Archive for October 9th, 2014
Corbet:
2. The meaning of some Distinctions of Grace, that are commonly used.
There is grace objective and subjective. By objective grace is meant the law or covenant of grace, which is styled in Scripture, “the grace of God that brings salvation,” together with all the external signs and evidences thereof, either in the works of God and the course of his providence towards mankind, or in his written Word. By subjective grace is meant all internal gracious operations of God on man, over and above his general concurse,1 together with the impression and disposition made thereby in the soul.
There is grace common and special. By common grace many understand that which is common. Not to all, but to more than the elect; and by special grace that which is peculiar to the elect, or to a state of salvation. But these terms are not necessarily restrained to this meaning. For there is a common grace, not only as given to more than the elect, but as given to all men. And there is a special grace, wherein God freely favors one more than another, and yet it may be below that which is peculiar to a state of salvation.
Grace of the same kind may be considered as given to several persons in equal or unequal measure.
There is also grace sufficient and grace effectual. Sufficient grace is that by which we can do the good, to which it is said to be sufficient, and without which we cannot do it; and, therefore, it is also called necessary grace. Effectual grace is that, which, as such, does take effect, and is never frustrate.