Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/102

 Pfan

This brings us to the two lines of thought which have divided Christians for centuries, namely, Elefiion and Free Grace, That both of these doflrines, notwithstanding their apparent oppositeness, have Scriptural support, no Bible student will deny. This fa& should lead us at once to sur- mise that in some way both must be true; but in no way can they be reconciled except by observing heaven's law, order, and rightly dividing the word of truth" on this subjed. This order, as represented in the plan of .the ages, if observed, will clearly show us that while an Election lias been in progress during the present and past ages, v;hat is by way of distinflion designated Free Grace is God's gracious provision for the world in general during the Mil- lennia} age* If the distinctive features of the epochs and dispensations outlined in a preceding chapter be kept in mind, and all the passages relating to Ele<ftion and Free Grace be examined and located, it will be found that nil those vhich treat of Eleftion apply to the present and past ages, while those which teach Free Grace are fully applica- ble to the next age.

However, Election, as taught in the Bible, is not the arbi- trary coercion, or fetalism, usually believed and taught by its advocates, but a sele<Slion according to fitness and adapta- bility to the end God has in view, during the period ap- pointed for that purpose.

The do&rine of Free Grace, advocated by Armenians, is also a much grander display of God's abounding favor than its most earnest advocates have ever taught. God's grace or favor in Christ is ever free, in the sense of being unmerited ; but since the fall of m&n into sin, to the present time, certain of God's favors have been restricted to spe- cial individuals, nations and classes, while in the next age all the world will be invited to share the favors then offered, on the conditions then made known to #11*

�� �