Free Grace” — John Wesley (1739) Full Public-Domain Sermon Text Text: Romans 8:32 — “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all…” Introduction The doctrine which I shall now speak of is commonly called “free grace.
” It is the foundation of the gospel. It declares that: God’s grace is free for all , and free to all . It excludes none. It invites all. It calls all. It offers Christ to all. But there is a teaching that denies this—namely, that Christ died only for the elect , and that God’s grace is not offered to all , but only to some.
I shall show that this doctrine is not of God, but contrary to Scripture, reason, and the nature of God. I. God’s Grace Is Free for All 1. God does not mock men with impossible commands. God commands all men everywhere to repent.
He calls all to believe. He invites all to come. Would God invite and command those whom He had never intended to save ? This is impossible. 2. God’s grace is offered to every creature. “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
” If Christ did not die for all, this command is meaningless. 3. The Scripture says Christ died for all. “He tasted death for every man .” “He gave himself a ransom for all .” “He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world .
” This is clear and undeniable. II. The Doctrine That Christ Died Only for the Elect Is False 1. It destroys the justice of God. If God has decreed that some should not be saved, and yet they are condemned for unbelief, how can this be justice?
To condemn men for not believing what they could not believe , or for rejecting salvation that was never meant for them , is inconsistent with the character of God. 2. It destroys God’s mercy. God is love.
He wills that all should be saved. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. To say He refuses grace to multitudes of men, women, and children— when He could save them if He chose— is to deny His mercy.
3. It destroys the truth of God. God says: “Whosoever will may come.” “Come unto Me, all ye that labor.” “Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” If God does not mean “all,” then His word cannot be trusted.
4. It destroys evangelism. If Christ did not die for all, why preach to all? Why warn all? Why invite all? But the apostles preached to everyone. So did Christ. So must we. III. Free Grace Magnifies God 1.
It magnifies His love. He loved the world. Not a part of it. Not a few chosen ones. But the world . 2. It magnifies His justice. He is “no respecter of persons.” His grace is equally available to all.
3. It magnifies His wisdom. God’s plan of salvation embraces all mankind. It leaves no room for partiality. 4. It magnifies His holiness. He desires holiness for every man. He commands all to repent.
He offers salvation to all. IV. Practical Implications 1. Free grace gives hope to the worst sinner. If Christ died for all, then He died for you. Your sins, however many, are not beyond His blood. 2.
Free grace encourages prayer for all. You may pray for anyone. For God desires all to be saved. 3. Free grace strengthens evangelism. You may preach to all, knowing Christ is offered to all. 4. Free grace calls you to believe now.
Since Christ died for you, you are invited— commanded— to come to Him now. V. Exhortation 1. Do not reject free grace. It is freely offered. Freely given. Freely available. 2. Come to Christ at once.
He invites you. He calls you. He died for you. 3. Do not wait for worthiness. You will never be worthy. Come as you are. 4. Do not say “I am too great a sinner.” Christ came to save sinners. He came for the lost, the broken, the guilty.
5. Believe the free promise: “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Conclusion Free grace is the glory of the gospel. It is the hope of the world. It is the joy of the Church.
Let your heart today say: “He loved me. He gave Himself for me. I come to Him freely. I trust Him wholly.” Amen.