Joshua Pearsall

I used to question whether the Bible teaches universal prevenient grace. Is it true that every person receives some measure of grace inviting them into the process of salvation? There was a time when I was hesitant to answer that question with a “yes.” What changed my mind? John 1:9—the light that illumines everyone was coming into the world. The illumination extends to "everyone." Some reject the view that this illumination is an expression of prevenient grace. The context, however, suggests that it is. John goes on to explain that those who receive the Word are given the right to become children of God. The illumination of everyone in verse 9 belongs in the same discussion as becoming children of God in verse 12. The context is a theology of salvation. That’s why I understand this illumination as grace initiating the saving process. Everyone receives the light, even though everyone does not receive the Word. That distinction helped me come to believe in universal prevenient grace.