Originally Posted by Bygracealone

I think one of the problems that adds to the confusion over this whole question comes down to the actual word "grace." The word "grace" as used in the Scriptures is always used in the sense of that "grace" that flows from the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. I haven't yet found an instance in which the word "grace" is used in reference to the reprobate.

I'm personally much more comfortable speaking of God's "common benevolence" (goodness) rather than "common grace" as I find nothing "common" about the grace of our God; rather, I find His grace to be quite particular. That said, I think many folks use the term "common grace" and actually mean something closer to "common benevolence."

There's also the issue of temporal experiences versus how those experiences are counted eternally. Do the reprobate enjoy good things in this life? I have to say "yes." They enjoy good things like food, drink, marriage, sex, having children, the satisfaction of work and play, etc. These are good things that they enjoy temporally. Will these things be used against them on the day of Judgment? Yes, because they enjoyed the good things God has given them and never acknowledged from whom those good things came; they failed to give praise to whom praise is due. But were those things that they enjoyed actually "good things," I think so... So, I think there's a distinction to be made between the fact that those things are truly good things and how they might be used at the Judgment. Temporally, they are good things, but eternally those good things will be counted against them.

Just my thoughts... I don't know which option in the poll best suits my understanding...

Cheers!

Originally Posted by joshua

We need a definition of grace then. Obviously there's saving grace, which only the elect receive. Then there is what people have termed common grace. I don't know if grace is a good descriptor of God giving the reprobate rain, breath, temporal earthly things. In fact, all these things He gives to His enemies ultimately only heap further condemnation on them at judgment. Are there places in Scripture where these temporal things given to the reprobate are called "grace?" Or is it that grace always carries with it the ultimate end of salvation? I think I would go with no, in that God doesn't show grace to the Reprobate.

Originally Posted by joshua

Again, I think a definition of "grace" (in this context) apart from God's salvific work is found wanting. Especially since we know that each temporal provision God gives to the reprobate ends up only compounding their judgment in the end. That's justice, not grace.