Does Psalm 145:9 suggest God's goodness extends to all people, regardless of their actions? Text and Immediate Context Psalm 145:9 : “The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made.” Psalm 145 is an acrostic hymn of praise attributed to David, celebrating God’s sovereign kingship, covenant faithfulness, and boundless benevolence. Verse 9 sits within a stanza (vv. 8–9) that opens by recalling God’s self-revelation to Moses—“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion” (v. 8; cf. Exodus 34:6). The psalmist then universalizes these attributes: they reach “all” and “all He has made.” Distinguishing Universal Benevolence and Redemptive Grace Scripture consistently differentiates between: A. Common Grace—God’s non-saving goodness experienced by the entire human race, including the wicked (Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:17). B. Saving Grace—God’s covenant mercy culminating in Christ, applied only to those who repent and believe (John 1:12–13; Ephesians 2:8–9). Psalm 145:9 speaks to common grace; it does not erase the biblical requirement of faith and repentance for salvation (Psalm 34:18; John 3:18). Harmony with the Broader Canon • Psalm 33:5: “The earth is full of the LORD’s loving devotion.” • Lamentations 3:22–23: God’s mercies “are new every morning.” • 1 Timothy 4:10: God is “the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe”—a formula that preserves universal benevolence while prioritizing redemptive grace. No textual contradiction arises: the same God who mercifully sustains all (Colossians 1:17) will judge each according to deeds (Revelation 20:12) and extend eternal life only through Christ (John 14:6). Theological Implications a. God’s Character: Universal goodness flows from His nature; it is not merited by human behavior (Romans 2:4). b. Human Accountability: God’s kindness intends to lead to repentance; spurning it incurs judgment (Romans 2:5). c. Evangelistic Urgency: Since God’s patience is aimed at salvation (2 Peter 3:9), believers proclaim the gospel so that common grace may blossom into saving grace. Historical and Experiential Corroboration • Global testimonies of providential deliverance (e.g., wartime rescues, medical recoveries) mirror the pattern in Luke 17:11–16, where ten lepers receive healing regardless of prior faith, though only one responds with worship. • Ancient Near-Eastern cosmologies portrayed capricious deities; the Hebrew Scriptures alone present a consistently benevolent Creator whose goodness extends beyond covenant boundaries (Jonah 4:11). Practical Pastoral Applications 1. Comfort to the Afflicted: Even unbelievers may call upon the Lord’s general mercy (Psalm 107). 2. Call to Gratitude: Universal benefits obligate thanksgiving (Psalm 145:10; Romans 1:21). 3. Moral Grounding: Recognizing divine benevolence fosters humility and ethical responsibility (Micah 6:8). Conclusion Psalm 145:9 unequivocally affirms that God’s goodness and compassion reach every person and all creation irrespective of their actions. This is a declaration of common grace, not a promise of salvific favor apart from faith. The verse harmonizes with the entire biblical witness: the Creator’s universal beneficence magnifies His glory, underscores human accountability, and invites all to receive the greater gift of redemption in Christ. |
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