Common Grace

Intro:

Introduce New Section

If you are a Christian, I believe that common grace is something that you need to think about every day for the rest of your life.

The Bible presents Common Grace in some senses as the beginning of the Gospel.

Definition

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) A. Introduction and Definition

common grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation. The word common here indicates something that is common to all people and is not restricted to believers or to the elect only.

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) A. Introduction and Definition

In distinction from common grace, the grace of God that brings people to salvation is often called “saving grace.”

Examples of Common Grace

Physical World

Psalm 19:1 ESV

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Romans 1:19–20 ESV

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

What the bible claims

Creation declares that God is glorious

It is plain to all

We are without excuse

What would this include

Nature, science, living things, the world around us

In terms of compressed complexity, cells are without peer in the material world, actualized or imagined. And there is likely far more complexity still to uncover. Only as the veil began to lift with the mid-century molecular biological revolution did science begin to glimpse the sophistication of these extraordinary pieces of matter. Subsequently, every decade of research has revealed further depths of complexity. The discovery of ever more intricate structures and systems with each increase in knowledge — including vastly complex DNA topologies and a vast and growing inventory of mini-RNA regulator molecules — tells us there is probably much more to uncover. What we glimpse now may be only a tiny fraction of what remains to be discovered.

- Michael Denton, Evolution News and Science Today

Intellectual Realm

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 2. The Intellectual Realm

This means that all science and technology carried out by non-Christians is a result of common grace, allowing them to make incredible discoveries and inventions, to develop the earth’s resources into many material goods, to produce and distribute those resources, and to have skill in their productive work.

The Moral Realm

Romans 2:14–15 ESV

14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

Reasons for Common Grace

To Redeem those who will be saved

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

To Demonstrate God’s Goodness and Mercy in Restraining Sin

Luke 6:35 ESV

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Psalm 145:9 ESV

9 The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

To Demonstrate God’s Glory to the World

Our Response to the Doctrine of Common Grace

https://youtube.com/shorts/MDZlKThUOSw?si=7-DvVsUbJG7gnj8j

Surfing is the most blissful experience you can have on this planet, a taste of heaven.

Out of the water, I am nothing.

The three most important things in life: surf, surf, surf.”

Evidence for a Creator

Surfing for example: Relies on a constant ocean patterns organized in a beautiful way, relying on science being constant. This is why you can have a surf spot. The currents, the water depth, the wind all work together scienctifically to create a wave

Peace and Fun

Thanksgiving for Common Grace

Understanding that the World Needs Special Grace

Romans 5:10 ESV

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Philippians 3:18–19 ESV

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Our world today takes common grace to be special grace, and special grace to be common grace.