Justification by faith alone; entire sanctification as second work of grace
The Wesleyan Church teaches that salvation consists of two distinct but connected works of grace. First, justification by faith in Christ removes the guilt of sin and restores the sinner to right relationship with God through the imputation of Christ's righteousness. Justifying grace is received by faith alone, and every believer is justified through faith in Christ's atoning work.
Second, entire sanctification is a subsequent work of grace in which the Holy Spirit cleanses the believer from 'inbred sin' (the carnal nature) and fills the heart with love toward God and neighbor. This is not sinless perfection but perfect love and freedom from willful transgression. The church affirms prevenient grace, which enables every person to respond to God's offer of salvation. Importantly, unlike Reformed theology, the Wesleyan Church teaches that salvation can be lost through willful apostasy—faith must be preserved through a life of obedience.
Key Distinctions
- Justification means:
- grace through faith; entire sanctification as second work of grace
- Election type:
- conditional — prevenient grace enables free response; Arminian framework
- Baptismal regeneration:
- denied — salvation by faith, not sacrament
- Eternal security:
- rejected — apostasy possible; salvation conditioned on continued faith
Scripture References
Sources
- The Wesleyan Church Discipline (2016), §§2200–2230
- John Wesley, 'The Scripture Way of Salvation'
- Wesleyan Church Statement on Entire Sanctification
- Holiness Movement Historical Sources