The Doctrine of Common Grace: Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology

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Excellent discussion on the undeserved to all peoples, believers and unbelievers alike, by the author of Systematic Theology.

http://scottsdalebible.com/assets/audio/christian-essentials/20080113WGrudem.mp3

I. Explanation and Scriptural Basis

A. Introduction: When people sin, they become worthy of eternal punishment and separation from God (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:23)Angels experienced separation from God and from all good immediately: 2 Pet. 2:4 But Adam and Eve did not die and go to hell at once. Nor do people who sin today.

Why? How can God continue to give blessings to people who deserve only death and hell?

Answer: common grace

Def.: Common Grace is the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation.Common grace is different from saving grace in result, recipient, and source.

II. Examples of Common Grace

A. Physical Realm (Matt. 5:44-45; Acts 14:16-17; Gen. 39:5; Ps. 145:9, 15-16).

B. Intellectual Realm (John 1:9; Rom. 1:21; science and technology).

C. Moral Realm (Ps. 81:12; Rom. 1:32; 2:14-15; Luke 6:33; 2 Kings 12:2; warnings of final judgment).

D. Creative Realm.

E. Societal Realm (family - Gen. 5:4; government - Rom. 13:1, 4; other institutions).

F. Religious Realm (Matt. 5:44-45; 1 Tim. 2:1-2, 4; 4:10; Luke 4:40; 6:35-36; Matt. 7:22).

G. Common Grace and Special Grace Influence Each Other.

H. Common Grace Does Not Save People (Rom. 14:23; Matt. 22:37; cf. Rom. 2:4)

III. Reasons for Common Grace

A. To Redeem Those Who Will Be Saved (2 Pet. 3:9-10).

B. To Demonstrate God's Goodness and Mercy (Luke 6:35; Ps. 145:9; Mark 10:21; Ezek. 33:11).