Previenient Grace
John 1:9, John 12:32, Romans 2:4, Titus 2:11
Justifying Grace
Romans 2:23, Philippians 2:5-11, Ephesians 2:8
Sanctifying Grace
Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Mark 8:31-38
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Wesleyan theology has many hallmarks and novelty is not one of them. Honestly, novelty shouldn't be the goal when it comes to Church teaching! The grand contribution of the Wesley brothers was their theological emphasises, and the clear standout is their robust teachings on grace. Lent is a wonderful time for us to refresh ourselves with these teachings, especially as we consider what it means to live as grace-filled followers of Christ. In Lent, we open ourselves up to be changed for the better. Repentance, or Spirit-led change, involves acknowledging how far we've come and where yet we can go.
The Wesley brothers explored how God's grace is both instantaneous and gradual. In other words, God's grace is always a given and is also something we grow in over time. Prevenient Grace holds the beginning offer of unconditional pardon for all people. When we respond to Prevenient Grace by proclaiming faith in Christ, Justifying Grace begins to restore us into relationship with God. Justifying Grace relies on us proclaiming genuine faith in Christ's saving work. Sanctifying Grace is then cultivated within us as we are made into holy and mature disciples by the power of the Holy Spirit. Becoming sanctified means becoming more holy. As United Methodists, we're in the process of being sanctified all to God's glory!
Going Forth Prayer: Lord, we give you thanks for the ministry and teachings of John and Charles Wesley. May they continue to guide us in their example and wisdom, and may your grace continue to grow within us. Amen.
