The doctrine of original sin leads to one of two conclusions: God’s Sovereignty in salvation, or an Arminian version of prevenient grace. Both Calvinists and Arminians say they believe in original sin. Adam was the father of the human race, and when he sinned, his sin was imputed to all of his children, including you [...]
Prevenient Grace
Does Scripture Teach Prevenient Grace in the Wesleyan Sense? (Part I) by Thomas Schreiner
The Nature of Fallen Humanity This chapter explores whether the Wesleyan concept of prevenient grace can be supported from the Scriptures. Before examining this question, I want to emphasize that there is a significant area of common ground between Wesleyans and Calvinists. The disagreements that we have in some areas can cause us to overlook [...]
The Wesleyan View of Fallen Humanity (Part II) by Thomas Schreiner
It is notable that John Wesley would agree with the preceding diagnosis. He writes, I believe that Adam, before his fall, had such freedom of will, that he might choose either good or evil; but that, since the fall, no child of man has a natural power to choose anything that is truly good. Yet [...]
Prevenient Grace in the Wesleyan System (Part III) by Thomas Schreiner
If Wesleyans and Calvimsts concur on the human condition, wherein do they differ? One major place that Wesleyans break with Calvinists is through their doctrine of prevenient grace. Elton Hendricks says that this doctrine ”played a more important role in Wesley’s theological thought than in that of any other Protestant theologian.”[14] Williams affirms that it [...]
Wesleyan Arguments in Favor of Prevenient Grace (Part IV) by Thomas Schreiner
For all Bible-believing Christians, the most important question in matters of doctrinal dispute is this: what is the Bible’s teaching as it pertains to the issue at hand? Calvinists and Armimans likewise must turn to the Bible. The critical question is whether or not the doctrine of prevenient grace is supported by Scripture. We cannot [...]
A Critique of the Wesleyan Arguments for Prevenient Grace (Part V) by Thomas Schreiner
We now proceed to analyze the four arguments for prevenient grace advanced by Wesleyans. I will argue that their case is unpersuasive and that their doctrine of prevenient grace is not found in Scripture. Wesleyans, however, advance some exegetical and theological arguments in defense of prevenient grace that will be considered here. We turn first [...]
Wesleyan Prevenient Grace – Conclusion (Part VI) by Thomas Schriner
This chapter explores whether the Wesleyan concept of prevenient grace can be supported from the Scriptures. Before examining this question, I want to emphasize that there is a significant area of common ground between Wesleyans and Calvinists. The disagreements that we have in some areas can cause us to overlook the extent to which we [...]
