Genesis 24:53—“he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things”

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the Lord hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things (Gen. 24:5).

 

COMMON GRACE ARGUMENT:

Good things given to not only His people, but also to the people of the world … Is that not a “common grace”?

 

(I)

Robert C. Harbach (1914-1996)

[Source: Studies in the Book of Genesis (RFPA, 2001), pp. 491-492]

“He gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things” (v. 53). While particular grace is shown the people of God, here, so it is said, is an instance of “common grace” which is shown people of the world. This is, supposedly, what is meant by gentle spring rain falling on unjust as well as just. But actually, all things are means of grace to God’s elect (Rom. 8:28). To the rest, God gives good gifts, for which they are responsible to Him, to receive thankfully and use to His glory. To the rest, good gifts are not proof of God’s grace (but of the very reverse: Prov. 3:33; otherwise there would be evidence, which there is not, of more love and benevolence to the impenitent wicked than to His people), but of His goodness. They reveal God to be the good God, the God of bounty. It was not God’s grace, but God’s bounty which provided even the unbelieving who walked no more with Him the miraculous feast of bread and fish. They ate, but that eating only increased their judgment (I Cor. 10:6, 7, 10). Also in regard to the heathen on board ship with the apostle Paul who were saved with him from physical death, this is said to be a “common mercy” shown them. But then this “mercy” shown them in time exposes them in eternity to greater condemnation. God is then merciful to the finally impenitent in time, but in eternity His wrath abides on them. God’s mercy is “on,” then it is “off.” God changes. This view is an insult to the attributes of God ... God bestows good gifts promiscuously and indiscriminately upon all men. Grace is bestowed upon all His own and only His own. Psalm 34:15-16 explains the whole idea of all this truth of the grace that is discriminate."

 

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(II)

More to Come! (DV)