Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 12:3 (Summer 1969)
Article: Prevenient Grace - A Wesleyan View
Author: Leo G. Cox

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JETS 12:3 (Summer 1969) p. 143

Prevenient Grace - A Wesleyan View

Leo G. Cox, Ph.D.*

*Marion College, Marion, Indiana.

The common ground upon which we as evangelical theologians stand is important and discussion in the area of our agreements is of great value. Though we agree that the Word of God is unfallibly true, our fallible minds often travel divergent paths in their attempts to grasp that truth. Christian fellowship, then, is based more upon love and understanding than upon full agreement in all doctrines.

Occasional discussion of some of our differences also proves helpful in that we receive a better understanding of each other. To know and appreciate another’s view, even when one does not agree with it, builds up Christian love and fellowship in the Spirit. It is for this reason that this paper on prevenient grace has been prepared. It is hoped that this endeavour will make more understandable one of the distinct emphases in Wesleyan circles.

1. Prevenient grace is common or universal grace. John Wesley used the word “preventive’ which in his day meant “going before.” This grace which goes before salvation is given to all men. Wesley wrote:

All the blessings which God bath bestowed upon man are of his mere grace, bounty or favour; his free undeserved favour; favour altogether undeserved; man having no claim to the least of his mercies. It is free, grace that “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into, him a living soul” and stamped on the soul the image of God, and “put all things under his feet.” This same free grace continues to us at this day, life and breath and all things. There is nothing we are or have or do which can deserve the least thing at God’s hands. “All our works, thou, O God! has wrought in us.” These, therefore, are so many more instances of free mercy: and whatever righteousness may be found in man, this is also the gift of God.’1

Prevenient grace is revealed in God’s providential care for all his creatures. Paul recognized this when he said, “for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Man’s fall into sin would have ended God’s providential grace for him had there Dot been the gracious plan of redemption. Now to fallen man that grace continues to flow in order to fulfill the divine purpose of redemption. There is continuity between the providential grace for all and the grace that leads to salvation.

JETS 12:3 (Summer 1969) p. 144

For Wesley the very existence of the race was dependent upon God’s grace, Had the penalty of Adam’s sin fallen without mercy, Adam would have died a...

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