Prevenient grace (or preceding grace or enabling grace) is a Christian theological concept that refers to the grace of God in a person's life which precedes and prepares to conversion. The concept was first developed by Augustine of Hippo (354 – 430), was affirmed by the Second Council of Orange (529) and has become part of Catholic theology. It is also present in Reformed theology, through the form of an effectual calling leading some individuals irresistibly to salvation. It is rooted in Arminian theology, according to which it is dispensed universally in order to enable people to respond to the offer of salvation, though it does not ensure personal acceptance. Definition The concept of "prevenient grace" was originated and developed by Augustine of Hippo (354 – 430), based on St. Ambrose's (c. 339 – c. 397) writings. Prevenient grace refers to the grace of God in a person's life that precedes conversion. The original expression () means literally "grace that precedes". The English expression comes from an archaic usage of the word "prevenient" meaning "preceding". This concept have a similar meaning with the concept of "vocation" or "calling". There are some variations of understanding of the prevenient grace, in terms of intend of God: In Arminian theology, it is an enabling grace which helps to believe. In Roman Catholicism theology, it is an assisting grace which helps to believe. In Reformed theology, it is comparable simultaneously to two concepts: common grace which doesn't improve man's depraved unregenerate nature and has no salvific purpose and the effectual calling by which God calls to irresistibly believe. When grace is considered with regard to its effects, prevenient grace is differentiated from subsequent grace. The nature of subsequent grace differs depending on the view on the deterministic or non-deterministic nature of the providence of God : For example, John Wesley, named 2 forms of subsequent grace : "justifying grace" (also called saving grace) and "sanctifying grace". Both of those subsequent forms of grace are resistible. On the contrary Calvinists have considered the justifying grace as an irresistible grace. History Origins The notion of "prevenient grace" () was developed by Augustine of Hippo (354 – 430), along with the notions of "operative grace" and the "cooperative grace". In reaction to Pelagianism, Augustine's stated that prevenient grace is necessary to prepare the human will for conversion. Pelagius had appealed to St. Ambrose (c. 339 – c.