Common grace is a doctrine that preachers might make an offhand remark about. They might toss out the phrase in a sermon, leaving it to the congregants to already understand. And for good reason: they received little teaching about it in seminary. They’ve also had little opportunity to read about it. Even so, it is the key that unlocks many doors to understanding the ways of God and making sense of how to live in this world.
What Is the Problem of Good?
Indeed, it solves the great problem that possibly has led as many Christians astray from faith as has the problem of evil—the problem of good. Why is there so much good in a world that is rebellious against God? Why are there unregenerate people, many of whom deny the existence of God, yet who are kind, generous, and reasonable? It is a puzzle that has taken many a young person off guard as they have left their Christian environment and gone off to a secular school or job. This doctrine gives the answer that makes plain sense.
Grasp the doctrine of common grace, and you can clearly explain the solution to the problem of good. You can also teach your people three critical lessons:
- How to be neighbors to their unregenerate neighbors
- How to benefit from the teachings, products, and artistry of the unregenerate
- How to discern what to be involved in and to partner with in the unregenerate world
So much makes sense once this doctrine is applied to life. The doctrine of common grace has a word to add to the debate over the local church’s involvement in its community and culture. Common grace, not “redeeming the culture,” is the true motivation and guide for a church discerning what role it might play in its community.
What Is the Doctrine of Common Grace?
It is common grace that leads the Christian toward resolving the most heart-wrenching concern that he has—namely, how can the unregenerate person he admires and even loves for the good that is in that person be condemned to hell?
This is the great quandary. How do we reconcile knowing that people who are nicer than ourselves will nevertheless be condemned if they do not come to saving faith? Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just? Yes, we have been taught theologically that everyone is a wicked sinner deserving of damnation. But experientially, we know people kinder than ourselves and other Christians. So, how can this be? And how, then, can they be condemned? And seeing how sinful Christians can be and how good unregenerate neighbors can be—just what is it that the gospel is supposedly accomplishing?
Common grace supplies the answer—a surprisingly simple, even satisfying, answer. God, in his mercy, provides the sun and the rain for the unjust, as well as the just (Matt. 5:45; Luke 6:35). He gives not only external blessings but internal as well. The result is that goodness, beauty, and even truth may exist and be expressed through the unregenerate. Even unregenerate Gentiles have consciences that correspond with God’s law (Rom. 2:14–15), and pagans can write theological truth (Acts 17:28).
Finding Good, Beauty, and Truth in the World
Common grace explains how goodness, beauty, and truth may exist—even flourish—in dead sinners who have yet to be regenerated to life and brought out of darkness into light. The Holy Spirit, who regenerates in special grace, also bestows light for the unregenerate according to God’s merciful purposes. This doctrine gives us understanding so that we might both sincerely respect the good elements we observe in the unregenerate. And, more importantly, give credit and praise to the right source—God.
Whatever good, beauty, and truth may be found in the unregenerate is a gift from God that he bestows out of common grace. That one person may possess more of a particular gift than another is the result of God’s benevolence, not from that person’s innate goodness. Why God gives a particular gift to one person and not another; why one person should be given an unusual wealth of giftedness (such as being exceptionally kind)—such reasons are known only to God the giver. The point is that he is the giver. No one possesses a good gift or trait that the Creator does not give. No one is good of themselves; no one displays any measure of good of themselves.
Thus, God judges no one according to the gifts he has given. He judges everyone according to whether or not they remain in their rebellious state of rejecting him and his redeeming gift of the gospel.
Practical Guidance
See how common grace unlocks puzzles? It explains how seemingly good and gifted persons nevertheless remain under God’s condemnation even as their good traits and gifts may be honestly recognized and made use of. Much more of this can be explored, though. Ministers would do well to study this doctrine more deeply so as to offer practical counsel and guidance to their people.
Helpful Resources
- “Calvin and Common Grace,” The Princeton Theological Review Vol. 7 No. 3 (1909), pp 437-465, translated by Geerhardus Vos.
- “Common Grace,” The Collected Writings of John Murray.
- He Shines in All That’s Fair: Culture and Common Grace, Richard J. Mouw
- Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, 2.2.14–17.
- The Problem of Good: When the World Seems Fine without God, ed. D. Marion Clark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions pastors might ask:
1. How can I explain common grace to my congregation?
Common grace can be explained as God’s undeserved kindness to all people, regardless of their relationship with Him. Examples include the beauty of creation, moral goodness, and human talents. Highlight that this grace differs from saving grace, which is specific to salvation. Use relatable analogies, such as rain falling on both believers and non-believers, to make the concept accessible.
2. How does common grace influence our understanding of morality in non-believers?
Common grace explains why non-believers can exhibit moral behavior. It reflects God’s image in humanity and His restraint of sin. Pastors can use this to show God’s goodness and justice, even among those who do not know Him. This understanding can be a starting point for gospel conversations, demonstrating God’s patience and calling people to repentance through Christ.
3. What are practical ways to highlight common grace in sermons?
Incorporate examples of common grace from everyday life, such as the arts, scientific advancements, or acts of kindness. Point out biblical references like Matthew 5:45, where Jesus mentions the sun and rain given to all. Connect these examples to God’s character, emphasizing His love and mercy. This approach helps congregants see God’s active presence and fosters gratitude in all circumstances.
Was this article helpful? You might also enjoy:
