Jehoash, Amaziah and Common Grace (II Kings 12:2; II Chron. 25:2)?
Herman Hoeksema critiques the Christian Reformed Church's 1924 Three Points doctrine by examining biblical passages about Kings Jehoash and Amaziah, arguing that these texts do not support the claim that unregenerate humans can perform genuine moral good. Hoeksema contends that true goodness must be rooted in love for God and neighbor, and that the kings' apparent righteousness was either external conformity under priestly influence or ultimately revealed to be wickedness when such influences were removed.
Herman Hoeksema (Originally published in the Standard Bearer, 15 February, 1964, vol. 40) And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him (II Kings 12:2). And he (Amaziah) did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did (II Kings 14:3). And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (II Chron....