Providence and “Common Grace”
Hanko argues that God's providential provision of good gifts to the wicked should not be confused with or called "common grace," since Scripture indicates God gives these gifts in wrath and for the destruction of the unregenerate. The article defends the Reformed position that God's sovereignty in providence and His judicial purposes toward the reprobate are compatible with His character and the giving of temporal blessings.
Ronald Hanko In His providence God provides for all His creatures (Acts 17:25). This means that God gives many good gifts to the wicked, including not only rain and sunshine, food and shelter, life and breath, but also a rational mind, a will, and a spirit. Many conclude from this that God loves the wicked and is gracious to them. These things, they say, are God’s “common grace,” His grace for all, a grace that does not lead them to salvation but is nevertheless a testimony to them of God’s...