In his sermon ' The Scripture Way of Salvation,' John Wesley summarized his understanding of the work of grace in saving and transforming human existence. Grace birthed human beings, bestowed on us the divine image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ and is ever transforming the whole creation into the realm of God's reign of compassion, justice, generosity and peace. Wherever God is present, there is grace! Grace brought creation into existence.

Grace is God's presence to create, heal, forgive, reconcile and transform human hearts, communities and the entire creation. Grace is not a gift that God packages and bestows on us and creation. The Book of Discipline defines grace as 'the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.' Grace pervades all of creation and is universally present. For there is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God's hand.' 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.'. man having no claim to the least of his mercies. John Wesley defined grace as God's 'bounty, or favour: his free, undeserved favour.

Grace, as understood, experienced and proclaimed by the United Methodists and others in the Wesleyan tradition, remains as relevant and transformative in the 21st century as in the 18th century. While John and Charles Wesley shared an understanding of grace deeply rooted in Christian teaching and tradition, they provided distinctive emphases, which came to characterize Methodist teaching and preaching. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Collection, Drew University Libraries.Īt the heart of Wesleyan/Methodist theology and practice is a profound understanding and vital experience of grace.

What is the meaning of god's grace