John Wesley’s Justification by Faith

'If anyone ever deserved to go to heaven, it was her.'You’ll hear these well-meaning words at almost any Christian funeral, but they’re wrong. The idea that anyone can deserve to go to heaven undermines the good news of the gospel. The defining teaching of Protestant Christianity is justification by faith. Most religions teach that getting to heaven depends on being good or taking part in religious rituals. Christianity teaches that there is nothing we can do to deserve God’s grace and forgiveness. We are made right with God solely by trusting in Jesus.In 1746, that idea was as hard for human nature to accept as it is today. That’s why John Wesley, founder of Methodism and grandfather of the Salvation Army and the Pentecostal and Holiness movements, wrote the sermon at the heart of this book.Wesley was a fiery revival preacher who drew crowds of thousands, but his 18th-century English is unfamiliar to modern readers. Long-time pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s wording to restore its original clarity, force, and spirit. The result is a text that readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise will understand and enjoy.This short book is ideal for small groups and adult Sunday School classes. Dr. Wentz provides an introduction that sets Wesley’s words in context, thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each section, a brief guide on how to lead small groups, and a suggested six-week schedule. For further study, the numerous Scripture quotes and allusions are identified. Wesley’s full original version is included as an appendix.John Wesley’s Justification by Faith is part of the John Wesley in Modern Language series. In a time of renewed interest in Christianity worldwide, these brief, accessible group studies of Wesley’s foundational emphases are essential.