Methodist Theology
In Methodism, the means of grace are ways in which God works invisibly in disciples, quickening, strengthening and confirming faith. So, believers use them to open their hearts and lives to God's work in them. According to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, the means of grace can be divided into two broad categories, with individual and communal components:
- Works of Piety, such as:
- Individual Practices--
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Searching the Scriptures
- Healthy Living
- Communal Practices--
- Holy Communion
- Baptism
- Christian Conferencing (or "community")
- Individual Practices--
- Works of Mercy, such as:
- Service focused toward individual needs--
- Doing Good (Good works)
- Visiting the Sick
- Visiting the Imprisoned
- Feeding & Clothing those in need
- Earning, Saving, & Giving all one can
- Service focused toward communal/societal needs--
- the Seeking of Justice; Opposition to Slavery
- Service focused toward individual needs--
Careful attention to the means of grace are, for Methodists, important in the process of sanctification as one is moved on toward Christian Perfection through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read more about this topic: Means Of Grace
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