What Is Common Grace in the Bible?

Common grace is the grace of God that extends to all human beings without distinction, whether they are saved or unsaved. It is 'common' because it is universal, not 'special' or 'saving' grace which is given only to the elect. The concept is derived from several biblical teachings. Jesus taught that God 'maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust' (Matthew 5:45). The blessings of creation — sunlight, rain, food, and the fruits of the earth — come to all people regardless of their spiritual condition. Paul told the pagans at Lystra that God 'left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave you rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness' (Acts 14:17). This goodness is not salvation but testimony — it points to a good God who provides for His creatures. Common grace includes the restraint of sin. God prevents human wickedness from reaching its full potential. After the flood, God promised to restrain the natural order so that seasons would continue. The presence of conscience in every human heart is a form of common grace. Paul wrote that Gentiles who do not have the law 'are a law unto themselves' and 'shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness' (Romans 2:14-15). Civil government is also a form of common grace. Paul described rulers as 'God's minister to thee for good,' restraining evil and rewarding good. Without this restraint, society would descend into chaos. Common grace makes life in a fallen world bearable. It allows unbelievers to do good works, create beauty, develop culture, and maintain order. A pagan artist can paint a beautiful picture, a non-Christian doctor can heal the sick, and an atheist scientist can discover truth. These are not saving works but they reflect God's common grace. Common grace also serves an evangelistic purpose. It makes the gospel credible by showing that God is good before people hear that He is merciful in Christ. It leaves people without excuse — if God has been so good to them in common things, how much more should they respond to His offer of salvation? But common grace is not saving grace. It preserves life and blesses existence, but it does not regenerate the heart or forgive sin. For that, special grace — the grace of election, regeneration, and faith — is necessary.