What is preparationism?

Answer

Preparationism was a viewpoint on salvation that gained popularity among the Puritans. It maintained that an individual who has not yet been regenerated (saved) can engage in activities such as prayer, Bible study, and church attendance to “prepare” themselves for the Holy Spirit to save them. This “preparatory grace” could be evident in a sinner’s self-examination, a solemn reflection on their sinfulness, or a genuine pursuit of mercy.

At times, preparationism was interpreted as a variation of prevenient grace, a means for God to “soften the heart” of the sinner before justifying them. In other instances, preparationism was presented as a method to make a specific sinner appear more pleasing to God—and thus more likely to be saved. If a sinner attended church and led a moral life, they were considered a “better candidate” for salvation. In more extreme forms, preparationism was viewed as a prerequisite: those desiring salvation first had to align their lives with Christian principles.

As Calvinists, the Puritans adhered to the doctrine of total depravity, which asserts that humanity is so corrupt that individuals cannot seek God without the Holy Spirit’s influence. Calvinism also upholds the belief that salvation is solely by God’s grace, with no contribution from man. In many respects, preparationism appears to contradict both of these principles. Many Puritans who espoused preparationism reconciled these seemingly conflicting beliefs by suggesting that “preparatory grace” was bestowed by God and could not be self-generated. However, there were instances where individuals could reject this “preparatory grace,” which goes against another Calvinist tenet, that of irresistible grace. Overall, preparationism represented a departure from Calvinism towards Arminianism.

Historically, preparationism gained traction among Puritan theologians, particularly in Colonial America. So

Some Christians objected to the suggestion that adherence to rules and regulations could make a person “more likely” to be saved. Some reacted to preparationism with a complete rejection of the idea that any sign could prove or disprove salvation. The resulting debates and disagreements inspired changes to the political, social, and religious landscape of the Colonies.

The form of preparationism practiced by the Puritans is rarely seen in the modern era. The ideas it touched on, however, are still a source of discussion. Today, any debate over preparationism is usually overshadowed by discussions of works versus faith, grace versus law, Calvinism versus Arminianism, and so forth. Debates over the extent to which an unsaved person can or should attempt to live obediently to God, and the level of encouragement he should be given in doing so, are echoes of the controversy of preparationism.