Common Grace and Psychology
by Bryan Carlson
The doctrine of common grace acknowledges God's graciousness and kindness towards all people, regardless of their faith or actions. This doctrine recognizes that God has given humanity the ability to understand certain aspects of the world, including aspects of human nature and behavior, through reason and observation. This understanding, which is often referred to as "general revelation," is seen as being common to all people, both Believers and non-believers. “Common grace does not result in salvation but expresses the many experiences of living in a world that God created and cares for and living as a human being made in the image of God” (Faith notes 91). Common grace is “the grace of God by which he gives people innumerable blessings that are not part of salvation” (Grudem 657). “The fruits of common grace are meaningful and significant: God’s wrath has yet to be completely poured out (2 Peter 3:9); time still remains for opportunities to repent; sin is restrained (Romans 13:1-4 compared to Revelation where restraints are loosened); preservation of some sense of truth, morality, and religion (Acts 17:22, Romans 2:15); performance of good and civil righteousness (Luke 6:33); natural blessings (1 Timothy 4:10; Matthew 5:44-45)” (Faith notes, 92). “General Revelation is specific to revelation about God – His creation, history, etc. Common Grace pertains to all other things related to life – ability to raise crops, discover medicines, understand physics, principles of flight, mechanics, etc” (Roy 5). “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
In the context of secular psychology, the doctrine of common grace means that non-Christian psychologists can still have valuable insights and understanding into the human condition, despite their lack of a Christian worldview. This understanding is limited by the fact that it is not rooted in a complete and accurate understanding of God, His nature, and His purposes for humanity. As a result, non-Christian psychologists have a limited and incomplete understanding of the true nature of the human condition, including its origin, its causes, and its ultimate resolution. Even the most insightful non-Christian psychologists are limited in their ability to understand the full truth about the human condition, because they lack the perspective of special revelation provided by the Bible. While they may be able to understand certain aspects of human behavior and experience, they cannot fully grasp the spiritual and supernatural aspects of the human condition. The noetic effect impairs an unbeliever’s ability to discern truth. All science must be interpreted and is viewed through the lens of the person’s worldview. Evolution is a case in point—Romans 1:21-22. Psalm 82:5 says, “They have neither knowledge nor understanding; they walk about in darkness.” Ultimately, the Bible, as the source of special revelation, provides the most comprehensive and authoritative understanding of the human condition and its ultimate resolution in Jesus Christ.
Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 91-92.
Don Roy, IBCD, ACBC Theology Exam Study Guide, 9.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 657-665.
