The Wesleyan Concept of Grace
The Bible teaches us that everything we have from God is given because of God’s great love for us. “You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith,” Ephesians 2 reads. “This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of” (Ephesians 2:8-9 CEB).
United Methodists recognize God’s grace at work throughout our spiritual journeys. John Wesley, the historic founder of the Methodist movement, wrote and preached about the role of God’s grace to prepare us, redeem us, and continually shape us into the people we were created to be.
Learn more about God’s amazing grace at work in our lives.
Features
God at work before we know it: Prevenient grace
In this Wesleyan understanding, we remind ourselves grace is not something we claim under our own power. It is, instead, a gift from God. Read More
By grace we are forgiven: Justifying grace
Explore the Wesleyan concept of grace and what it means when we say grace is ‘a description of God at work in our lives.’ Read More
Grace’s power over sin: Sanctifying grace
United Methodists know that by grace, which is more powerful than sin, God roots out sinful behaviors so that we may live and love more like Jesus. Read More
Multimedia
Prevenient Grace
“Grace is everywhere. We are caught up in the net of God’s care.” The Rev. Gary Henderson shares thoughts about this compelling concept. View
Justifying Grace
The Rev. Gary Henderson says this special form of grace helps us know we are forgiven, we are whole. View
Sanctifying Grace
United Methodists learn about three types of grace. The Rev. Gary Henderson shares his description of sanctifying grace in this short clip. View
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Our Wesleyan Heritage
Do you know the tenets of Methodism? From prevenient grace to social holiness, read about the foundation of the United Methodist faith. Read More
Teaching grace in Christian education
John Wesley helped us to understand grace by naming three different aspects of grace. Read More