INTRODUCTION
One danger that faces Bible students is that of developing a one-sided view of doctrine. The person who rejects either common or efficacious grace is always going to misunderstand not only the Bible but much of what he sees going on around him. One pastor of days-gone-by attributed the delusion of many "nominal Christians" to preachers who could not discern between common grace and saving grace, or to those who taught that common grace was sufficient grace. How many today mistake every religious flurry for regeneration! Let us then proceed to examine some of the Spirit's workings that come short of regeneration. I. CONVICTI0N.
In Genesis 6:3, we find that God's Spirit had striven with men before the Flood. Doubtless His power caused Enoch's preaching to sting many. Since that day multitudes like Felix (Acts 24:25) have trembled under God's Word, while others like Herod have received it with attention and gladness (Mark 6:20). Our Lord promised that the Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness and of judgment to come (John 16:8-11). Both in the Bible and in our experience we must confess that there are many who are never saved, yet they know what it is to be dealt with by God. II. SPIRITUAL INFLUENCES.
A. In regeneration a permanent work is done in the spirit of man. His heart is made to love God and his eyes are opened to see spiritual truths. That faith which is a fruit of regeneration can never be overthrown (I John 5 :4-5). All this is to be attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5).B. While nothing short of the new birth can save a sinner, yet there are lesser works of the Spirit that many mistake for regeneration. Only God knows how close some come in appearance who are never saved. Have we not known men who seemed to love God and truth, yet fell away?
Perseverance seems to be the main mark that distinguishes regeneration from the passing effects of common grace. This is so evident that former theologians spoke of the spiritual influences of common grace as temporary grace. We want to notice just three of the many Scriptures that prove this. C. In Matthew 13:1-24, we have both the parable of the sower and Christ's inspired exposition of the same. This parable taught the disciples what to expect in their preaching ministries and has often given light to preachers since that time.
Perhaps the most important lesson of the parable is that many would receive God's Word and profess Christ whose lives later would prove them to be Christless. While man by nature hates God, yet some because of the Spirit's influence receive His Word with joy (v. 20), but the change is not lasting. True faith is victorious, but temporary faith can be overcome by trials (v. 21), temptations (v. 22), and heresies (II Timothy 2:1.8). The parable of the sower is everywhere illustrated in gospel-preaching churches today. D. In II Peter 2:20-22, we have another case of those who are influenced by the gospel, yet later reveal their unregenerate state. The author has often found it helpful to compare this Scripture with II Peter, 1:3-4 to bring out the difference between common and saving grace.
1. Let us first notice the characteristics of those in II Peter 2:20-22 who experienced only a temporary change.
a. They escaped for a while certain of the more gross sins. (v. 20).
b. They received a degree of enlightenment (v. 20). This reminds us of Balaam who received such a view of divine things as to cause him to say, "Let me die the death of the righteous" (Numbers 23: 10) yet he died without Christ.
c. They fell away (verses 20-22). Peter compares them to hogs and dogs who have been cleaned up for awhile, but eventually their true natures are revealed as they return to their old habits.
2. Let us note the characteristics of the regenerate man in II Peter 1:3-4.
a. They not only escaped the more gross sins, but had their lusts subdued.
b. They were "called" to glory and virtue.
c. They were "partakers of the divine nature."
d. They were given "all things that pertain to life and godliness," rather than just certain influences.
e. There is no mention of their falling away. C. The last Scripture we will notice in Hebrews 6:4-6. Some of the Jews who professed Christ were in danger of falling away. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews warns them that those who deny Christ after having experienced such gracious influences of God's Spirit are in a hopeless condition. We think of men like Balaam, Judas, Saul, Demas, or the Israelites who died in the wilderness. They experienced the breath of heaven, yet died lost and undone. (4)
III. THE PURPOSE OF COMMON GRACE.
The student may wonder what purpose God could have in common grace. We notice a few of the ends that our Lord accomplishes in this matter. We will notice a few of the ends that our Lord accomplishes in this matter. A. God's goodness is magnified. God displays His goodness by giving food, drink, breath and life itself to His enemies. He bears long with even those who insult His name. To many of these same rebels He sends out His gospel of reconciliation and even works in their hearts a concern for spiritual things. Does not all this, as undeserved as it is, magnify God's goodness?
Some may object that because common grace is not saving grace, that God is insincere in extending it. This objection fails to notice that it is man's sin that renders common grace ineffectual. Were man not totally depraved he could respond to God’s universal gospel call. God is under no obligation to do anything for man, and everything He does do is a manifestation of His goodness.B. Man's depraved nature is truly exposed by common grace. The fact that everything short of spiritual resurrection fails, really reveals the extent of man's depravity. Not physical blessings, nor a gospel of love, nor even the wooings of the Holy Spirit can avail till new life is imparted.
Note: This certainly exposes the Arminian fiction that common grace is sufficient grace. C. Common grace truly reveals the justice of God in judgment. In Romans 1:18-20, we see that God's revelation in nature has rendered man without excuse. In Romans 2:15-16, we find that pagans will be judged on the basis of the law written in their heart. Because grace of any kind is always optional with God, it strips man of every shadow of an excuse.
D. God's gracious treatment of the world-at-large provides for Christians an example of how they should treat their fellow men. If we would be like our Heavenly Father we must love and do good to our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48).
CONCLUSION
The author prays that each one who studies this lesson will gain some discernment into God's way with man. How many who rest on some passing experience need to be awakened to their real condition. When Christ said, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate," was He not warnings us to give attention to the type of our faith? Should not each one who labors for souls, understand these matters if he would be a faithful guide of the blind? ____________________ Note
4. For a more complete exposition of Hebrews 6:4-6, one should consult the commentaries by John Brown, John Gill, Arthur Pink or Adolph Saphir.
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