The Character of a Methodist
| Author | John Wesley |
|---|---|
| Type | treatise |
| Year | 1742 |
| Passage ID | jw-character-007 |
| Words | 346 |
| Source | https://www.fumcfairfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/... |
He is therefore happy in God, yea, always happy, as having in him "a well of water springing
up into everlasting life," and overflowing his soul with peace and joy. "Perfect love" having now
"cast out fear," he "rejoices evermore." He "rejoices in the Lord always," even "in God his
Saviour;" and in the Father, "through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom he hath now received the
atonement." "Having" found "redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of his sins," he
cannot but rejoice, whenever he looks back on the horrible pit out of which he is delivered; when
he sees "all his transgressions blotted out as a cloud, and his iniquities as a thick cloud." He
cannot but rejoice, whenever he looks on the state wherein he now is; "being justified freely, and
having peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." For "he that believeth, hath the witness"
of this "in himself;" being now the son of God by faith. "Because he is a son, God hath sent forth
the Spirit of his Son into his heart, crying, Abba, Father!" And "the Spirit itself beareth witness
with his spirit, that he is a child of God." He rejoiceth also, whenever he looks forward, "in hope
of the glory that shall be revealed;" yea, this his joy is full, and all his bones cry out, "Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, hath
begotten me again to a living hope--of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for me!"
Methodists are aware of where they've come from - a life of sin - and the vast
improvement their life in Christ is over their old ways. A Methodist life is a life of
praise and thanksgiving to God, a life of gratitude. Question: What changes has
faith in Jesus made in your life? What changes have you seen in the lives of
people you've worked with in ministry? What would a person “happy in God” look
like in our setting? 7.