Salvation by Faith: Selections from the Works of Reverend John Wesley (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Reverend John Wesley (vegetarian), known as the Father of Methodism was born in 1703 in Lincolnshire, England. He co-founded the Methodist movement with his brother Reverend Charles Wesley (vegetarian). He travelled extensively, reaching as many as he could to share the message that everyone can experience God’s Love and can develop a personal relationship with God. He advocated for social justice issues including prison reform and the abolition of slavery.

He believed that a vegetarian lifestyle, free from intoxicants, not only sustains physical well-being, but also enhances spiritual practice and strengthens our connection with God, stating that: “I believe in my heart that faith in Jesus Christ can and will lead us beyond an exclusive concern for the well-being of other human beings to the broader concern for the well-being of the birds in our backyards, the fish in our rivers, and every living creature on the face of the Earth.”

Sermon 1 Salvation by faith.

“All the blessings which God has bestowed upon man are of His mere grace, bounty or favor: His free, undeserved favor; favor altogether undeserved; man having no claim to the least of His mercies. It was free grace that formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him a living soul, and stamped on that soul the image of God, and put all things under his feet. The same free grace continues to us, at this day, life and breath, and all things. For there is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God’s hand. All our works thou, O God, has wrought in us. These, therefore, are so many more instances of free mercy. And whatever righteousness may be found in man, this is also the gift of God. […]

If then sinful men find favor with God, it is grace upon grace. If God vouchsafe still to pour fresh blessings upon us, yea, the greatest of all blessings, salvation; what can we say to these things, but thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift! And thus it is. Herein God commends His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died to save us. By grace then are ye saved through faith. Grace is the source, faith the condition, of salvation.”