R.C. Sproul Explains Grace Like You've Never Heard Before

R.C. Sproul tells a classroom story from early in his teaching career that became one of his favorite illustrations of grace. After giving his students clear deadlines, Sproul showed mercy when some failed to submit their papers on time. The first time, they were overwhelmed with gratitude. The second time, they began to expect another extension. By the third deadline, many simply assumed his mercy was theirs by right. Then one student protested when Sproul began giving failing grades: “That's not fair.” Sproul responded by giving him exactly what he asked for—justice. The moment exposed how quickly undeserved mercy can become an expected entitlement. Sproul uses the story to make a much greater theological point. Grace, by definition, can never be something God owes us. The moment grace becomes something we believe we deserve, we have confused grace with justice. Outside of Christ, sinners have no claim upon God's mercy; their only hope is to approach Him covered by the righteousness of Christ. Original source: https://youtu.be/td1rYIVK-W4?si=fkCnaFdrdLAsPB3y This content is shared for educational and archival purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners. For copyright inquiries: [email protected] Tags: R.C. Sproul, grace of God, justice of God, mercy of God, holiness of God, righteousness of Christ, gospel, salvation, God's wrath, amazing grace, Reformed theology, Christian theology, justification, sin, Christian preaching