Commentary On Article 4: The Grace Of God -- By: Brad Reynolds

Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 09:2 (Fall 2012)
Article: Commentary On Article 4: The Grace Of God
Author: Brad Reynolds


Commentary On Article 4:
The Grace Of God

Brad Reynolds

Brad Reynolds is Vice President for Academic Services and Professor of Christian Studies at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia.

Article Four: The Grace Of God

We affirm that grace is God’s generous decision to provide salvation for any person by taking all of the initiative in providing atonement, in freely offering the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, and in uniting the believer to Christ through the Holy Spirit by faith.

We deny that grace negates the necessity of a free response of faith or that it cannot be resisted. We deny that the response of faith is in any way a meritorious work that earns salvation.

Ezra 9:8; Proverbs 3:34; Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 19:16–30, 23:37; Luke 10:1–12; Acts 15:11; 20:24; Romans 3:24, 27–28; 5:6, 8, 15–21; Galatians 1:6; 2:21; 5; Ephesians 2:8–10; Philippians 3:2–9; Colossians 2:13–17; Hebrews 4:16; 9:28; 1 John 4:1949 50

The Affirmations

The following assumptions are held regarding the affirmations: First, most Southern Baptists would agree with the affirmations in Article 4. Second, some who agree with the affirmations think they do not go far enough. Instead, they would add to them. Third, many who would deny them would do so on the basis of the phrase “any person.” Thus, the affirmations concerning the grace of God are a minimal statement. Some of the supporting biblical passages will be considered below.

“But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are” (Acts 15:11 NASB).You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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