"Love that gives upward is worship; love that goes
outward is affection; love that stoops is grace."
-Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse
-Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse
The Truth about Grace, by John MacArthur, is a short, but
detailed theological study that delves into the concept of grace. It is filled
with scriptural references that help with the flow of the book, while ideally
forcing the reader to go back to the original source of wisdom on the matter,
the Bible.
MacArthur begins (and ends) the book by defining grace,
which he summarizes as "the free and benevolent influence of a holy God
operating sovereignly in the lives of undeserving sinners" (p4, 104). He
then systematically continues through each chapter, highlighting in detail the tenets of Ephesians
2:8-10, namely that we receive it as a gift from God, it is not of our own
doing, and we need to have evidence of it in our lives.
Although it seemed a bit repetitive at times (but then,
repetition is the key to remembrance), I enjoyed reading MacArthur's work. I do
not agree with his soteriological beliefs, but I did appreciate the amount of
study dedicated to this subject, including both scriptural references, as well
as multiple references to the original Greek, which is always key in
understanding the true meaning and intent behind words. I also appreciated his analogies
and concepts throughout this work. MacArthur questions whether "the
experience of God's grace in your lives is a thrilling thing" (p43) and I
think that is a key question. Though I may not believe in limited atonement, to
which this book strongly advocates, I valued the reminders of my own sinful
nature and how completely depraved and lost we are without the mercy, love and
grace of God, and what God, in Christ, suffered for this incomparable gift
offered unto us. This is not a work I would recommend without restraint, but
more on a case-by-case basis.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the
publisher through the BookSneeze® book
review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The
opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
*** 3 years of a very meticulous and structured English teacher who made us read approximately 12 books a year and write research papers with about 20 verified sources has turned me into someone who annotates in her books, highlight profusely and often journals alongside her reading. As I look at the above review, I cringe that I did not go into further detail, but that was what was recommended by the powers-that-be. Therefore, if you are like me, (or in case I lose my journal later and want my own reference), here is a more detailed review per chapter... again, in my perspective, but withholding my differing soteriological beliefs and opinions to his stated ones. :)
MacArthur begins (and ends) the book by defining grace,
which he summarizes as "the free and benevolent influence of a holy God
operating sovereignly in the lives of undeserving sinners" (p4, 104). He
then separates grace into two categories. Common grace is the "goodness of
God to all mankind universally" (p6). It is the rain sent to the farmers
after a period of drought. It is the providence of God towards our country and
the protection towards Israel. MacArthur stresses that it ought to be enough to
cause believers to repentance, but it does not because of our sinful nature.
The second category of grace that MacArthur points out is special, saving grace
(or as MacArthur states, sovereign grace). This is the irresistible work of God
that frees men from sin, renewing and sanctifying them through the Holy Spirit.
From there, MacArthur devotes a chapter to the gift of grace
being received by men, a necessity for salvation. He used an analogy of
cadavers in a morgue; although they are in different stages of decomposition,
they are all nevertheless dead (p32). Sinful depravity is also manifested in
different degrees, but is viewed the same in God's eyes.
His third section expands further into the dichotomy of the
different soteriological views of two Protestant factions. We are to realize
that although God offers His grace, He also demands of us self-denial, humility
and holiness. MacArthur warns of apostasy, evidenced by ungodly character and
conduct, while also warning against quarrelsome Christians, who argue for the
sake of it and have no right in leadership (1 Tim 3:3). He wisely states that
"Contending earnestly for the faith does not require us to become
brawlers" (p64).
His fourth section is realizing what grace has done in our
lives. We are the product, not the reason for it; it is a mystery why it is
bestowed, because we are not worthy of being redeemed.
In his final chapter, MacArthur quotes heavily from Romans 6
to point out that grace "means we have the power to do what pleases
God" (p85), versus whatever we want. We are "slaves of
righteousness" and obedience is a necessary characteristic of that truth.
Grace frees us to choose to obey God. Good works should be an outward
manifestation of our inward renewal. Divine grace changes a believer.
