Tag: Theology

A Presuppositional Response to the Calvinist Critique of Preceding Grace John 6:44, John 12:32, Preceding Grace, Enabled Depravity, and Christocentric Election ———————————————————————————— Thank you for raising a substantive objection. Before addressing John 6:44, John 12:32, Ephesians 2, and human response, I think we need to identify several presuppositions already at work in your argument. Everyone … Continue reading Does God Draw Everyone?

CLARE Theology does not teach that Preceding Grace belongs only to the Preceding Elect. Rather, Preceding Grace is God’s universal gracious activity toward fallen humanity, extending to both the Eternal Elect and the non-Eternal Elect. Before anyone seeks God, God has already acted. Scripture repeatedly speaks of this gracious activity in universal terms. Christ is … Continue reading Preceding Grace Reaches Both: Two Modes of Election

C — Christocentric Election Everything begins with Christ. Election is not first an abstract decree concerning individuals. Election is first rooted in the Father's eternal purpose in His Son. Christ is the Elect One. The Eternal Elect are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. The Preceding Elect become elect through union with … Continue reading The CLARE Theology System

I use the term Preceding Grace because words shape doctrine, and doctrine shapes devotion. When I speak about the Grace that comes before repentance and faith, I want the emphasis to fall on God's action, not on human autonomy. Jesus says, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him," and yet He … Continue reading CLARE Theology: Not Left Without Hope: Why I Use “Preceding Grace” Instead of “Prevenient Grace” and “Common Grace.”