The Truth About Grace

"Love that gives upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace."
-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.