Dr. Trader on Common Grace

Dr. Richard Trader, an Internet friend of mine now for several years, wrote the following about common grace and conviction of sin. I thought it should be included here as our Hardshell brothers today generally do not understand the topic of common grace and conviction of sin. Here is what Dr. Trader wrote (See here) under the title "Common Grace" (emphasis mine):

Charles C. Ryrie wrote, "Another work of the Holy Spirit which may be classed under the heading of common grace is that of conviction of sin (John 16:8-11). To be sure, this might be classed under efficacious grace, but it probably belongs here since His work of conviction is not always efficacious." (meaning not efficacious to conversion. It was certainly efficacious in bringing about conviction itself - SG)

Common grace alone saves no one. However, to reject common grace is condemnation. Common grace includes God's patience with sinners and His goodness in many ways to all people. Efficacious grace saves sinners through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

We should share the gospel of Christ at every opportunity. However, we can never convict people of sin and the truth of Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. He convicts people of one sin in particular, because they believe not in Christ.

The convicting work of the Holy Spirit is part of God's common grace. That means it is not always effective for conversion. Thus, common grace is not saving grace. In some people it is effective, in others it is not. That is to say, conviction is common grace, not saving grace. One may be under conviction, but not converted.

Ryrie concludes, "While common grace shows the validity of the Christian gospel to men, it does not guarantee that all who hear will accept Christ as Saviour." Yet, common grace leads to effectual grace in many, even all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31; Romans 2:4).

Our Hardshell brothers fail to understand that mere conviction of sin is no proof of regeneration. It is a means to regeneration, or a preparation thereto, but not regeneration itself, or an effect of it.