What is Prevenient Grace?

Prevenient Grace is a theological concept primarily associated with Arminian theology, which refers to the grace of God that precedes human decision, enabling individuals to respond to God’s call to salvation. It is the grace that “comes before” (praevenire in Latin, meaning “to come before”) and acts as a divine initiative that makes it possible for people to seek God, repent, and believe in the Gospel. Prevenient Grace is seen as a universal grace given to all people, counteracting the effects of original sin and restoring the human will to a state where it can choose to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation.

Biblical Foundations

Scriptural Basis for Prevenient Grace

While the term “Prevenient Grace” is not explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is derived from various passages that speak to God’s initiating work in salvation and His desire for all people to come to repentance.

• John 6:44 (NIV):
  

  “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

  This verse highlights the necessity of God’s initiating work—His drawing or enabling grace—before a person can come to faith in Christ. Prevenient Grace is understood as this drawing that enables a response to the Gospel.

• Titus 2:11 (NIV):
  

  “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

  This verse is often cited in support of Prevenient Grace, emphasizing that God’s grace is extended to all people, offering the opportunity for salvation.

• 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV):
  

  “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

  Prevenient Grace aligns with this passage, reflecting the belief that God desires the salvation of all people and provides the necessary grace for them to respond.

• Romans 2:4 (NIV):
  

  “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

  Here, Paul speaks of God’s kindness as leading to repentance, which is a central idea in Prevenient Grace—the grace that leads individuals to repentance and faith.

Theological Interpretations

Prevenient Grace is primarily associated with Arminian theology, which contrasts with Calvinist views on predestination and irresistible grace. In Calvinism, the doctrine of irresistible grace suggests that God’s grace, when given, effectively brings a person to salvation without the possibility of resistance. Prevenient Grace, on the other hand, allows for human free will, suggesting that while God’s grace enables a person to respond to the Gospel, it does not guarantee that they will do so.

• Arminian Theology: Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609), a Dutch theologian, is most closely associated with the development of the doctrine of Prevenient Grace. Arminius argued that God’s grace is necessary for salvation, but it is not coercive. Prevenient Grace makes salvation possible but does not ensure it; humans must cooperate with this grace by choosing to accept or reject it.
  • Jacobus Arminius: Arminius emphasized that God’s grace restores the free will lost in the fall, enabling people to make a genuine choice for or against God.
  • Arminianism vs. Calvinism: In contrast to Calvinism, which teaches that grace is irresistible and only given to the elect, Arminianism holds that Prevenient Grace is given to all people, allowing them the freedom to respond to God’s call.
• Wesleyan Theology: John Wesley (1703-1791), the founder of Methodism, further developed the concept of Prevenient Grace within the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. Wesley taught that Prevenient Grace is the work of the Holy Spirit in every person, enabling them to seek God and respond to His call.
  • John Wesley: Wesley believed that Prevenient Grace is active in the lives of all people from the moment of birth, preparing their hearts to receive the Gospel. He described it as the first movement of grace that leads to repentance, faith, and ultimately, salvation.
  • Universal Grace: Wesley’s understanding of Prevenient Grace emphasizes its universal availability, in contrast to the particularism of Calvinist grace.

Historical Development and Key Figures

Early Church and Patristic Thought

The concept of Prevenient Grace can be traced back to the early Church Fathers, although it was not fully developed until later. The early Church generally affirmed the necessity of God’s grace for salvation but did not always distinguish between different kinds of grace.

• Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD): Augustine is one of the most influential early Church Fathers on the doctrine of grace. While he did not use the term “Prevenient Grace,” his writings on grace and free will laid the groundwork for later discussions. Augustine taught that God’s grace is essential for any good act, including the act of turning to God.
  • Augustine’s Confessions: In his Confessions, Augustine reflects on how God’s grace was at work in his life even before his conversion, a concept that resonates with the idea of Prevenient Grace.
• Eastern Orthodox Perspective: In Eastern Christianity, the concept of Prevenient Grace is present in the understanding of synergy—the cooperation between divine grace and human free will. The Orthodox Church teaches that God’s grace is always the first to act, but human cooperation is necessary for salvation.

Reformation and Post-Reformation Developments

During the Reformation, the doctrines of grace and free will became central points of contention, particularly between the emerging Protestant traditions.

