John Wesley had firmly established his societies...
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John Wesley had firmly established his societies of believers who became known as Methodists for their methodical, disciplined, spiritual lifestyles. Though Wesley was the leader of this spirited group, he always questioned his own faith and salvation. This doubting became most apparent on his return voyage from Georgia to England, where he went to convert the Indians. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship encountered a thunderous storm. Wesley became frightened of his own safety but was amazed at the calmness of the Moravians on board. Speaking to their leader, Wesley came to a better understanding of the meaning of faith but still realized he lacked its indwelling presence.
After returning to London, Wesley was walking the streets one night. He passed a Methodist meeting being held at Aldersgate Street. There, standing outside, he heard a reading from the book of Romans. That passage, which is unknown to us this day, transformed Wesley and gave him the assurance of faith.
Of the experience, Wesley wrote in his journal on May 24, 1738, "In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
Isaiah says that we shall be "clothed in garments of salvation." When we can have our own Aldersgate experience, knowing the indwelling peace of Jesus and the assurance of our faith, then we too shall be "clothed in garments of salvation."
After returning to London, Wesley was walking the streets one night. He passed a Methodist meeting being held at Aldersgate Street. There, standing outside, he heard a reading from the book of Romans. That passage, which is unknown to us this day, transformed Wesley and gave him the assurance of faith.
Of the experience, Wesley wrote in his journal on May 24, 1738, "In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while the leader was describing the change God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death."
Isaiah says that we shall be "clothed in garments of salvation." When we can have our own Aldersgate experience, knowing the indwelling peace of Jesus and the assurance of our faith, then we too shall be "clothed in garments of salvation."
