Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 103:410 (Apr 1946)
Article: The Prohibitions of Grace
Author: George McKillop Cowan

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BSac 103:410 (Apr 46) p. 223

The Prohibitions of Grace

George M. Cowan

The fact that the doctrine of grace includes some prohibitions has not always been recognized. To the writer, indeed, it was a discovery and a series of discoveries which have provoked a careful investigation of the Scriptures and led to the conclusion that the prohibitions of grace are an essential part of Christian life truth.

The first discovery came quite casually. The three great enemies of the Christian—the world, the flesh, and the devil—were under discussion. The Scriptures were quoted: “Love not the world,” “Flee fornication,” “Withstand the devil.” It was a familiar truth that the Christian has these three enemies. It was an entirely new thought, however, that the Christian is to meet these three enemies, not with the same attitude toward all, but with a different attitude toward each, attitudes clearly differentiated in the verbs used in the above quotations. Realizing that the writers of the New Testament used words with great discrimination under the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit, it was immediately conceded that here is no loose use of terms but rather an illustration of that very discrimination which often serves as a key to fruitful study of the Scriptures. “Love not” points to a clearcut separation, an attitude of noninterest, noncooperation, nonintervention, nonparticipation—a declared neutrality. “Flee” points to a departure from the scene of conflict, a defensive rearguard action—active retreat. “Withstand” points to a spirited offensive, a setting of oneself against the foe—positive attack. Immediately the question arose whether or not this distinction is consistently taught throughout the whole body of Christian life truth in the New Testament. There was

BSac 103:410 (Apr 46) p. 224

only one known way of answering that question. In the search for the answer another interesting discovery was made.

The search to discover whether this principle of “the world—leave it alone, the flesh—give it no chance, the devil—fight to a finish” is consistently taught involved a complete survey of all the Scriptures dealing with Christian life and experience. It led to the discovery that the practical portions of the New Testament epistles are replete with prohibitions pertaining to every possible phase of Christian experience. Here are actual historical instances in which Christ prohibits certain conduct on the part of friends and disciples. “Touch me not” is His word to Mary in the garden (John 20:17). “Be not faithless, but believing” is His firm rebuke to Thomas (John 20:27). Here are instances of the Holy Spirit’s p...

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