The Essentials of John Wesley - Essay Example

THE ESSENTIALS OF JOHN WESLEY First and Table of Contents Page Introduction 2 2. The Story of Methodism 3 3. Methodist Teachings as Pioneered By John Wesley 5 4. How John Wesley Understood the Theological Distinction Between “Essentials” and “Opinions” 6 5. John Wesley’s Doctrine of Christian Perfection 7 6. Conclusion 8 7. Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………… 9 1.0 Introduction The essentials of John Wesley characterizes the manner in which modern Christians should live in regards to practicing genuine and true religion. The evolution of the Wesleyan communities can be attributed to the works of John and Charles Wesley, they considered Methodism to be predominantly an expression of Christian faith. This can be illustrated by one of john Wesley’s sermon where he stated “Methodism, so-called, is the old religion, the religion of the Bible, the religion of the primitive church, the religion of the Church of England.”1 Teachings of john Wesley can be said to be a revival of Christian faith. Essentials of John Wesley are numerous, which are referred to as Wesleyan beliefs, but they were all related to beliefs of Christian faith. John Wesley instated that the doctrines of the Methodists are the doctrines of the Church of England. John Wesley was an Anglican preacher in addition to being a theologian, who along with Charles Wesley and cleric George Whitefield, was acknowledged with the basis of the missionary motion called Methodism.2 The writings and teaching of John Wesley have great influence in the growth and spread of the holiness motion as well as Pentecostalism. Methodism has a rich past, its essentials leads the modern Christianity to a deep relationship with God and with one another, thanks to John Wesley. 2.0. The Story of Methodism John Wesley as the founder of Methodism was born in 1703, after his ordination in the Church of England he elected a fellow of Lincoln College at oxford in 1726. He then left Oxford the following year to act as curate to his father, who at that time was the rector of Epworth. His younger brother Charles had come to oxford and they formed a group that was fully vowed to attend the Holy Communion, comprehensive bible study, and visiting Oxford prisons that were very filthy. It is members of this group that was tagged Methodists. In 1935 John and Charles went to Georgia as pastors to the missionaries and colonists. Their missionary work was not futile, and they decided to return to England believing that they did not have enough Christian faith. George Whitefield who was an Anglican clergyman invited John Wesley few month later to come to the city of Bristol, this was meant to help him preach to the Kingswood Chase. The expectation of Wesley were very contrary to what he met there since he was preaching in open air. This experience is what can be referred to as the revival of the Methodists.3 Whitefield and Wesley worked together in this ministry but later separated on doctrinal grounds: Whitefield believed strongly in double predestination; according to Wesley this was not true and regarded it as an erroneous doctrine, he believed that Love of God was universal. John Wesley also differed from contemporary Anglicans, but not in terms of doctrines, in emphases: according to Wesley, he had restored biblical doctrines that a man would be assured his salvation and through the Holy Spirit he is capable of gaining the love for God.4 Those who helped Wesley were ordained clergymen including his brother Charles, who put 6000 hymns in writing expressing revival message. Wesley wished that the society of Methodist would not leave the Church of England, but this was difficult since the relation with Anglicans were often strained. 3.0. Methodist Teachings as Pioneered By John Wesley The fact that Wesley was an oxford trained Anglican preacher and theologian he is greatly linked with the rise and spread of Methodism, and this can be said to influence the growth and development of Pentecostalism and holiness notion. His key spiritual transformation occurred on his sea voyage to the new world where during a storm, he took note of the piety in the Moravian settlers who instead on panicking in the face of the terrifying storm, took solace from singing hymns. From such an episode, Wesley began his publication with the Collection of Psalms and Hymns following his “heart strangely warmed,”5 resulting to the rise of Methodism. The methods of ministry and discipleship employed by John Wesley are heavily borrowed from the Moravian Society following his 1738 teachings on the same in Germany. Following the reluctance of the churches to accord him an opportunity to preach in their churches, he took up Whitefield’s call in preaching in open air despite his initial hesitation on the notion. Nevertheless, the method turned out to be an eye opener as he noted that majority of the souls that he wished to save were not able to go to churches; hence, his willingness to preach in any location that he deemed fit in the salvation of souls. The turning point in his relations with the Moravian society occurred in 1739 based on his belief that the society was heretic, a reason he formed the Methodist Society in England.6 The methods of ministry and discipleship employed by John Wesley are heavily borrowed from the Moravian Society following his 1738 teachings on the same in Germany. Following the reluctance of the churches to accord him an opportunity to preach in their churches, he took up Whitefield’s call in preaching in open air despite his initial hesitation on the notion. Nevertheless, the method turned out to be an eye opener as he noted that majority of the souls that he wished to save were not able to go to churches; hence, his willingness to preach in any location that he deemed fit in the salvation of souls. The turning point in his relations with the Moravian society occurred in 1739 based on his belief that the society was heretic, a reason he formed the Methodist Society in England. Methodism can be characterized by acceptance of the doctrines of historic Christianity; this are doctrines that emphasis the power of the holy spirit as well as confirmation of a believer’s faith; they also teach that through persistence the heart of religion lies in personal relationship with God; worship should be simple; there should be great concern regarding the underprivileged and enhancement of social conditions: formation of small groups for the purpose education and mutual encouragement are advocated in this teachings. There is an emphasis on teaching about Christian perfection, inferred as “perfect love,” which is strongly associated with John Wesley. In regard to this, John Wesley stated that every Christian should seek to this with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The value of infant baptism is much asserted in Methodism as well as the need to receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, where it is believed that Christ manifests himself. 