Sovereign Grace by Charles Pennington

Sovereign Grace is an explicit term used by many to define the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the word grace as used in Scripture were understood, there would be no need to use the word sovereign; for grace by its very character must be sovereign. Grace that is by merit of any kind of degree ceases to be grace, “And if by grace, then is it no more works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11:6). Likewise, a scriptural understanding of who the Lord Jesus is renders the word sovereign unnecessary, for His person declares Him to be so. “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy Kingdom.” (Hebrews 1:8). However, because so many in our generation give more credence to “I think” than they do the “Word of God”, we shall continue to use Sovereign Grace as a definitive term for that Gospel of the glory of the blessed God; by Whose free and unmerited favor, the salvation of a lost, condemned sinner, (without contribution from the sinner or any good in Him, either seen or foreseen, before or after conversion); was purposed, planned and purchased; and is applied and sustained; according to terms of strict justice and infinite love; unto the praise of our Blessed Redeemer, to Whom be glory, for ever and ever. – Charles Pennington