Grace = God's kindly favor extended to sinners.

Why is God gracious? It is an attribute of His divine nature (one of many attributes)

How is God gracious toward sinners? In the following: First, to all of humanity in four distinct ways: 1) He doesn't punish humanity the very moment we sin as He has the right to do; 2) He has ordered the universe in such a way that humanity can enjoy His creation, and experience times of joy and happiness; 3) He has always provided a general witness of His power, rule, and morality upon the earth which has preserved most societies. 4) He has provided a specific witness of His will and activity to the historic people descending from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; leading eventually to the person of Jesus Christ. The life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has established the foundation for Gospel truths which have inspired and empowered individuals, churches, and civilizations to establish advanced and just societies.

Is God equally gracious to all of humanity? Yes, and No.
Yes, in the sense that the world is created in such a way that equally the “rain falls on the just and the unjust.” Also, we believe that every person upon the earth is created in the image of God and should be afforded basic rights (in this regard we condemn the practice of slavery, racism, caste systems, religious and political persecution, etc., practiced by unjust societies).

No, in the sense that some people, according to God's own will, receive God's special grace in that they have been chosen by God to inherit eternal life, while others are condemned to die in their sins.

How do we know that the above is true? Grace

The above interrogative is an exercise for preparing the discussion related to the Doctrines of Grace. We affirm that God is gracious, but in a Sovereign way -- This "agreed upon" attribute of God has engendered much debate by faithful Bible readers. But WE are convinced that the Bible clearly, and logically explains this mystery in a comprehensible way! So we will articulate a position based upon the testimony of Scripture. As this discussion is expansive, we invite you to check out the following link representing the Doctrines of Grace as we understand and teach them.

http://www.btinternet.com/~gracegospel/dgmenu.htm


We do invite your comments, so please contact us with your observations and questions.