Bible Studies/Prevenient Grace

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Expert: - 4/25/2004


Question
Please describe Prevenient Grace as it relates to our salvation through Jesus Christ.

Answer
In short, prevenient grace refers to the grace provided by God that allows usthe ability to make a decision to receive Jesus as Saviour. Calvinism teaches that man is in total depravity and unable to accept Jesus as Saviour, whereas this is a more Arminian position which says that though we are totally depraved, God provides for a form a grace which will break through that depravity to allow us to make that decision.

There is a lot of material available on internet regarding this topic which would provide a much more detailed explanation that I could, so rather than try to repeat what others have written, I will provide some links to articles which I think provide a good overview for you from both sides of the argument:

"PREVENIENT GRACE" http://www.pbministries.org/Baptists/Davis%20Huckabee/To%20Studies%20In%20Strong...

"A Preliminary Defense of Prevenient Grace"
http://www.fwponline.cc/v18n2witzki.html


"A Short Response to the Arminian Doctrine of Prevenient Grace"
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/prevenient.html

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Tom Smith

Expertise

I am able to answer a wide range of questions regarding orthodox Christian theology as well as those of many of the more common cults and religious movements (inside and outside of the church). This includes Protestantism, Charismatic movement, New Apostolic Reformation, Strategic Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Calvinism, Reformed Church, Baptist Church, Pentecostalism, and Oneness Pentecostalism. I have been a member of or have attended many of the above. I have studied the beliefs and literature of the remaining through a variety of means, including in most cases interacting with members and/or leaders in these organizations. I also maintain a significant library/resource of information on these movements and organizations.

Experience

I have been a lifelong student of the Bible. In addition, I have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and believe in the truth of God's Holy word in the Bible as the inerrant and infallible word of God. I have been a believer for over 43 years. Other qualifications include:

- Former member of the counril of a local church
- Speaker at the "Last Days Bible Conference" and other functions.
- Researcher into religious movements and cults (maintain website with information on some of these movements and cults)
- Member of the Apologetics Coordination Team

I hold to the view that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, and I belief that the Bible is our sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine (Sola Scripture, Sola Fide).

Organizations
Apologetics Coordination Team (http://op.50megs.com/act/) Network of Christian Apologists in Calgary (http://www.whyjesus.ca)

Publications
Website, accessible by means of http://discern.ca or http://www.religioninfo.org; and Audio files of talks at Last Days Bible Conference available at http://ldbc.ca

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

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