4.0. How John Wesley Understood the Theological Distinction Between “Essentials” And “Opinions” John Wesley advocated for uncontroverted truths of Christianity and at the same time warning that that the thought “that orthodoxy right opinion, (vulgarly called faith) is religion.”7 He tried to obtain the truths that are fundamental to the true Christianity religion. Wesley was capable of drawing a very clear distinction between doctrine and opinion, which can be claimed to be a fundamentality in his thought.8 John Wesley also advocated for liberty of opinion in any matter so long as it was related to cores of Christian faith.9 Theology of John Wesley can be described as one that adopted a method that defied non-essential truth. John Wesley used phrases, manifolds words and expressions in his writings till his death to signify those last, unambiguous realities that were crucial to genuine Christianity and at no cost could they be compromised to dissolve Christianity into heathenism. He used terms such as “uncontroverted truths to Christianity”; that which is “absolutely necessary to the salvation”; “very center and marrow of the gospel”; “grand scriptural doctrines”; and “our main doctrines.”10 What criteria did John Wesley use to define what was “essential to religion” and “fundamental point”? He used rationalism, doctrinal system, personal as well as inner experience to distinguish between the two. He claimed that which is “essential to religion” is rational, fundamental truths, and distinguishes Christianity as a body of truth from that which was not Christianity. 5.0. John Wesley’s Doctrine of Christian Perfection From the time Wesley was born he was inclined towards live a holy life by his parents. His parent especially his mother, was concerned in devout worship of almighty God. Religious instruction at Epworth really impressed Wesley, this is what culminated him the formation of doctrine of perfect love. Wesley had read some books that greatly influenced his thinking in regard to Christian perfection such as Bishop Taylor’s “Rule and Exercises of Holy Living and Holy Dying.” This book and other similar books made him resolve to dedicate his whole life, thoughts, action and words to God.11 In 1729 he turned his attention to the bible as the only source of truth and pure religion. The whole life of John Wesley was no concerned about a day’s intellectual discussion, but the concern to spread of the word of God. According to him the Bible was essential to the salvation of man and his obligation to the creator. Through his intensive interaction with the Bible Wesley came to realize that he had an obligation to live holy life. One of the sermon which he delivered in 1733 at University of Oxford, “The Circumcision of the Heart,” are a clear indication on the extent to which his views on perfection were being systematized. Wesley equates the “circumcision of heart” with “holiness” in this sermon, he emphasizes that this is a way cleansing a being from sin, and filthiness of both spirit and flesh, in so doing the being is subjected to perfection as the father who is in heaven.12 Circumcision of heart signifies hope, charity, love and humility. According to Wesley the royal law that governs heaven and earth is loving the Lord God with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the mind, and with all the strength.13 Wesley argued in support of this claims that the fact God promised to deliver his people from all sins, then such deliverance was possible in the present life. He used the Bible in all manner to support his sentiments, and in this case about deliverance he quoted “he shall redeem Israel from all his sins” Ps. 103:8 6.0. Conclusion The essentials of John Wesley are best if emulated by today’s Christianity as well as today’s church. One of the aspect that John Wesley advocated for was for the Methodists not to leave the Church of England, today the same thing is happening with many churches splitting. Some modern churches are splitting on the basis of doctrines rather than emphases. There is so much less believe in the power of Holy Spirit, which is very fundamental as far as Christianity is concerned. Technology and science has made contemporary Christians to forget about the scriptures, reason is now based on science and technology. The Bible should be the ultimate guide of Christianity, according to one of the essentials of John Wesley, the Bible has the ability to deliver beings. It is also important for the church of today not to consider so much about doctrines but to emphasis on serving the almighty God, which can be illustrated in the life of John Wesley. Bibliography Abraham, William J. And David F. Watson. Key United Methodist Beliefs. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013. Chilcote, Paul Wesley, John Wesley, and Charles Wesley. John & Charles Wesley: Selections from Their Writings and Hymns--Annotated & Explained. Woodstock, Vt: Sky Light Paths Pub, 2011. Collins, Kenneth J. The Theology of John Wesley: Holy Love and the Shape of Grace. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2007. Collins, Kenneth J. The Scripture Way of Salvation: The Heart of Wesleys Theology. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2010. Fry, Stanley A. A New Vision of God for the 21st Century: Discovering the Essential Wesley for Pastors and Other Seekers. New York: iUniverse, 2005. Mannoia, Kevin W., and Donald A. D. Thorsen. The Holiness Manifesto. Grand Rapids, Mich: William B. Eerdmans Pub, 2008. Murray, Andrew, and Tracy Macon Sumner. The Essential Works of Andrew Murray 12 Complete Books Covering the Entire Christian Life. Ulrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Pub, 2008. Spurgeon, C. H., and Daniel Partner. The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon Selected Books, Sermons, and Other Writings. Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Pub, 2009. Wesley, John, and Alice Russie. The Essential Works of John Wesley Selected Sermons, Essays, and Other Writings. Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour, 2011. Wesley, John. The Heart of John Wesleys Journal. Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008. Read More