhodiedand roseagainon theirbehalf (IICor.5:1415; cf.Rom.5:15).Thedoctrinesofgraceareproductiveofthegraceofthedoctrines.

c. Grace is implanted in the believers soul through the indwelling of theHoly

Spirit, so that graces and gifts become evident (Gal. 5:2223; I Pet. 4:10).However, this same Spirit uses means of grace through which grace ismediated to the child of God. Such means of grace include Bible study,prayer, preaching, teaching, witnessing, literature, Christian fellowship,hymnody,etc.

d. Grace becomes an operative principle in the believerwhereby the regenerate

soul is stimulated to respond, in heart and life, according to greaterunderstandingofthegraciousheartofGod.Aspartakersofthedivinenature,(IIPet.1:3),Christiansexpressactivegraciousness.HemadeHimwhoknewnosintobesinonourbehalf,sothatwemightbecometherighteousnessofGodinHim(IICor.5:21);Welove,becauseHefirstlovedus(IJohn4:19).

e. Graceisaninnerprincipleanddynamicthatcontrastswiththeimpotenceofthe

Law.Forwhat theLawcouldnotdo,weakas itwas through the flesh,Goddid:sendingHisownSon in the likenessofsinful fleshandasanoffering forsin,Hecondemnedsinintheflesh,sothatthe[righteous]requirement[essence]oftheLawmightbefulfilledinus,whodonotwalkaccordingtothefleshbutaccordingtotheSpirit(Rom.8:34).


2. The parable of the Unforgiving Debtor best illustrates the principle that it isincumbent upon the recipient ofGods great grace to be likewise gracious to hisneighbor. It alsowarns against a spurious, deceitful regard for the grace ofGod(Matt.18:2135).

a. This parable is prompted by Peters enquiry of Jesus as to how forgiving he

ought tobe toward abrotherwho frequently sins againsthim,vs. 2122.Hisappreciationofgraceislacking,thoughthegospelwillbringchange(Acts15:11;IPet.1:10,13;4:10;5:12).

b. A slave, in factapictureofa sinnerbeforeGod, is indebt tohisking foran

extremelylargeamountofmoney.However,hedoesnotaskforacancellationofhisindebtedness,butratherseeksforanextensionofcreditsoastopaybackeverythinginfull,vs.2326.

c. Theking(God),atfirstdemanding,yetisexceedinglygraciousinthathecancels

thedebtinfull,andsorejectstheslavesrequestforextendedcredit.Whydidhedothis?Becausehefeltcompassionfortheslave,v.27.Obviouslythereisnomeritintheslavehimself,thoughhemusthaverespondedwithamazement.

d. Thissameslavewhohasreceivedgreatgrace,yetrefusestoofferalittlegraceto

a smalldebtor.Hehasnot learned fromhisown experience.Noextensionofcreditisallowed.Rather,immediatepaymentisharshlydemanded;inabilitytopaybringssevereimprisonment,vs.2830.

e. The king, on hearing of this lack of even modest grace, declares that the

recipientofgreatgraceshouldhavebeengracious.Asaconsequencethisslavewillbedeprivedofgreatgrace.ThustheSaviorwarnsthatprofessingbelieverswholackgracewillbetreatedasillegitimate,anddisgraced,vs.3135.

3. Thus theobjectsof thegraceofGod shouldmanifestgrace towardsbelievers and

unbelievers.ItoughttobeaspontaneousresponsefortheChristian.Whilewehaveopportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to thosewho are of thehouseholdoffaith(Gal.6:10).

a. Paul admonishes:And so, as thosewhohavebeen chosenofGod,holyand

beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness andpatience; bearingwith one another, and forgiving each other,whoever has acomplaint against anyone; just as theLord forgave you, so also should you(Col.3:1213;cf.Eph.4:32).

b. Hence,althoughwemayrecommendthegraceofGod inourspeaking,that is

bymeansofourwords,yetourmannershouldalsocommunicategrace.Letno


unwholesomewordproceedfromyourmouth,butonlysuchawordasisgoodforedificationaccordingtotheneedofthemoment,sothatitwillgivegracetothosewhohear.(Eph.4:29),andthusbeseasonedwithgrace(Col.4:6).

c. Further,thosewhoarerichinspiritualandmaterialgraceoughttobewillingto

sharefromtheirabundance.17Instructthosewhoarerichinthispresentworldnottobeconceitedortofixtheirhopeontheuncertaintyofriches,butonGod,whorichlysuppliesuswithallthingstoenjoy.18Instructthemtodogood,toberichingoodworks,tobegenerousandreadytoshare,(ITim.6:1718;cf.John13:34;Jas.2:1516;IJohn3:1618).

d. Bywayof illustration,apprenticedLondonhairdresser,RobertRobinson,was

shakenwhenheheardGeorgeWhitefieldpreachon,thewrathtocome(Matt.3:7).Afterthreeyearsofspiritualdarkness,hewasconvertedandlaterbecameapastor atNorwich.Only then could hewrite of the saved sinners continualrelianceupongrace.

Come,thouFountofeveryblessing, TunemyhearttosingThygrace;

Streamsofmercy,neverceasing, Callforsongsofloudestpraise.

Teachmesomemelodioussonnet, Sungbyflamingtonguesabove; Praisethemount!Imfixeduponit, MountofGodsunchanginglove.

Otogracehowgreatadebtor DailyImconstrainedtobe; Letthatgracenow,likeafetter, Bindmywandringhearttothee. Pronetowander,Lord,Ifeelit, PronetoleavetheGodIlove; Heresmyheart,Otakeandsealit, SealitfromThycourtsabove

the grace of god - bunyan ministries the outset of studying the grace of god in this chapter, we...

Documents