While justification addresses the guilt of sin, sanctification addresses the nature of sin within the believer. For Wesley, faith is not merely an intellectual assent to historical facts but a conscious trust in God that initiates a new relationship with the divine.
Faith As Trust: Embracing Wesleyan Beliefs In A Covenant Relationship
This doctrine beautifully balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility, asserting that while God takes the first step, the invitation to a transformed life is always extended to the individual. The first is the "instantaneous" work of the Spirit, often called the "second blessing" or "entire sanctification," where the believer is cleansed from the inherent tendency to sin, or "original sin.
The second phase is the lifelong journey of "practical sanctification," where the individual cooperates with the Holy Spirit to grow in grace, progressively conforming their thoughts and actions to the character of Christ. Understanding this tradition requires looking at the specific doctrines that define its unique posture on grace, sanctification, and the mission of the church in the world.
Faith As Trust: Embracing Wesleyan Beliefs Through Covenant
This framework ensures that the movement maintains an evangelistic zeal, believing that the offer of salvation is universally available through this enabling grace. Prevenient grace is the idea that God's grace acts upon a person before they are consciously aware of it, enabling them to respond to God's call.
More About Wesleyan methodist beliefs
Looking at Wesleyan methodist beliefs from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on Wesleyan methodist beliefs can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
