Doctrines of Grace

"DOCTRINES OF GRACE"

"According to the Doctrines of Grace or Reformed Theology, salvation is accomplished by the almighty power of the Triune God. The Father chose a people, the Son died for them, and the Holy Spirit makes Christ's death effective by bringing the elect to repentance and faith, thereby causing them to willingly obey the gospel. The entire process (election, redemption, regeneration, justification, sanctification, glorification) is the work of God and is by grace alone for His glory alone. Thus God, not man, determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation." (Source: http://www.gccministries.org/106621.ihtml ). 

Thus,  "Doctrines of Grace" is a phrase used synonymously with the Five Points of Calvinism (which includes the doctrine of predestination) and is also referred to as  Reformed Theology. We direct you to those links for further discussion. 

However, we will mention here just briefly that "grace" is in fact a wonderful theme of the entire Scriptures and there are found in the Bible many doctrines (teachings) concerning God's wonderful and amazing grace. We at BibleTruthForToday do not believe that the so-called "doctrines of grace" accurately reflect the Biblical truth regarding God's grace. Perhaps we will have opportunity to expand on the topic of Biblical grace on this page in the future. 

There are several immediate concerns regarding this theology called the "Doctrines of Grace". It is often, though NOT always, associated with covenant theology, infant baptism and baptismal salvation. (See those links for further explanation of those topics). In addition, looking at the opening paragraph at the top of this page, there are two particular issues. First, "causing them to willingly obey" is a virtual oxymoron - "causing" and "willingly" are not generally viewed in the same light. Second, "God...determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation" - seems to contradict the letter of the Word and the spirit as well. God loved the world so much..., He did not love only those whom He pre-selected. "Whosoever will may come" - the invitation is to all, the Gift is available to all. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, not just the "elect". "Salvation" is not a "thing". Salvation is God's provision for deliverance which He offers in Himself (in Jesus Christ) Who alone IS our salvation.