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Theology II, Online
Module 5 Reading Response
In this module’s reading from
Bible Doctrine
, Grudem overviews some of the
central themes in the study of salvation.
1.
How does Grudem define “common grace”?
In chapter 17, Grudem defines “common grace” as, “the grace of God by
which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation.”
God did not have to give us anything because we deserve nothing other
than death. However, He is gracious enough to extend salvation to us,
which salvation in itself is enough to satisfy. He also pours out numerous
blessings to us every day, which again, we do not deserve.
2.
List the examples of common grace that Grudem provides. Pick three of
them to reflect further upon: What are the relevant biblical texts and what
practical implications do these examples have?
In this text, Grudem lists many examples of common grace. These are the
physical, intellectual, moral, creative, societal, and religious realms. The
physical realm explains that people who sin and are living in sin are only
alive because of common grace. God would be completely justified in
killing off all people who are living in sin however, His grace allows us to
continue through life. Matthew chapter 5 talks about how the sun rises for
both the evil and the good,and rain falls on the just and unjust. All people in
the world experience this common grace from God. The moral realm gives
humans the restriction of the conscience. Even though we are naturally
sinful, we have a conscience that allows us to perceive right from wrong,
even if we are not followers of God’s law. This idea is displayed in Romans 2:
14-15, which states, “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do
by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even
though they do not have the law.” In this passage, Paul is basically stating
that even if someone is not bound by the laws of God, they are indeed
bound by the laws of the conscience. This is an example of common grace,
because without the conscience, society would go into anarchy. Lastly, the
societal realm has allowed different structures to exist ranging from families
to governments. Through common grace, God has allowed governments to
rise and fall in an effort to control evil within the world. We also see the
structure of the family as a similar example to the government. The familial
structure exists outside of the biblical examples set by Adam and Eve.
3.
How does Grudem define “election”?
In chapter 18, Grudem defines “election” as God’s, “decision to choose us
to be saved before the foundation of the world.” Those that will be saved
and receive salvation were determined before the beginning of time. This
idea of election, or predestination, is a controversial theological topic in the
church. Many churches reject this claim, whereas many churches affirm.
4.
In at least one well-written paragraph, list and explain the elements of the
Gospel call.
There are three main components to the gospel call. The first component is
the explanation of the facts about salvation. The facts are: all people have
sinned, the wages of sin is death, and Jesus died to pay that penalty for us.
These facts do not have much effect if the recipient has no concept for sin.
One of the biggest factors for wanting to receive salvation is understanding
the weight of their sin, and if the recipient does not have an understanding
of this, then these facts carry minimal weight. The second component to
the gospel call is the invitation to respond to Christ in faith and repentance.
Coming to Christ requires the recipient to begin that personal relationship
with Jesus by confessing their sin, accepting His free gift, and proclaiming
Him as Lord. The final component is the promise of forgiveness and eternal
life. This promise encourages the individual that Christ has forgiven them
and He will continue to forgive them. This promise also explains the promise
of eternal life with Christ after our earthly deaths.
5.
According to Grudem, what does “true saving faith” include? In at least two
well-written paragraphs, explain and reflect upon elements.
True saving faith requires a decision and a response by the recipient.
Sharing the gospel with other people is merely planting a seed in
someone’s heart. Whether that seed sprouts and grows is entirely
dependent on Jesus’ work on their life. The only person that can accept
Christ for them is theirselves. Sharing the gospel is vitally important to fulfilling
the great commission, however, as we learned from this week’s reading,
God chooses all of those who will follow Him. In order to follow Him, there
must be a genuine decision to repent and believe, followed by proclaiming
Him as Lord over your life.
John chapter one explains that Jesus went into His own home, and His own
people refused to receive Him. However, all those who chose to believe
and receive Him, He will make them children of God. We can see here that
we must make the choice to follow and believe in Him. With this choice,
comes acceptance and forgiveness; and ultimately a relationship with Him.
6.
In at least one well-written paragraph, reflect on something that stood out
to you about this module’s reading?
One thing that especially stood out to me this week was the discussion
regarding the principle of election. Honestly, this is a topic that I have not
understood fully, and quite frankly, this idea has made me bitter in the past.
While reading, I noticed that I have made almost every single objection at
some point in the past. The part that stood out to me was regarding the
passage in Romans 9. The analogy is given of a vessel complaining to the
potter of their condition. Ultimately, the idea of a created being arguing
and complaining to its creator is ridiculous. The same thing can be said
about us. For example, Grudem explains how we have no right to accuse
God of injustice or unfairness. Election still comes down to a choice whether
or not to follow Christ. If you decide to follow Christ, than pursue His will, no
matter what that will is. This reminds me of the passage of Jesus and Peter
following his denial. Jesus asks Peter repeatedly if he loves Him to which
Peter replies yes. Jesus responds by saying “feed my sheep”. This odd
interaction reminds me of my situation and my wrestling with election.
Ultimately, I have no right to accuse God as unjust for His will. He is the
potter, and I am the clay. Even though I may not understand fully, His will is
still just and fair.
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