Learning Theological Terms: Common Grace

In the last post in this series, I explored the theological term adiaphora, and found how it refers to matters that are indifferent. In this post, I will unpack the theological concept of common grace. Although the term itself does not appear in Scripture, the truth that it conveys is well-grounded in Holy Writ. Wayne Grudem defines common grace as follows: Common grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation. 

(Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology (p. 657). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.)

In other words, common grace refers to the many ways in which God bestows non-salvation grace to all people, whether they are among the Elect or not. Common grace is in contradistinction to saving grace - that is grace that is given only to the Elect by God to cause them to believe in Jesus.

We might say then that common grace is general, while saving grace is particular.  Examples of common grace would be air, food, clothing, talents and skills, physical beauty or attractiveness, material possessions, influence and respect, athletic ability, conscience, law and government, families, etc... These are blessings that God may give or withhold at His sovereign discretion, irrespective of whether or not the recipients ultimately believe the Gospel or not.

Scripture gives us a few examples of texts which teach common grace:

You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

(Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV)

While preaching in Iconium, Paul said,

[God] in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

(Acts 14:16-17 NKJV)

Paul, in preaching to the Athenians on Mars' Hill told them this:

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 

(Acts 17:24-25 NKJV)

And these are just in the physical world. As noted earlier, there are many other ways in which God has given common grace to mankind. Conscience is an area where common grace can be seen. Even in a world in rebellion against God and His rule, typically speaking, even non-believing people we encounter on the street understand the difference between right and wrong in the abstract. To be sure, the Depravity of Man ensures that that sense of right and wrong is often warped and twisted, but it's there nevertheless. 

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them, in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

(Romans 2:14-16 NKJV) 

As can be seen, God has given many manifold blessings to all of mankind. Indeed, the very fact that the human race is not immediately consumed because of sin, is itself an act of grace. While common grace does not save, it is nevertheless a vital aspect of God's dealings with the human race. 

What Ministries Does DTM Do?

This blog has been in existence since 2011 in one form or another. In 2016, I rechristened it "David's Throne Ministries". In another place, I clarified why I call it "David's Throne" Ministries. But in this post, I want to talk about why it is called David's Throne "Ministries". In other words, what kinds of "ministries" (note the plural) is DTM involved with? That is an excellent question!

At the moment, the primary ministry of DTM is this blog. This blog is designed to be a place where I, Christian Edmiston, can write freely about various, biblical and theological issues from the perspective of an ultra-conservative, predestinarian, charismatic, and non-dispensational believer in Jesus Christ. That doesn't mean that Christians with differing views than mine are unwelcome to interact, or that I think of them as somehow lesser than myself. I feel though that it is good to state where I am on these issues for the sake of clarity. I also have found that in most other places, I would be hampered from ministering according to my conscience based on my beliefs. Therefore, I set up this blog where I can be unfettered. 

As much as I love writing, that is not all that I hope to do. In the coming months, I am (Lord willing) going to begin a YouTube Channel where I will begin producing videos along the same lines as this blog, but which can go deeper. But in addition to that, I hope to begin posting more sermons on this site. At the moment, you can hear one message I preached here (click the link, go to "speakers", and find my name). But next month, I will be bringing the Sunday morning message at Allentown Bible Church, which I plan on making available via recording on this site. Hopefully, that will lead to more opportunities to teach and preach, something which is a passion of mine. As time goes on, I hope to make myself available for pulpit supply.

Additionally, I also have experience leading congregational worship and singing. If God sees fit, I hope to also make myself available as a fill-in worship leader for Sunday services, mid-week gatherings, or conferences. 

Mind you that all of these things are only possible through God's sovereign will and prayer. If you are reading this, I hope that you will consider praying for me and with me. I do not dare believe that I am sufficient unto myself to do anything of value in the Kingdom of God. But I do believe that I possess the calling, gifting, and passion that would make these possible through God's grace. Blessings in Christ.

-Christian