What Do Methodists Believe?

Methodists Subscribe to Arminian Theology

Methodists embrace Arminian theology, which emphasizes free will, the possibility of resisting grace, and the ability of individuals to accept or reject salvation.

This theological framework was developed in opposition to the Calvinist belief in predestination, which asserts that God has preordained who will be saved and who will not. Instead, Methodists affirm that God’s grace is available to all people, and every individual has the responsibility to respond to this grace.

Arminianism in Methodism holds that salvation is a cooperative process between God and human beings. While God’s grace initiates salvation, human beings must actively respond through faith and repentance.

This belief underscores the importance of human responsibility in the salvation process, setting Methodism apart from other Christian traditions that emphasize divine sovereignty.

Within this framework, Methodists believe in prevenient grace, which is the grace that goes before and enables a person to seek God.

This concept emphasizes that while humans have free will, it is God’s grace that empowers them to turn toward Him. This grace is not coercive; it respects human freedom and invites individuals into a relationship with God.

Wesleyan Quadrilateral is Important to the Denomination

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is a method of theological reflection that is central to Methodist belief. Named after John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, the Quadrilateral consists of four elements: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience. These four sources are used in conjunction to understand and apply Christian teachings.

Scripture holds the highest authority in the Quadrilateral and is considered the primary source of theological truth. Methodists believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the foundation for all Christian doctrine and practice.

Scripture is the lens through which the other three elements are viewed and interpreted.

Tradition refers to the historical practices and teachings of the Christian Church. Methodists value the insights and wisdom of the Church Fathers, as well as the practices that have been passed down through the centuries.

Tradition serves as a guide, helping Methodists remain connected to the broader Christian community while also understanding the development of doctrine over time.

Reason is the intellectual process by which Methodists interpret Scripture and Tradition. It involves critical thinking and reflection, allowing believers to engage with their faith in a rational and thoughtful manner.

Methodists believe that reason is a gift from God, and it should be used to understand and apply the teachings of the Bible.

Experience is the personal and communal encounter with God in the life of faith. Methodists believe that faith is not just a set of beliefs but a lived experience.

Experience allows individuals to connect their understanding of Scripture and Tradition to their daily lives. This element of the Quadrilateral ensures that faith is dynamic and responsive to the realities of life.

Sanctification and Perfection

Sanctification is a core belief in Methodism, reflecting the ongoing process of being made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit. Methodists believe that sanctification begins at the moment of justification—when a person is forgiven of their sins and enters into a right relationship with God.

From that point forward, believers are called to grow in holiness, becoming more like Christ in their thoughts, actions, and desires.

The concept of Christian Perfection is another key aspect of Methodist theology. Christian Perfection, as taught by John Wesley, refers to the idea that believers can reach a state of perfect love in this life.

This does not mean that a person becomes sinless or infallible, but rather that they can be so filled with God’s love that their motivations and actions are entirely directed by love for God and neighbor.

Methodists believe that Christian Perfection is possible because of the Holy Spirit’s transformative work in the believer’s life. As individuals continue in the process of sanctification, they are progressively freed from the power of sin and are enabled to live in a way that reflects the love and character of Christ.

This doctrine emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and the pursuit of holiness in the life of every believer.

The pursuit of holiness is not an isolated endeavor but is deeply rooted in the community of faith. Methodists believe that spiritual growth occurs within the context of the Church, where believers support, encourage, and hold one another accountable.

The community of faith is seen as a vital component in the journey toward Christian Perfection.

What Sacraments Do Methodists Practice?

Methodists practice two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. These sacraments are viewed as outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. They are means by which believers receive God’s grace and are strengthened in their faith.

Baptism in Methodism

Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian Church. Methodists believe that baptism signifies the washing away of sin, the beginning of new life in Christ, and the individual’s incorporation into the body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism is administered to both infants and adults, reflecting the belief that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of age.

Infant baptism is particularly significant in Methodism because it emphasizes the prevenient grace of God. This grace is extended to individuals even before they are capable of responding in faith.

Baptism is seen as a covenant between God, the individual, and the Church, with the congregation pledging to support the baptized person in their journey of faith.

Adult baptism is also practiced in Methodism, especially for those who were not baptized as infants. In this case, baptism serves as a public declaration of the individual’s faith and commitment to follow Christ. It is a powerful symbol of God’s transformative grace at work in the life of the believer.

Communion in Methodism

Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is the second sacrament practiced in Methodism. It is a ritual meal that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and serves as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

Methodists believe that Communion is a means of grace, through which believers experience the presence of Christ and receive spiritual nourishment.

The elements of bread and wine are used in Communion to symbolize the body and blood of Christ. Methodists do not believe in transubstantiation—the idea that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ—but rather in the real presence of Christ in a spiritual sense.

Communion is viewed as a sacred act of worship and a time for self-examination, repentance, and renewal.

Communion is open to all who seek to live a Christian life, reflecting Methodism’s inclusive approach to the sacraments. This practice, known as open table communion, underscores the belief that God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of church membership or denominational affiliation. It is a powerful expression of the unity of all believers in Christ.

Social Holiness in Methodism

Social Holiness is a foundational principle in Methodism, emphasizing the importance of living out one’s faith in the context of community and society.

Methodists believe that personal holiness is incomplete without social holiness, meaning that the love of God must be expressed through love of neighbor and action in the world.

This commitment to social holiness is rooted in the teachings of John Wesley, who believed that faith without works is dead. Wesley emphasized that Christians are called to engage in acts of mercy and justice, working to alleviate suffering and promote the common good.

This belief has led Methodists to be actively involved in social issues, advocating for justice, equality, and the well-being of all people.

Methodists are particularly concerned with issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and human rights. They believe that the Gospel calls them to stand against injustice and to work toward the transformation of society in accordance with the values of the Kingdom of God.

This commitment is often expressed through social services, mission work, and advocacy efforts.

In the context of social holiness, Methodists also emphasize the importance of community and fellowship. They believe that the Church is not just a place for worship but a community where believers can support one another in their spiritual journey and work together for the common good.

This sense of community is reflected in the small group meetings, or class meetings, that have been a hallmark of Methodism since its inception.

Social Holiness also extends to the global community. Methodists are committed to global mission and the promotion of justice and peace around the world.

They believe that the Church has a responsibility to engage with global issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights, and to work for the well-being of all people.

This commitment to social holiness is not just about doing good works but about living out the love of Christ in every aspect of life. Methodists believe that faith should be evident in both personal conduct and in the way believers engage with the world around them.

This holistic approach to holiness reflects the belief that God’s love is transformative and calls believers to be agents of change in the world.