Wesley Corpus

5. We allow, though melancholy, that large numbers called Christians abuse means of grace to their souls' destruction. This applies to all resting content in godliness's form without its power--those who presume they're Christians because they perform certain actions, though Christ was never revealed in their hearts, or suppose they'll certainly become Christian merely by using these means, idly dreaming either that inherent power will eventually make them holy, or that merit in using them will move God to give them holiness or accept them without it. 6. Such people little understand that great Christian foundation: "By grace are ye saved." You're saved from sins' guilt and power, restored to God's favor and image, "not for any works, merits, or deservings of yours, but by the free grace, the mere mercy of God, through the merits of his well-beloved Son. Ye are thus saved, not by any power, wisdom, or strength, which is in you, or in any other creature; but merely through the grace or power of the Holy Ghost, which worketh all in all." 7. The main question remains: "We know this salvation is the gift and the work of God; but how may I attain thereto?" If told "Believe, and thou shalt be saved!" the response is "True; but how shall I believe?" and "Wait upon God." But "how am I to wait? In the means of grace, or out of them? Am I to wait for the grace of God which bringeth salvation, by using these means, or by laying them aside?" 8. God couldn't leave us undetermined on so important a matter. The Son of God, who came for our salvation, wouldn't leave this question unresolved when our salvation so nearly concerns it. He hasn't left us undetermined; He's shown us the way. We need only consult God's oracles and abide by their decision. III. The Three Principal Means of Grace 1. First: Prayer as a Means of Grace According to Scripture's decision, all desiring God's grace are to wait for it using the means He ordained, using them, not laying them aside.