Comments on: “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound that Saved a Wretch Like Me” vs. “Prevenient Grace, How Fair the Sound, that calls all Sinners Equally”

By: Doulos Christou

Doulos Christou — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:59:19 +0000

A man of the Greek! Thanks for all of the detail you provided but if you would allow, I would differ with some of the ideas you presented in your original post. Prevenient grace is the same gracious extension from God that both Calvinist and Arminians see as preceding regeneration in the Ordo Salutis. That grace is extended to the elect (with recognition here that Cal / Arm have a different interpretation of who the ‘elect’ are.) Since both groups accept and apply the concept of the total depravity of humankind, the grace that provides salvation is solely of God. This is why Arminians, as you question, can sing that God’s grace is truly amazing.

Blessings brother, good looking family you have there.

By: Rick Hogaboam

Rick Hogaboam — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:50:09 +0000

Yes…we live in the tension of fear and assurance. We have an advocate that has pleaded for us with His life and continues to plead for us with His intercession. We have been saved by “amazing grace” and are being sanctified by “amazing grace”.

By: Todd Mason

Todd Mason — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:53:49 +0000

Every time I hear or sing “Amazing Grace” these two lines always stand out to me.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;

It is gift of God’s grace that He teaches us to see our sin as terrible and His grace that turns our hearts to the only cure, Jesus Christ.

By: Rick Hogaboam

Rick Hogaboam — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:13:16 +0000

“Servant of Christ” -
I think you will find the following link helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevenient_grace

Prevenient grace isn’t universalism. Wesleyan/Arminian theology understands prevenient grace as God’s saving initiative towards all. It is still up to sinners on whether they will receive this love or not.

Essentially, such a doctrine views all of humanity as having a fair shot at salvation…all equally loved by God. This love, however, does not affect salvation. This is where it is not like universalism in one respect.

Universalism understands God’s love to be effectually redemptive in nature for all.

Calvinism understands God’s love to be effectually redemptive in nature for those whom God has chosen to lavish His special love upon.

Wesleyan/Arminianism understands God’s love to NOT be effectual for the salvation of any…but rather as “initiatory” for all…only awaiting the sinner’s approval.

Calvinists would say that Jesus did in fact save sinners on the cross.

Universalists would say that Jesus will save all sinners through the cross.

Wesleyan/Arminians would say that Jesus died on the cross to make salvation possible for all, but not effectual for any.

I would encourage you to read the following introduction by theologian J.I. Packer to Purtian theologian John Owen’s treatise “The Death of Death in the Death of Christ” (http://www.lgmarshall.org/Owen/packer_deathintro.html).

I hope all this answers some questions…but also know that it raises even more. Blessings on your continued understanding of our great and awesome God!!!

By: Doulos Christou

Doulos Christou — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:44:47 +0000

Interesting take brother. Tell us more about prevenient grace; the way you describe it sounds like universalism.