Common Grace in Creation and Natural World Governance
Common Grace in Creation and Natural World Governance
The concept of common grace is rooted in the biblical account of creation, where God's sovereignty and pleasure are evident in the formation of the world. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, creation is described as the formation of things that had no previous existence, effected by God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit [1]. This understanding is supported by various biblical passages, including Genesis 1:1, John 1:3, and Psalm 104:30.
In the context of creation, common grace refers to God's benevolent actions towards all people, regardless of their spiritual state. This is evident in Psalm 135:6, which states that God does "whatsoever [He] pleased" in creation and providence. John Gill's commentary on this verse highlights God's sovereignty in creation, noting that He produces into being what creatures He thinks fit [4].
The doctrine of common grace is also related to God's governance of the natural world. According to Calvin's commentary on Genesis, the infinite wisdom of God is displayed in the structure of heaven and earth, demonstrating His glory and majesty [2]. The Tyndale House commentary on Proverbs 3:19-20 notes that God's wisdom created harmony in the universe, and that having wisdom means living in conformity with principles embedded in creation [3].
In the Reformed tradition, common grace is understood as a manifestation of God's goodness and mercy towards all people. This is distinct from special or saving grace, which is reserved for those who are redeemed through faith in Christ. The Westminster Confession does not explicitly use the term "common grace," but its description of God's providence in Chapter 5 reflects this understanding.
The implications of common grace are significant, as they highlight God's concern for the well-being of all people, regardless of their spiritual state. As seen in the biblical account of creation and the natural world, God's common grace is evident in the order and harmony that exist in the universe.
The relationship between common grace and the natural world is also reflected in the biblical concept of stewardship. Human beings are called to care for and manage the natural world, as seen in Genesis 1:28-30 and Psalm 24:1. This responsibility is grounded in God's sovereignty over creation and His desire for humanity to live in harmony with the natural world.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 4.1: Argument. Since the infinite wisdom of God is displayed in the admirable structure of heaven and earth, it is absolutely impossible to unfold The History of the Creation of the World in terms equal to its dignity. For while the measure of our capacity is too contracted to comprehend things of such magnitude, our tongue is equally incapable of giving a full and substantial account of them. As he, however, deserves praise, who, with modesty and reverence, applies himself to the consideration of the works of God, although he attain le”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 3:19: 3:19-20 God’s wisdom created harmony in the universe. Having wisdom means living in conformity with principles embedded in creation.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 135:6: Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he,.... In creation, producing into being what creatures he thought fit; in providence, doing according to his will in heaven and in earth; in grace, predestinating men to grace and glory, according to the good pleasure of his will, and calling by his grace whom he pleased: so Christ quickens whom he will; and the Spirit dispenses his gifts and grace severally to men as he pleases. Sovereignty, or acting according to will and pleasure, is peculiar to the Lord; the heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, are at his direction, and act b”