• Martin Luther (1483-1546 AD): Luther emphasized the total depravity of humanity and the absolute necessity of God’s grace for salvation. While Luther focused more on justifying grace, he also recognized the need for an initial grace that enables one to turn to God.
  • Luther’s Bondage of the Will: In this work, Luther argues against the idea of human free will apart from God’s grace, a stance that contrasts with later Arminian views of Prevenient Grace.
• Council of Trent (1545-1563 AD): The Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation, the Council of Trent, affirmed the necessity of God’s grace for salvation. While the term “Prevenient Grace” was not used, the Council emphasized that God’s grace precedes any movement toward salvation.
  • Trent’s Decree on Justification: The Council’s teachings align with the idea that grace must precede and enable any response to God, though it differs from the Protestant understanding of grace.

Modern Theological Reflections

In modern theology, Prevenient Grace continues to be a significant concept, particularly within Wesleyan and Arminian traditions. It has also been explored in ecumenical dialogues as a point of convergence between different Christian traditions.

• Wesleyan Tradition: In the Methodist tradition, Prevenient Grace is a foundational doctrine, emphasizing the universality of grace and the possibility of salvation for all people.
  • United Methodist Church: The United Methodist Church, following Wesleyan theology, teaches that Prevenient Grace is God’s initiative that allows every person to respond to the Gospel, highlighting the importance of human free will in salvation.
• Ecumenical Dialogues: In ecumenical discussions between Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians, Prevenient Grace has been a point of dialogue, as it addresses the balance between divine initiative and human response.

Broader Theological Implications

Prevenient Grace and Human Free Will

Prevenient Grace has significant implications for the understanding of human free will and its role in salvation. It affirms that while humans are incapable of turning to God on their own due to original sin, God’s grace restores their ability to choose.

• Restoration of Free Will: Prevenient Grace is seen as the means by which God restores human free will, allowing people to respond to His call without being coerced.
  • Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV):
    

    “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”

    This verse reflects the biblical theme of choice, which Prevenient Grace enables.

• Universal Salvation vs. Election: The doctrine of Prevenient Grace also touches on the debate between universal salvation and particular election. By affirming that God’s grace is available to all, it supports the view that salvation is genuinely offered to everyone, not just a predestined elect.
  • 1 Timothy 2:4 (NIV):
    

    “Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

    Prevenient Grace aligns with the belief in God’s universal desire for salvation.

Prevenient Grace and the Nature of God

Prevenient Grace also speaks to the nature of God, particularly His love, justice, and mercy. It emphasizes that God initiates the process of salvation and that His grace is both prevenient (going before) and sufficient for all.

• God’s Initiative in Salvation: Prevenient Grace underscores the belief that God is the one who takes the first step in the process of salvation, reaching out to humanity in love.
  • John 15:16 (NIV):
    

    “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

    This verse reflects the idea that God’s grace initiates the relationship with Him.

• God’s Universal Love and Mercy: The concept of Prevenient Grace highlights the universal scope of God’s love and mercy, offering every person the opportunity for salvation.
  • 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV):
    

    “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

    Prevenient Grace is an expression of God’s patience and desire for all to be saved.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Prevenient Grace has had a lasting impact on Christian theology, particularly within the Arminian and Wesleyan traditions. It has shaped the understanding of salvation, human free will, and the universal offer of grace. It continues to be a point of theological reflection and discussion in contemporary Christianity.

Conservative Reflection on Prevenient Grace

From a conservative theological perspective, Prevenient Grace is valued for its emphasis on God’s initiative in salvation and the necessity of divine grace for any human response. Conservatives within Arminian traditions affirm Prevenient Grace as a biblically grounded doctrine that upholds the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. However, conservatives in Calvinist traditions often reject the concept, favoring the doctrine of irresistible grace.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

Prevenient Grace reflects the depth of God’s love and His desire for all people to come to salvation. It demonstrates that God’s grace is not limited to a select few but is offered to everyone, enabling each person to respond to His call. This grace, which goes before us, is a testament to God’s initiative in reaching out to humanity, drawing us into a relationship with Him.

• Romans 5:8 (NIV):
  

  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This verse captures the essence of Prevenient Grace: God’s love and grace reach out to us even before we are aware of our need for Him. Through Prevenient Grace, God opens the way for us to respond to His offer of salvation, inviting us into the fullness of life in Christ. This grace reflects the teachings of Jesus, who came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10, NIV), offering hope and salvation to all who will receive it.