Does Matthew 5:44-45 Teach Common Grace?
Rev. Angus Stewart examines Matthew 5:44-45 to challenge the common grace interpretation that God loves the reprobate, arguing that this doctrine creates logical contradictions with Calvinist theology and tends toward Arminianism. Through careful exegesis of Christ's command to love enemies, Stewart defends the Reformed position against what he considers a misapplication of this biblical text.
Rev. Angus Stewart Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matt. 5:44-45). Of the few texts which are cited in support of common grace with any plausibility, Matthew 5:44-45 perhaps occurs the most frequently, though usually...