Modern Heresies: Common Grace (1)
In "Modern Heresies: Common Grace (1)," Herman Hanko examines the theological controversy surrounding the doctrine of common grace, which led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches after its adoption by the Christian Reformed Church. Hanko critiques the concept of a well-meant gospel offer, arguing that it undermines the doctrines of sovereign and particular grace by suggesting that God desires the salvation of all individuals, thus introducing contradictions regarding divine will and human free will. He asserts that the gospel is not merely an offer but the power of God for salvation, emphasizing that God's grace is particular to the elect and that the notion of a universal gospel offer aligns with historical heresies.
Introduction The controversy over common grace is of particular interest to the Protestant Reformed Churches, for it was the immediate occasion for the existence of these churches as a separate denomination. The founders of these churches, under God, were expelled from the Christian Reformed Church for refusing to agree with common grace as a doctrine taught in Scripture and the confessions. These leaders, Revs. Herman Hoeksema, George Ophoff, and Henry Danhof, refused to preach and teach it...
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