The Prophets and Free Grace A Biblical Case

The Prophets and Free Grace: A Biblical Case

Introduction

The belief that free grace theology is a recent or novel concept is often based on a misunderstanding of the Bible's consistent message. Scripture demonstrates that the prophets have always testified to the truth of free grace—salvation as a free gift from God through faith alone. This article explores several key passages to show how the prophets have always proclaimed the message of grace.

The Foundation of Grace in John 1

The Gospel of John provides a foundational understanding of grace. John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This eternal Word, Jesus Christ, embodies grace and truth (John 1:17): "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

The implication is clear: grace has always existed as part of God's redemptive plan. The prophets, inspired by God, testified of the coming of Christ, the ultimate manifestation of grace. Their messages were never about human works but about trusting in God’s provision of salvation.

The Prophets Witness to Faith in Christ (Acts 10:43)

Acts 10:43 states, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." This verse explicitly connects the prophets to the free grace message.

- Prophetic Consistency: The prophets consistently pointed to Christ as the source of salvation. For example, Isaiah 53 speaks of the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many. This message aligns with salvation by grace through faith, as the remission of sins is not earned but received through belief in Christ.

- Inclusivity of Grace: The use of "whosoever believeth" underscores the universal offer of grace, a central tenet of free grace theology.

Justification by Grace Alone (Romans 3:23-24)

Romans 3:23-24 teaches, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

The prophets frequently highlighted humanity's sinfulness and the need for divine intervention. This is evident in passages like Jeremiah 17:9, which declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Yet alongside this recognition of sin, the prophets also pointed to God's promise of salvation by grace, as seen in Habakkuk 2:4: "The just shall live by his faith."

Trusting in the Lord (Psalm 37)

Psalm 37 offers another perspective on free grace: "Fret not thyself because of evildoers... Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." This psalm emphasizes reliance on God rather than human effort, aligning with the free grace message.

- Dependence on God: Trusting in the Lord is central to free grace theology. Salvation is not achieved through works but received by placing faith in God’s provision.

- God’s Faithfulness: The assurance that “thou shalt be fed” mirrors the sufficiency of God's grace to meet all spiritual needs.

There Is Nothing New Under the Sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, "There is no new thing under the sun." The message of free grace is not a modern invention but a truth proclaimed throughout biblical history. From Abel's offering of faith (Hebrews 11:4) to the prophets' declarations, God's plan has always been centered on grace.

Conclusion

The testimony of the prophets, as revealed in Scripture, consistently points to free grace. They bore witness to salvation as a gift of God’s grace, received through faith alone in Christ alone. Far from being a new or modern concept, free grace theology is the timeless truth of God’s Word. As Acts 10:43 and Romans 3:24 demonstrate, the remission of sins and justification have always been grounded in God’s grace, not human works. The prophets’ consistent message affirms that the gospel of grace has been present throughout biblical history.