Not To Be Confused With
All traditions affirm grace precedes salvation; the dispute is its effect. In Wesleyan-Arminian use, prevenient grace restores a freed but resistible ability to respond; the Reformed speak instead of effectual, irresistible grace.
From Latin praevenire, 'to come before.' Prevenient grace answers total depravity: since the fallen will cannot turn to God on its own, grace must move first. Arminians hold this grace is given to all and can be resisted; the question of whether it is finally irresistible divides the traditions.