Two Minute Methodism - Justification By Faith (Sermon 5)

In this week's lesson in Christian-ese, Pastor Ian translates "Justification" for us using John Wesley's Sermon 5, Justification By Faith. Read the sermon for yourself here: wesley.nnu.edu/...

[@danstoian7721]

If I'm not wrong this is actually also 100% the Lutheran understanding as well. People like to think protestants are so divided, but in reality, and even officially since 1997's Leuenberg Agreement, we do have a of Communion of Protestant Churches! Protestants are brothers in Christ! Justified by grace trough faith.

[@anselman3156]

He seems. then, to be following the error of most Protestants in separating regeneration from justification. What is the Methodist understanding of the relation of regeneration to justification? Do you believe that God justifies a person without effecting an interior change in them?

[@WesleyFreedom]

Great question! The short answer is that Wesley taught that Justification is never separate from regeneration in actuality, but for clarity of concepts, Wesley always distinguishes the forgiveness of God from the gracious empowerment to cooperate with God to become sanctified. But, from the moment of Justification, a person's regeneration & sanctification begins.

[@anselman3156]

@@WesleyFreedom That is what thankfully distinguishes him from some Protestant preachers who so separate justification from regeneration that they emphasize that no change takes place in the believer being justified. I think the Wesleyan view of things is better than much Protestant teaching in that it speaks of real holiness attainable in this life. However, I think some can still be shaky on the matter. I read one who spoke of a justified person still being an enemy of God until they had a subsequent experience of receiving the Holy Spirit. I cannot separate justification from God actually changing the person in the moment of being justified. Thank you for your response.