Grace is a fundamental concept in Christianity that refers to the unmerited favor and mercy that God shows to humanity. Special grace is a theological term that describes the grace that God gives for salvation. It enables people to respond to the gospel message in faith and repentance.
The doctrine of special grace has its roots in the Bible and has been developed by key theologians over the centuries. At its core, special grace teaches that due to the effects of the fall and human sinfulness, people are unable to seeks God or respond positively to the gospel message on their own. They are spiritually dead and slaves to sin. Therefore, God must take the initiative and extend grace to enable a saving response of faith.
The Bible speaks frequently about God’s grace and highlights it as the basis for salvation. Verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 state that salvation is “by grace through faith” and “not of works.” Titus 2:11 says that the grace of God brings salvation. When the Bible refers to grace in the context of salvation, it is pointing to this special grace that God gives to awaken sinners and enable them to believe.
Here are some key points about the doctrine of special grace:
1. It is necessary because of total depravity.
Due to the fall into sin, humanity is affected by total depravity – the concept that sin impacts every aspect of a person’s being, so that they are enslaved to sin and unable to merit favor with God. Unregenerate people cannot understand spiritual truth or desire God on their own (1 Corinthians 2:14). Special grace is required to overcome this inability.
2. It is irresistible and effectual.
Special grace is sufficient to accomplish God’s purposes. When God extends it to the elect, it effectively applies salvation. The internal call of God cannot ultimately be rejected. This is in contrast to general grace, or “common grace,” which all people receive to restrain sin and is able to be resisted. Special grace always results in salvation.
3. It applies specifically to the elect.
Though common grace is given to all, special grace is only extended to those God has predestined for salvation, commonly called “the elect.” Passages like Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5 teach the doctrine of election – that God chooses some to be saved. Special grace is how God actualizes this choice. The elect receive this grace, but others do not.
4. It results in regeneration.
When God extends special grace, it brings spiritual rebirth and new life. Unresponsive, spiritually dead sinners receive new desires, understanding, and conviction when regenerating grace comes. Ezekiel 36:26-27 and John 3:3-8 connect this regeneration to the work of the Holy Spirit, who applies the benefits of Christ’s work.
5. It enables and produces saving faith.
Special grace grants the gift of faith. Ephesians 2:8 says faith is “not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” People do not conjure up faith on their own. When God opens blind eyes and unstops deaf ears through special grace, sinners become able to respond in repentance and faith. Special grace is the originating cause of saving faith.
6. It continues sanctifying believers.
Special grace is not just a one-time event, but the start of an ongoing work in a believer’s life. God continues supplying grace to align believers more to Christ’s image and produce godly fruit in them. Believers rely on a steady stream of special grace to persevere in faith and continue growing in holiness.
Various Bible passages and figures flesh out this doctrine. When Jesus speaks to Nicodemus in John 3 about being “born again” of the Spirit, He describes special grace coming to spiritually dead sinners. Paul’s conversion in Acts 9 depicts a dramatic example of irresistible, regenerating grace. Ephesians 2 lays a theological foundation, describing salvation as a gracious gift of God lest anyone should boast. Christians confessing their dependence on God’s grace in the Philippian jailer’s conversion (Acts 16), the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), and across Paul’s writings demonstrate reliance on special grace.
Church history contains much reflection on special grace. Augustine battled a British monk named Pelagius over whether humans can take steps toward salvation without special grace. Augustine maintained the necessity of grace to even incline people toward righteousness. The Reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther reinforced Augustine’s views against works righteousness, arguing special grace alone brings salvation by overcoming the sinful will. Roman Catholic and Arminian traditions depart from Calvinist views of irresistible grace, but still affirm the basic concept. The doctrine remains central to evangelical theology today.
In summary, special grace describes the work of God to initiate salvation. Through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, He awakens spiritually dead sinners, grants the gift of faith, and enables them to freely respond to the gospel in repentance and belief. This grace is irresistible, effectual, and only applied to the elect. It springs from God’s predestined choice and continues sanctifying believers. The doctrine provides comfort that salvation relies fully on God’s initiative and power rather than human works. Understanding special grace highlights that Christians’ relationship with God originates in and continues by His mercy alone.