musings on theology, philosophy, adoption, music, and technology.

Prevenient grace refers to the grace of God in a person’s life that precedes salvation. The word “prevenient,” considered an archaic term today, was common in the King James english and simply means to “go before” or “precede.” Likewise, it is sometimes called “preventing” grace (from prevenient) with the same meaning.

• In Reformed Theology, it is the particular grace which precedes human decision — a salvific grace prior to, and without reference to, anything we have done.  This is sometimes called efficacious grace or the effectual call… this is also closely related to irresistible grace.

• In Arminianism and Wesleyanism, it is a general universal grace that offsets the noetic effects of the Fall, restores man’s free will, and thus enables every person to choose to come to Christ or not.

In Romanism (i.e., Roman Catholic), it is an assisting grace which aids people who choose to co-operate in justifying themselves