Unlike common grace, which extends to all mankind, the special grace of God is the unmerited favor that God extends to His people. By means of common grace, God restrains sin in the world. By means of special grace, Jesus Christ bears the curse and penalty of sin for His people. In common grace, God gives good things to all men. In special grace, God gives the very righteousness of Jesus Christ to His people. Through common grace, God provides unmerited favor to all mankind for a time. Through special grace, God provides unmerited favor to His people for all eternity.
— Keith Mathison (b. 1967), Theologe, Professor für Systematische Theologie, Autor
Topics: Grace & Redemption, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
Occasions: For Reflection
Keith Mathison
Keith Mathison (* 1967) ist ein US-amerikanischer reformierter Theologe und Professor für Systematische Theologie am Reformation Bible College in Florida. Er profilierte sich als langjähriger Autor für Ligonier Ministries und prägte mit Werken wie „The Shape of Sola Scriptura“ die Debatte über das reformatorische Schriftverständnis in Abgrenzung zu einem individualistischen Biblizismus. Für Bibelleser bietet er eine kirchengeschichtlich und bekenntnismäßig fundierte Orientierung bei dogmatischen Fragen zur Schriftautorität und Sakramentenlehre.
All quotes by Keith Mathison (3)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller