Anticipation of Growth: Faith & Salvation

Soteriology at first look can be an intimidating word. In Randy Maddox’s book, Responsible Grace: John Wesley’s Practical Theology, another issue with words is found. With the depth of a great mind like John Wesley, it is hard to conceive anything would be practical, especially regarding theology. Maddox mentions Wesley’s expansive writings on every major area of Christian doctrine, and how he even took on technical debates, “such as the question of whether Christ’s death was the formal or meritorious cause of justifying faith.[1] Needless to say, time spent in the dictionary is required, however, it is not often heard that growth is easy, especially spiritual growth.

Soteriology in its simplest definition is the theology of salvation. Some relief comes there, because at its core, it is indeed practical. At least it sounds that way. Even with Wesley’s depth, he turns something conceivably massive into something so simple and understandable. In Wesley’s 43rd Sermon, The Scripture Way of Salvation, he mentions the narrow capacity of the human mind and simplifies the complexity by stating, “The end is, in one word, salvation; the means to attain it, faith…faith and salvation, include the substance of all the Bible.”[2] While that may be a concise way to have a mere glimpse into a “getting back to basics” model of salvation, there is still so much more to it, in order to be knowledgeable enough to teach or preach the theology itself on a level of confidence.

This gives me the drive to grow, learn, and bring such important topics to others with utmost importance, especially in the face of the human condition bent toward skepticism. I would debate with any Christian that says they have never wrestled with their own doubt and uncertainty at some point about their own salvation. Wesley had his own battles with uncertainty. When he returned from Georgia, he was faced with confusion and uncertainty in his faith because of the failed voyage since his intention to meet the indigenous people with the gospel never happened, and this revealed his own struggle with sin.[3] This realization put his path of faith on a completely new track as he realized the need for growth.

This ignites something, and leads me to the following: Commitment. In our own faith, strong or weak, confidence in our salvation is key. God can take our greatest weaknesses and make them our greatest strengths. It is up to us in our commitment to faith whether or not we let him take the doubts and concerns and make our faith strong so it can be displayed to others for the benefit of the Kingdom. My commitment in this time is one of accountability, to learn more, to teach with confidence, and to continue toward an upward trajectory in my own faith journey on a path of spiritual growth.

[1] Randy L. Maddox. 1994.?Responsible Grace: John Wesley’s Practical Theology,?(Nashville, Tenn: Kingswood Books, Kindle Edition, 2020), 15.

[2] 1. Anne-Elizabeth Powell, ed., “Wesley Center Online,” The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 43 - The Scripture Way of Salvation, 1999, John Wesley - Sermon 43.

[3] 1. Phil Tallon and Justus Hamilton Hunter,?The Absolute Basics of the Wesleyan Way?(Franklin, TN: Seedbed Publishing, 2020), 11.