Common Grace and Christ's Tears

The revealing of Christ to the heart of an undeserving sinner is all of sovereign, special, and particular grace being given to them according to the decretive will of God in Election. But common grace is related to Christ’s general shining in the darkness of this fallen world; of God’s showing a general kindness and compassion to all men through the gift of His Son. This shining of light and good-will and kindness to all men incorporates His giving both natural and spiritual gifts of grace to men which they in turn show to others around them. All of God’s kindness and all of His goodness are designed to lead men to repentance and faith in Christ. The giving and showing forth of His common grace is just as much a part of His design in and through the gift of His Son, as is His special and particular grace.