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The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption

John Flavel

John Flavel (c. 1630-1691) was a Nonconformist preacher and theologian in England. He was born in Worcestershire and was given a religious education by his father before studying at Oxford. In 1650 he became curate (a kind of assistant pastor), and later rector (head of the parish), of Deptford. In 1656 he was called to the larger parish of Dartmouth, where he served before being deprived of his position by the Uniformity Act of 1662 (for "nonconformity" to the established Church of England). The Oxford "Five Mile Act" in 1665 drove him out of Dartmouth altogether (to Slapton, 5 miles away), though he continued to preach and to care for many in his parish. He returned to Dartmouth in 1671, but was not able to serve in complete safety until the penal laws were repealed by James II in 1687. Throughout his life Flavel preached, ministered and wrote voluminously, striving both for evangelical ideals and church unity.

35 sermons organized to provide a methodological understanding of the doctrines of grace and saving faith.

This treatise, published in 1680, is comprised of thirty-five sermons organized to demonstrate "the method of grace in the application of the great redemption to the souls of men". Each sermon contains central doctrines related to the grace of God and saving faith in Christ, as well as clearly delineated points of application, based upon key passages of scripture. Flavel's fervent wish is expressed in his epistle to the reader that the content of these sermons "may be useful both to rouse the drowsy consciences of this sleepy generation, and to assist the upright in clearing the work of the Spirit upon their own souls" – to confirm the evidences of faith in Christ, to melt one's heart in the sense of God's mercies bestowed, and to engage and quicken the believer in the way of duties to God.

Theology & Doctrine

Grace