A Graceful Consideration of Grace

In continuing the Truth About Series, John MacArthur tackles a much discussed but little understood tenet of Grace – in this second installment of the three part series.  At times, he adopts a historical lens while at other times he incorporates a theological lens.  Regardless of the approach, this book serves as a solid primer for any believer that wishes to gain a better understanding of God’s grace (including common, special, and sovereign).

MacArthur’s short book focuses on the salvific aspects of grace and, in doing so, offers a rather interesting interpretation of “grace by faith alone” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  His interpretation is not new, but he states it in such a simple to understand manner – grace is the work of God and, without grace, there cannot be faith.  As he says on page 18, “Salvation only comes when we receive by faith the gift of God’s grace.”  It is all about Him and His work that we, in turn, accept.  Without His grace, I would not have faith.

Later on, MacArthur takes on those that promote an easy belief mentality or the “seeker sensitive” approach.  In discussing the grace of God, he shows how God has done all the work but that, like the apostle James says so clearly, our works should reveal the work of grace in our heart.  He packs his work with Scripture after Scripture, which is the foundation of all of his books – the truth that we need in our lives can only be found in God’s Word. 

Someone may want to offer a criticism that he continually references the same passages over and over.  I do not view that as a problem because the Scripture is powerful in its tenets.  For instance, MacArthur constantly goes to Romans 6:1 to attack those that say the following:  since we already have grace, we can sin as much as we want because it cannot diminish God’s grace.  This belief slides into a “no lordship” idea of salvation because, if there is no lord, we can live as we desire.  Such a belief reveals a woeful misunderstanding of the power of grace in justification and sanctification.

Simply put, this second part of the Truth About Series is a must read because there is so much to these 105 pages.  While it does not offer a lengthy manuscript discussing the depths of grace, it sure does break complexity down into simplicity.  My suggestions are simple – get it, read it, and grow from it.  After reading the book, go back a second time and circle all the Scriptural reference; and then, spend time just reading and meditating upon them.  

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