Calvin on ‘Common Grace’

Calvinist theology is beset by some unfortunate terminology, which turns many would-be visitors away at the door.

One of those bits of unfortunate terminology is the expression ‘total depravity’.  It is too readily taken to mean that humankind is completely and utterly wicked, and that no good at all can be found in an unregenerate heart, mind or behaviour.

In order to correct this misunderstanding, we can turn to Calvin himself, and his teaching on ‘common grace’.  This doctrine says that God’s Holy Spirit not only works in believers, to effect their salvation, but in men and women generally, to restrain sin, establish a tolerable social order, and enable scientific and artistic achievement.

Grace and Truth Illustrated

‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’  (John 1:14)

1.  The man at the pool of Bethesda, Jn 5:8,14.  Grace said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”  Truth said, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”

2.  The woman taken in adultery, Jn 8:11.  Grace said, “Neither do I condemn you.”  Truth said, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

3.  The Syro-Phoenecian woman, Mt 15:26,28.  Truth said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”  Grace said, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

4.  The nobleman of Capernaum, Jn 4:48,50.  Truth said, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders you will never believe.”  Grace said, “You may go.  Your son will live.”

5.  The guilty city – Jerusalem, Mt 23:37-39.  Truth pronounced its doom.  Grace wept over it, and foretold a day when it would welcome him, Saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

6.  In the gospel message, Jn 3:36.  Grace says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”  Truth says, “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

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