Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 14 (Vocation) by reading up to the heading '5. Proof of the doctrine'.
My summary
This week Hodge teaches us about efficacious grace.
Firstly Hodge outlines the erroneous views of efficacious grace, particularly that of the Semi-Pelagians, the Romanists and the Arminians.
Secondly Hodge gives the Augustinian view of the efficacy of divine grace in regeneration. He explains that such grace:
(i) is mysterious;
(ii) is peculiar;
(iii) does not involve moral suasion;
(iv) acts immediately on the soul ;
(v) is irresistible;
(vi) implies the soul's passivity in regeneration;
(vii) brings instantaneous regeneration;
(viii) is an act of sovereign grace.
What grabbed me
I liked the comment about the soul's passivity in regeneration: 'It follows, further, from the same premises, that the soul is passive in regeneration. It is the subject, and not the agent of the change. The soul cooperates, or, is active in what precedes and in what follows the change, but the change itself is something: experienced, and not something done. The blind and the lame who came to Christ, may have undergone much labour in getting into his presence, and they joyfully exerted the new power imparted to them, but they were entirely passive in the moment of healing. They in no way cooperated in the production of that effect. The same must be true in regeneration, if regeneration be the effect of almighty power as much as the opening the eyes of the blind or the unstopping by a word the ears of the deaf. '
Regeneration is all of God. Which means all the glory goes to him!
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 14 (Vocation) by reading up to the heading '7. History of the doctrine of grace'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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