We will spend two classes on this topic; in the first, we will consider these passages and the questions below, while in the second we will consider the readings and the Calvinism/Arminianism dispute. So in your preparation this time focus on the Scriptures and the questions. Also, read my sermon. Go on to the rest of the readings only after you have written a response to several of the questions I ask below.

Recall how God reveals His grace through his redemptive plan, first mentioned in Genesis 3 (which we read last time) and continued through God’s relationship with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the people of Israel -- particularly through the sacrificial system. Consider how God’s grace is revealed further in the incarnation, life, and death of our Lord and Savior. We will be considering some controversial items -- we ourselves might very well disagree -- but don’t let the controversy cloud the revelation of grace as seen through history as revealed in these passages.

How do I select Scriptures to highlight God’s grace? I feel like telling you to read the entire Bible! But here are a few:

Ex 19:4-8, Lev 4, Deut 7:6-11, Eze 36:16-37:14, Mat 23:33-39, Luke 7:30, John 1:12-18, 6:35-65, 10:24-29, 12:23-50, 15:1-16, Acts 13:46-48, Rom 4:4-5, 5:1-21, 8:28-9:33, 1 Cor 1:26-31, Gal 1:13-17, Eph 1:4-13, 2:1-10, 1 The 1:2-7, 2 The 2:13-15, 2 Tim 1:8-12, Titus 2:11-14, 1 Pet 1:1-5, 2:4-10, 2 Pet 1:1-11, 1 John 2:1-2, Jude 3-5

Questions: Think about all the following questions. Write out answers to at least three of them.

• Is Leviticus primarily a book of laws or a book of grace? Explain.

• "God set up the Mosaic code, in which he demanded obedience from the people in order to receive his blessings. They disobeyed, and consequently they suffered. This was a covenant of law, not grace." Respond to this statement.

• Define the word "grace." Try to do so by reference only to these Scripture passages, not to other things you have read previously.

• Recall our conclusions last time about the impact of the fall. Consider the Ezekiel passage in light of that discussion.

• Is everyone saved by God’s grace? That is, is there anyone who will not eventually end up together with God in a state of eternal bliss? If not, what distinguishes those who are saved from those who are not saved?

• Consider the relationship of faith to grace. Define "faith." How do the two combine to result in salvation? Is one prior to the other? Given the impact of the fall, where does faith come from?

• Are men automata with respect to salvation? Do they have free will? Is there any option other than these two?

• Try to summarize in a few sentences the process of salvation, laying out God’s actions and man’s.

Read in the following order:

• "Blood’s Cleansing Power." My sermon on Leviticus 4 (actually all 17 sermons in this series are of some relevance . . .)

• "Soteriology: Calvinism and Arminianism" By Gary DeLashmutt, Dennis McCallum, Jeff Gordon, and Doug Patch, Xenos Christian Fellowship, Columbus, Ohio.

• John Piper, "What We Believe about the Five Points of Calvinism."

• John Piper, "Are There Two Wills in God? Divine Election and God's Desire for All to be Saved." From The Grace of God, The Bondage of the Will, vol. 1. Thomas Schreiner/Bruce Ware, editors (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1995).

• John Wesley, "Free Grace."

• Letter of George Whitefield to John Wesley, in response to "Free Grace."

Review and revise your answers to the questions above in light of these readings. As always, base your revisions on improved insight into the Scriptures, not on the opinions of the authors.

This data file may not be copied in part, edited, revised, copied for resale or incorporated in any commercial publications, recordings, broadcasts, performances, displays or other products offered for sale, without the written permission of Thomas C. Pinckney, tpinckney@williams.edu, c/o Community Bible Church, Harrison Ave, Williamstown, MA 01267.