John Wesley taught that God extends his grace freely to all of humanity to overcome their "total depravity." What does this mean?
Talking Points:
- John Wesley (1703-1791) taught that God extends his grace freely to all of humanity to overcome their total depravity. He called this “prevenient grace.” Prevenient grace is “the grace that comes before.” It is also called “preventative grace.”
- Prevenient grace is the intervention of God in our lives that overpowers the negative effects of sin. This God-given grace empowers people to choose whether or not they will follow God. It does not mean everyone will respond to God, but that everyone can respond to God. John 1:4
- Wesley distinguishes between “natural humanity” and “actual humanity.” Natural humans are in fact “totally depraved” as Calvinism teaches. This means that in and of ourselves, humans are unholy and unable to do good because we are infected by the first sin of Adam. Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 2:14
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- “Only God can do good works, and humans can only do evil works.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain.
- Explain the idea of total depravity from a Calvinistic perspective. How does prevenient grace affect it?
- Read Romans 3:23 and 1 Corinthians 2:14. What do these verses say about our natural condition? In light of that, why do we need God’s grace?
- Explain prevenient grace in your own words. Do you agree with it? Explain.
- Read John 1:4. Do you believe this supports the idea of prevenient grace? Why or why not? What other verses support or contradict it?
- How do you define “free will”? Why do you define it this way?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
