TH601 Module 4: Wesleyan Soteriology - Repentance

Introduction to Wesleyan Soteriology

• Wesley's Understanding of Salvation
  • Salvation defined as the "genuine religion of Jesus Christ."
  • The objective of the Christian life is salvation, achieved through faith.
  • Salvation is not just going to heaven but is a present reality, a blessing possessed through God's mercy.
  • Salvation encompasses the entire work of God from grace to glory.

Three States of Development According to Wesley

1. Natural State
   • State under the law (law of sin and death).
   • Described as a state of spiritual sleep and unawareness of God.
2. Legal State
   • Awakened state, spirit of bondage.
   • A servant's faith, pre-justification.
3. Evangelical State
   • Spirit of adoption, faith of a child.
   • Occurs during or after justification.

Wesley's Exposition on 1 John 4:18

• Four States of Development
  1. Natural Man: Neither fear nor love (oblivious to sin and eternity).
  2. Awakened: Fear without love, realization of spiritual danger.
  3. Babe in Christ: Some understanding of love, but still in fear.
  4. Parent in Christ: Love without fear, embodiment of perfect love.

Wesley's Main Doctrines and House Illustration

• Three Main Doctrines
  • Repentance: The porch of religion.
  • Faith: The door to salvation (specifically justification by faith).
  • Holiness: The house itself.
• House Illustration
  • Repentance: Awakening and repentance.
  • Faith: Justification and new birth.
  • Holiness: Entire sanctification.

Summary

• Wesley's understanding of salvation is laid out through his sermons and writings.
• Salvation, according to Wesley, is an ongoing process beginning with prevenient grace and culminating in glorification.
• The states of development illustrate the progression from being oblivious to fully embodying perfect love.
• Future modules will focus on specific aspects, such as justification and sanctification.