Foundations of Grace

Throughout history, there has existed a long line of godly men who have taught the doctrines of grace with one voice. These men were able to speak with one voice because they did not invent or create the doctrines of grace but only remained faithful to the teachings of Scripture. In this lesson, Dr. Lawson provides a panoramic view of the doctrines of grace as consistently taught throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New.

The doctrines of grace are introduced in the opening scenes of the Bible. In telling of the events from the creation of all things to the fall of man, these chapters display God’s sovereign power and mercy. In this lesson, we will begin to trace the doctrines of grace through the Old Testament, beginning with the first book of Moses, as Dr. Lawson unfolds the revelation of the doctrines of grace in Genesis 1–3.

The doctrines of grace can be traced in Scripture all the way back to the book of beginnings. In the previous lecture, Dr. Lawson surveyed the doctrines of grace in the account of the creation and fall in Genesis. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson will trace the doctrines of grace throughout the rest of the book to demonstrate how these doctrines form the theological foundations of all of Scripture.

Israel was delivered from Egypt by the mighty hand of the Lord, yet the people rebelled against Him and wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering into the Promised Land. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson examines the doctrines of grace in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers to show how the light of the doctrines of grace shine even in Israel’s darkness.

The book of Deuteronomy is the last book in the Pentateuch and is known as the “Second Law.” It consists of a series of sermons Moses preached to Israel so that they might be devoted to the Lord before entering the Promised Land. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson maps out the doctrines of grace in the book of Deuteronomy through a study of seven significant passages about God’s sovereignty and love.

The narrative line running through the book of Joshua to the book of Esther showcases God’s sovereignty over human history. Whether from the radical corruption in the period of the judges to His mighty power in the hearts of unbelieving kings, God’s sovereign presence is undeniable. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson surveys a large portion of Scripture, from Joshua to Esther, pointing out the work of God’s sovereign grace along the way.

The book of Job is a window into the sufferings of a righteous man. It can be considered one of the darker books of the Bible, but that is precisely the reason why the doctrines of grace shine so brightly through it. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson focuses on the doctrines of the sovereignty of God and total depravity in the book of Job to shine a light on why the grace of God is absolutely necessary to save sinners.

Studying the doctrines of grace in the book of Psalms can be a massive undertaking. With 150 different psalms collected over a thousand-year period, there is significant ground to cover. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson begins a study through the book of Psalms, highlighting passages that plainly teach about the reality of sin and thus affirm the doctrine of total depravity.

The book of Psalms fully acknowledges the extent of man’s sin in order to magnify the glory of God’s grace. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson continues his study through the book of Psalms in order to showcase passages that teach the doctrines of grace and thus demonstrate why the Psalms are fundamentally a book of praise.

The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes contain the wisdom of Solomon, son of David and king of Israel. After Solomon had been made king, he asked the Lord for an understanding mind, so it is no surprise that we find the truths of the doctrines of grace in his writings. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson highlights the depravity of man and the sovereignty of God in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in order to establish that God alone has the authority to bring about His saving purposes in the hearts of sinful men.

The book of Isaiah has been called “The Fifth Gospel.” It is the first book found in the prophetical works of the Old Testament and is full of the truth of God’s sovereignty in salvation, pointing forward to the Messiah who would come to accomplish it. In this lecture, Dr. Lawson studies the major passages in Isaiah that demonstrate the consistency of the biblical witness about the doctrines of grace.

The prophet Jeremiah began his ministry during the reforms of King Josiah. He witnessed the short-lived reforms in Judah and prophesied of a coming exile at the hands of the Babylonians. The prophecies and laments about this historic event are contained the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations. In this lesson, Dr. Lawson examines these books to direct our attention to the promises of God during one of the most calamitous times in the history of Israel.

Like the book of Jeremiah, the book of Ezekiel is filled with God’s promises to make a renewed people for Himself. For this reason, Ezekiel is rich with the truth of the working of God’s sovereign grace in the heart. In this lesson, Dr. Lawson focuses on the new covenant promises in the book of Ezekiel as well as key passages about the sovereignty of God in the book of Daniel.

The prophets warned the Israelites before exile, strengthened them during exile, and gave them hope after exile. This hope was founded on the fundamental truth that salvation is of the Lord. In this lesson, Dr. Lawson surveys the Minor Prophets by highlighting the doctrines of grace to demonstrate that, though they are called “Minor” Prophets, they have a major message.