Prevenient grace is at work in all people. This grace at work in all is another way of describing the work of the Holy Spirit in all. Since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of our Lord Jesus, we have to say that this grace is the Hidden Christ at work in all people and “is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:24). Prevenient grace is not saving grace, though it is meant to become that. It is God working in us to bring us to a full realization and confession of Who He is. So as we go into the world with Christ in our hearts to bear witness to Him, we know that the Hidden Christ is already at work in everyone to whom we present Him.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14 (ESV)
