Here is a Synopsis of the Wesleyan view of Salvation. It is an excerpt from the book by Earle L. Wilson titled We Hold These Truths. A Guide to Wesleyan Beliefs for the 21st Century. Published by Wesleyan Publishing House. ISBN 0-89827-214-9
Some minor additions/changes were made in this presentation from the book.
The Wesleyan Process of Salvation
By order of event in the process
- Previenient Grace
- Repentance
- Justifcation
- Regeneration
- Adoption
- Initial Sanctification
- Entire Sanctification
Wesleyans believe that God's grace, called Prevenient Grace (or preceding grace), goes before and prepares a soul for the initial state of salvation. This grace itself is God's gift to sinful humans which makes it possible for us to be addressed by God. Without this preceding grace, the preaching of the Gospel would be futile.
Wesleyans do not normally use the phrase total depravity but think of the Fall in terms of inherited depravity. Inherited depravity suggests that the corruption is not total. The Bible does not seem to teach the complete depravity of the total person. Rather, the Wesleyan view means that the image of God is marred, not utterly destroyed.
The Wesleyan definition of total depravity, similar to the Calvanist view but slightly different, would be defined as such. It does not mean that I am totaly depraved as one would think of Hilter or a madman. The emphasis is on the word "total". That is, the totality of my being is touched with the depravity of sin.
The Basic Wesleyan belief of Sin and Salvation
As opposed the Calvinist's/Reformed TULIP acronym, we would use the first five letter of the alphabet.
- A...Atonement for All. God does not wish the damnation of anyone. Christ died for all whether they accept His offer or not.
- B...Believers Alone are Chosen. God decreed to save those whom He knew would respond to His offer. He did not determine their response, but He know who would respond.
- C...Convicting Grace. This is a prevenient or preventing grace, but not an irresistable grace. A person can reject God's free gift of salvation.
- D...Deliverance from Sin. Believers are freed from the practice of sin. If they do commit a sin, they have an advocate in Christ.
- E...Endurance of the Believer. The Holy Spirit provides the indwelling power to continue in the grace of God.