Theosis

John Wesley was a mighty pillar in the Christian church following the Reformation. Though there were many things in which Wesley agreed with other reformers, there were also areas in which Wesley saw a need for change. He saw a need for grace to be expounded upon. One of the things in which John Wesley is probably most known for, and Methodists across the globe would be “Grace”. Wesley believed there to be three components of “Grace” at work in ones life. Those components were: Prevenient Grace, Justifying Grace, and Sanctifying Grace; all in which were powered by the Holy Spirit to bring the lost home. For Wesley the connection of Grace and the Holy Spirit went hand and hand.1 Through out this paper one will be able to pick up on how Wesley threaded “Grace” in every thing he did and was, as well as witness the Holy Spirit at work in every stage of grace. John Wesley had a remarkable experience at Aldersgate in year of 1738. This experience transformed his faith in mighty ways, and truly shaped John Wesley’s theology moving forward. For before this moment Wesley wrestled with the idea of Faith and Assurance, however at this moment Wesley was sure of his Salvation in Christ. While at Aldersgate Wesley was reading Luther’s preface on the book of Romans, and he felt a strangely warm feeling in his heart.2 As mentioned above Wesley was a man of “Grace” yet it seems, as though scattered through out his journals he was a bit tough on himself during different seasons of his faith…

The Wesley Understand of Human Salvation What is salvation? The salvation which is here spoken of is not what is frequently understood by the word, the going to heaven, eternal happiness. ……It is not a blessing which lies on the other side of death….it is a present thing….[it] might be extended to the entire work of God , from the first dawning of grace in the soul till it is consummated in glory (Maddox 143). Albert C. Outler noted that this sermon has the most extensive history of oral…

The orthodox understanding of humanity differs between Eastern and Western thought, but the division between the nature of humanity and that of God are clearly delineated. In Western thought, it is only by the action and grace of God by which humanity can enter into relationship with God. However, Eastern thought in theosis see the incarnation as the source for the participation or defecation of humanity to participate in the life of God. These lines are blurred in process theology, because as…

It isn’t enough for the ministry of the church to only provide healing, but one must continually help others draw closer and grow in their faith in Christ. The process of theosis is an ongoing one and cannot be ignored for the sake of healing. In fact, it is the minister’s role to move any potential obstacle that may hinder the believer from his growth in Christ. Fr. Allen focuses on this concept, “baptism must be looked at as an expansive and ongoing process, rather than an isolated event...In…

a higher reality but it also asks that the viewer reflect upon that reality within himself. In keeping with the union of human and divine natures in Christ, the illuminations suggests a form of imitatio Christi rooted in sight: the king can draw near to God through the admiration of God’s majesty in Christ, a process rooted in a speculative experience that, if properly channeled, can lead him upwards toward eternity. By turning inward through contemplation or interior vision, Charles’s soul…