Tag Archives: Grace for All

Grace for All: Exploring Predestination in the Old Testament

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David A. Clines, Emeritus Professor (link) at the University of Sheffield, has specialized in the Hebrew language and study of the Old Testament. In Grace for All, David seeks to summarize the predestinarian ideas found in the OT.

415xXkjORGLHe does this, not by focusing on a few passages, but by analyzing the larger themes found in four major collections of the Hebrew Scriptures.

  • Patriarchal histories in Genesis
  • Primeval histories in Genesis
  • Proverbs/Wisdom literature
  • Prophetic literature

In the essay Clines defends this approach and asks the reader to consider how they approach this topic in the Scriptures.

No doubt there are many reasonable inferences that may be made from biblical statements about predestination. But to be faithful to the Bible means in part to follow the Bible’s emphases and not erect mere inferences into essential biblical doctrine.

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Grace for All: Grace is Personal

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The essay … The Spirit of Grace, was originally written by William G. MacDonald (link) and was edited by John D. Wagner. 415xXkjORGL

The authors present a challenge to any theologian, one that is probably not considered often enough.

The most complicating factor for system building in theology is the personhood of God. … A force, idea, or principle is far more consistent and controllable in thought than a living personality …

It is not possible, the authors contend, to fully understand grace unless we first grapple with God as One who is living and dynamic.

The concept of the grace of God is grounded in the doctrine of God’s holy Self, his personhood

The authors challenge the “working definition” of grace, Continue reading →

Grace for All: Conditional Election

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415xXkjORGLDespite the terms “predestination” and “election” being quite controversial today in theological circles, Jack Cottrell (blog), Professor of Theology at Cincinnati Christian University, starts off his essay reminding us that the Greek words behind these terms hold very common meanings. These words simply mean “to plan before hand” and to “choose or select”.

In the Scriptures these terms can refer to groups and/or individuals. Furthermore these terms do not always mean those who are chosen for salvation. They can also specify those who are chosen to service (see also this post).

In order to properly understand election, Cottrell rightly argues, we should first understand it as being Christ-centric.

Election primarily reflects God’s choices around establishing the Messiah. Continue reading →