The Theme of Grace in Puritan Writings - Essay Example

Examining the Theme of Grace in Puritan Writings There are several themes, which have been discussed in Puritan writings. However, one of the major themes includes the grace and the covenant. In this connection, the following paper intends to discuss the theme of grace and how it has been portrayed in these writings. The focus will, however, be on how the theme of grace has been brought out in these writings to emphasize the meaning. The issue of grace being irresistible or resistible does not have any bearing (Miller et al., 12). Grace has to be discussed as being from one’s will in these writings. This means that one cannot resist his will. It is not possible for one to like something and at the same time dislike it. Within the writings, lot repetitiveness is seen used to emphasize the point. The repeat has been done on the main idea or in the use of words. The theme of grace has been brought out as based on what pleases oneself. This means that one is willing to see grace in what he is pleased in. Therefore, the divine grace of God is beneficial to human beings, which makes them be pleased with the same. The writings emphasize that a man does not do anything, but rather what he feels he can do. Therefore, the willingness to will, and be pleased by something, comes from an individual (Miller et al, 112). There is an emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s intervention in one’s discerning of the grace of God. This is what is referred to as infusion. The influence of the spirit in an individual is done at free will. This means that the spirit can influence human beings decision at will. It helps one see the grace and be pleased by the impact the same is having in his life. Further, both human beings’ spirit (power) and God’s spirit, work together for the benefit of humankind. In addition, the influence of holy spirit’s infusion is depicted in human being’s action. Therefore, the spirit helps a man to have a habit of his behavior in order that he can acquire the same as first as possible. It most cases, it is not possible for a human being to oppose or do against what has already been infused into him. In addition, if one refuses to acquire the habit being infused, then it means the spirit of rejecting the same has as well been infused to him (Miller et al,. 34). The two forces involved include the natural powers of human being, as well as that of the Spirit. The habit the man acquires depends on the strength of these two contrasting powers. The vigor and liveliness with which one does a certain activity is what is referred to as infused grace. It is this vigor, which causes a man to act in a particular way. Based on the writings, human beings need assistance inform of grace (Miller et al., 131). However, divine grace is given to those that God chooses. It is not applicable to all human beings but only a portion. The God’s intention is to assist those he is willing to through His divine grace. However, there is a dispute of whether divine assistance is efficacious or not. Further, for one to get the grace of God there must be a direct connection between the willingness to receive the same, and believing the scripture, through which man is taught in the Gospel. This is in connection with the God’s show of grace through His Son Christ. The soul of a human being and the doctrines must come to an agreement so that one can benefit from this divine grace. It is also emphasized that man must as well show his life in this doctrine of grace through his action. The life of holiness is also one of the requirements for the same. In some instances, human beings may have such disposition but fails to recognize them for a given period. In order for a man to receive divine grace form God, and then God will have first to look at the disposition, as well as the principle in an individual. If, for instance, a man dies without having faith, through disposition, God can use his grace to save him. This means that faith is useless if there was no disposition. The determination of disposition is also characterized by man’s actions (Miller et al., 142). This is determined because of scripture and nature. The words “come,” “believe,” “trust,” “receive,” in the scriptures, seem to invite human beings to act and thus receive the grace of God. These expressions are used to signify the requirements expected from human beings. It has also been shown that true seekers of grace from God will definitively get it. God is not willing to give His grace to those who do not truly ask it. Among the promises, include eternal and spiritual blessings to human beings. They are however expected to do right in order to receive these kinds of blessings from God. The ‘‘Bible, Sabbaths, preaching, sacraments, or doctrinal knowledge of religion’’ could not be put there by God without a purpose (Miller et al., 211). Human beings who seek the Grace of God need to follow them in order to qualify for the same. This is because God bestows His promises through means. Finally, there is a common and saving grace. There are great differences between saving and common grace. This is not only in kind, but also in and the degree in nature. This is evident through the fact that conversion is done at once but not gradually. A good example is given where scriptures talks of the love of God were working to those that are called beads on His purpose in Rom. 8:28-30. In addition, the conversion, which shows the works of saving grace, indicates the change in what was in one’s heart and the new one(Miller et al., 49). A person is wholly changed as opposed to the common grace. This is shown in this words ‘‘When God creates, he does not merely establish and perfect the things that were made before, but makes them wholly and immediately’’. Conclusively, it is shown that the theme of grace has widely been considered in Puritan writings. The importance of this subject has been shown based on the emphasis with which it is discussed. The relationship between mankind has been outlined as being determined by His grace and more so the willingness of human beings to seek it truly. Work Cited Miller, Perry, and Thomas H. Johnson. The Puritans: A Sourcebook of Their Writings. , 2014. Print. Read More