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 '7. History of the doctrine of grace'.
My summary
Today Hodge gives his proofs of the doctrine of efficacious grace.
The arguments that support efficacious grace include:
(i) the common consent of Christians;
(ii) the analogy between the external and the spiritual world;
(iii) Ephesians 1:17-19;
(iv) the general teaching of Scripture;
(v) the nature of regeneration;
(vi) the relationship with other doctrines;
(vii) the experience of the believer.
Hodge also gives very short answers to objections to the doctrine - they have been dealt with in greater detail elsewhere in the book.
What grabbed me
The argument from experience was interesting. Hodge said: 'No believer ever ascribes his regeneration to himself. He does not recognize himself as the author of the work, or his own relative goodness, his greater susceptibility to good impression, or his greater readiness of persuasion, as the reason why he rather than others, is the subject of this change. He knows that it is a work of God ; and that it is a work of God's free grace. His heart responds to the language of the Apostle when he says : " Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Tit. iii. 5.)'
I agree. If a Christian truly examines himself, he will certainly admit that the change has been wrought of God.
Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 14 (Vocation).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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