It’s easy to fall into a “believers-only” view of God’s goodness, meaning that the Lord reserves every kindness for His people and treats unbelievers only with judgment. But Scripture tells a different story. Again and again, God shows real, tangible kindness to people who do not love Him, honor Him, or even acknowledge Him. Theologians have often called this overflow of divine kindness common grace.
Wayne Grudem defines common grace as “the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation. Common refers to something that is common to all people and is not restricted to believers or the elect only” (Grudem, 657). This definition is helpful because it keeps two truths together: (1) these blessings are genuinely from God, and (2) they are distinct from saving grace. Common grace does not forgive sin or regenerate the heart, but it does display God’s benevolence, patience, and generosity in the world.
This category is worth exploring because it trains our spiritual eyesight. It helps believers interpret the world accurately. God is not only holy and just; He is also kind, even to those who reject Him. And when we see that clearly, it produces humility, gratitude, and a more compassionate posture toward the lost.
No comments:
Post a Comment