Methodist soteriology

[FireDragon76]

I've read Roger Olson's book on Arminianism. But he's Baptist. So, I'd be interested in seeing a Wesleyan account of soteriology to get more perspective.

I'm also interested in how the sacraments work in relation to soteriology. Are they working in a way more like the Lutheran or the Reformed sense? For Lutherans, the sacraments are always efficacious, for the Reformed, they are only efficacious for the elect.

 

[circuitrider]

I've read Roger Olson's book on Arminianism. But he's Baptist. So, I'd be interested in seeing a Wesleyan account of soteriology to get more perspective.

I'm also interested in how the sacraments work in relation to soteriology. Are they working in a way more like the Lutheran or the Reformed sense? For Lutherans, the sacraments are always efficacious, for the Reformed, they are only efficacious for the elect.

You might try "Who Will be Saved?" by Bishop William H. Willimon. Also by the same author "United Methodist Beliefs: A Brief Introduction."

I've read some of Roger Olson's work. What I remember is that he goes more directly back to the work of Arminius rather than Wesley's interpretation of Arminianism which largely involves Wesley's understanding of grace as prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying.

As to the sacraments, yes the sacraments are always efficacious. United Methodism doesn't use the concept of the "elect." We believe that God desires that none should perish and that if each person would accept God's work in their life that anyone can be redeemed.

Also note that for Methodists salvation is a journey and not an event.

 

[ContraMundum]

I've read Roger Olson's book on Arminianism. But he's Baptist. So, I'd be interested in seeing a Wesleyan account of soteriology to get more perspective.

I'm also interested in how the sacraments work in relation to soteriology. Are they working in a way more like the Lutheran or the Reformed sense? For Lutherans, the sacraments are always efficacious, for the Reformed, they are only efficacious for the elect.

There's all kinds of views from people who regard themselves as Wesleyan on the sacraments. Essentially the UMC retains the Anglican line- efficacious sacraments received beneficially by faith. Classic conservative Reformation theology. However, some Wesleyans have a diminishing view of the sacraments, at least at grass roots level. They practice immersion for adults only, and take a near-Zwinglian view of the Lord's Supper and baptism. Those tend to be groups borne out of the US holiness movement. Churches like the Nazarenes make opinion and practice of the sacraments largely optional- you can baptize your children or dedicate them, for example. Anyway- others can fill in the details.

In regards soteriology and the sacraments, the sacraments seem to be regarded to play more of a role in sanctification than in justification in contemporary Wesleyan theology. This approach opened the door to groups like the Salvation Army (essentially a Methodist offshoot retaining Entire Sanctification and Arminianism) rejecting the sacraments entirely, seeing sanctification as something occurring without external means of grace.

 

[circuitrider]

It is true that Wesleyan denominations differ on their views of the sacraments. You will have to do more specific research by denomination to get an accurate picture.

 

[FireDragon76]

Thank you for the replies so far.

Could you tell me what the United Methodist Church teaches about baptism?

I guess in theory there is not substantial difference with Lutherans since we are ministry partners with Methodists (but not with Baptists), and in order to share ministry there has to be agreement on the sacraments. But maybe an actual Methodist could clarify this.

 

[circuitrider]

Thank you for the replies so far.

Could you tell me what the United Methodist Church teaches about baptism?

I guess in theory there is not substantial difference with Lutherans since we are ministry partners with Methodists (but not with Baptists), and in order to share ministry there has to be agreement on the sacraments. But maybe an actual Methodist could clarify this.

Baptism is a sacrament. It is viewed as an act of God providing previenent grace to the receiving. Baptism makes you a part of Christ's church. Baptism is not viewed as necessary for salvation but is an important grace gift. In baptism the Holy Spirit is the one who acts, not the pastor or the baptismal candidate.

We baptize by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. Candidates can be baptized at any age. We do not believe in rebaptism. Since God is the one doing the baptizing, and God doesn't make mistakes, it needs no repeating.