Podcast Script: Distinctively Nazarene – Prevenient Grace, Repentance, and New Life (Chapters 8-10)

Hello, and welcome back. Today we are going to talk about how God’s grace works in our lives long before we’re even aware of it, how repentance opens the door to a new relationship with Him, and what happens when we experience the transformation of salvation. we are going to explore some of the most beautiful and life-changing truths of our faith. Because we want to keep things simple and focused, We’ll be combining Chapters 8, 9, and 10.  So let’s dive right in.

[Segment 1: Prevenient Grace – God’s Grace Goes Before Us]
Have you ever thought about how God was working in your life before you even knew Him? That’s what we call prevenient grace. It’s the grace of God that goes before us, creating the conditions for us to turn to Him.
Theologian Al Truesdale put it this way: “The Spirit of God awakens our most elementary religious sensitivities, quickening our conscience to the reality of God. Were God to leave us alone in our sins, we would not even think about Him.”
As Nazarenes, we believe that while humanity was created in God’s image with the ability to choose between right and wrong, the Fall left us unable to turn to God on our own. But through Jesus Christ, God’s grace is freely offered to everyone, enabling us to turn from sin, believe in Him, and live a life that pleases Him.
Here’s the key: God empowers us to choose Him, but He doesn’t force us. His grace gives us the ability to respond, but the choice is still ours.
Calvinism teaches that only those predestined by God can respond to His grace, and they have no choice but to accept it. In contrast, Wesleyan theology, which Nazarenes follow, believes God’s grace is offered to everyone, empowering us to choose Him, but the decision to accept or reject Him is ours.

[Segment 2: Repentance – Turning Around]
The first step in responding to God’s grace is repentance. Now, repentance isn’t a word we hear often these days. Instead, we hear phrases like, “I made a mistake” or “I know I’ve disappointed you.” But true repentance goes much deeper.
Repentance means taking responsibility for our sin, humbling ourselves before God, and turning away from sin to live a new life. Michael Lodahl explains it simply: “To repent means to turn around.” It’s a complete reorientation of our hearts and lives toward God.
Psalm 51 gives us a beautiful picture of repentance through King David’s prayer:
1.	Taking responsibility – “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” (v. 4)
2.	Humility before God – “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit.” (v. 17)
3.	A plea for mercy – “Do not cast me from your presence.” (v. 11)
4.	A desire for change – “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” (v. 10)
5.	A change of direction – Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)
Repentance is only possible through God’s grace, but it requires us to take action. It’s the first step toward the abundant life God offers.
[Segment 3: New Life – Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption]
When we repent and turn to God, something incredible happens. We experience a new relationship with Him, described in three ways: justification, regeneration, and adoption.
1.	Justification – This is God’s act of pardoning our sins and declaring us righteous. It’s like a legal verdict where we’re released from the penalty of sin because Jesus paid the price for us. As some say, “It’s just as if I’d never sinned.” (Romans 3:23-25)
2.	Regeneration – This is the new birth, where God gives us a new spiritual life. Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Regeneration is both an instant transformation and an ongoing process as God continues to shape us into His image.
3.	Adoption – Through salvation, we are adopted into God’s family. In ancient times, adoption often involved older children or young adults who chose to take on a new name and identity. Similarly, when we accept God’s offer of adoption, we become His children, with all the privileges and responsibilities that come with being part of His family. (Romans 8:16)

[Segment 4: Personal Application]
So, what does all of this mean for you?
First, recognize that God’s grace has been at work in your life long before you were aware of it. He’s been drawing you to Himself, creating opportunities for you to respond.
Second, take the step of repentance. Turn away from sin and turn toward God, trusting in His mercy and grace to transform your life.
Finally, embrace the new life God offers. Through justification, you are forgiven. Through regeneration, you are made new. And through adoption, you are welcomed into God’s family.

As we wrap up today’s lesson, remember this: God’s grace is always at work, drawing us to Him and offering us a new life through Jesus Christ. Repentance is the first step, and through His grace, we are forgiven, transformed, and adopted into His family.
Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Distinctively Nazarene podcast. Be sure to work through the questions and reflections in your workbook, and don’t forget to connect with your group or mentor to discuss what you’ve learned.
Until next time, may you walk in the grace and love of God, knowing that He is always drawing you closer to Him.