The concept of the withdrawal of the means of grace is a sobering theme found throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the seriousness of God's call and the consequences of neglecting or rejecting His grace. The means of grace refer to the channels through which God dispenses His grace to humanity, such as the Word of God, sacraments, prayer, and fellowship within the body of Christ. When these means are withdrawn, it signifies a divine response to persistent unbelief, disobedience, or apostasy.

Biblical Instances and Principles

1. Old Testament Examples: The Old Testament provides numerous instances where God withdraws His means of grace as a response to Israel's rebellion. In Amos 8:11, the prophet declares, "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD." This withdrawal of prophetic revelation serves as a judgment upon a people who have repeatedly ignored God's voice.

2. The Silence of God: The intertestamental period, often referred to as the "400 years of silence," is another example where the prophetic voice was absent. This silence was a result of Israel's continued disobedience and idolatry, demonstrating that God's patience has limits when His grace is persistently spurned.

3. New Testament Warnings: In the New Testament, Jesus warns of the withdrawal of grace in His parables and teachings. In Matthew 13:12, He states, "For whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." This principle underscores the responsibility to respond to God's grace, as neglect can lead to its removal.

4. The Apostolic Era: The early church also faced the reality of the withdrawal of grace. In Romans 1:24-28, Paul describes how God "gave them over" to their sinful desires as a result of their rejection of His truth. This handing over is a form of divine judgment, where God allows individuals to experience the consequences of their choices.

5. The Church's Responsibility: The church is called to be a steward of the means of grace, faithfully proclaiming the gospel and administering the sacraments. However, Revelation 2-3 contains warnings to the churches that failure to repent and return to their first love can result in the removal of their lampstand, symbolizing the withdrawal of God's presence and blessing.

Theological Implications

The withdrawal of the means of grace serves as a stark reminder of the holiness and justice of God. It emphasizes that grace is not to be presumed upon or taken lightly. The call of God demands a response, and persistent rejection can lead to a withdrawal of His gracious presence and influence. This theme calls believers to a renewed commitment to seek God earnestly, cherish His Word, and remain faithful in their walk with Him.

Pastoral Considerations

Pastors and church leaders are tasked with the responsibility of warning their congregations about the dangers of neglecting the means of grace. They must encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith, engage in regular prayer, and participate in the life of the church. The withdrawal of grace is not only a theological concept but a pastoral concern, urging the church to remain vigilant and responsive to God's call.Jeremiah 26:4-6
And you shall say to them, Thus said the LORD; If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, see, we turn to the Gentiles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 18:6
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said to them, Your blood be on your own heads; I am clean; from now on I will go to the Gentiles.
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Revelation 2:5
Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come to you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Universality of Actual Grace
... the sinner, who obstinately resists the call of grace. God's co-operation in the
matter is merely indirect ... by no means tantamount to a withdrawal of sufficient ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the universality of.htm

The Consensus and Dissensus of Creeds.
... 2. Call by the gospel. 3. Regeneration and conversion. ... 7. God all in all (1 Corinthians
15:28). ... V. Withdrawal of the eucharistic cup from the laity. VI. ...
/.../ 115 the consensus and.htm

On the Epistle to the Galatians the Abolition of the Ordinances of ...
... all know of themselves, [5244] on the withdrawal of this ... the office of [5248] Christ's
gospel to call men from ... to grace, not from the Creator to another god. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter ii on the epistle to.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... the Church is raised from the dead by the resurrection call of their ... They are God's
sifts. ... lack the sure sign of His disfavour, the presage of His withdrawal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

Of the Prayer of Recollection which God Generally Gives the Soul ...
... fall of persons I knew through their withdrawal from Him ... trance and call it one,
but I call it nonsense ... was neither insensible, nor had she any thought of God. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter iii of the prayer.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... points to which I seek to call your attention ... of progress in blessedness, and the
withdrawal of all ... it is used twice in connection with God's grace, 'the riches ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

Select Works and Letters or Athanasius
... Argument (1) from the withdrawal of prophecy and destruction of ... Therefore He is the
Word of God. ... You call Asclepius, Heracles, and Dionysus gods for their works ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/

What True Philosophy Is, and Whence So Called.
... perfects; whence it is rightly said, "Call no man ... the whole family runs back to God
the Creator ... is in manifold ways sanctified, through withdrawal from earthy ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii what true philosophy is.htm

Gracious Ability.
... it follows, that from the moment of the withdrawal of the ... viewed relatively to his
duty or to God's command, the ... To call this grace were to abuse language, and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxii gracious ability.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... there is falling a measure of judicial withdrawal of light ... which I see among those
who call themselves Christians. ... intend to cast off the fear of God and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm

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