The New Birth

by John Wesley

Some of the writings of18th century theologian and founder of Methodism John Wesley

Genres: Christian

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1984

About the author

John Wesley is recognized as the founder of Methodism. An acclaimed preacher, Wesley travelled extensively on horseback and drew large crowds for his outdoor sermons. A contemporary of William Wilberforce, Wesley was a strong voice opposing slavery in England and the United States. His influence upon modern Christianity can be seen by the large number of Methodist organizations in the Wesleyan tradition all over the world.

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modern English edition of five brief works from Wesley serves as a great intro to his writings and captures the persuasive message he had regarding repentance and regeneration. Many people belong to denominations that have started from the work of the Wesleys, but few of those are personally acquainted with their works, only being exposed to their writings indirectly. This book brings John Wesley's urgent appeal for personal conversion to life and shows the driving cause of his ministry.

The chapters follow a sequence. The first one on the New Birth talks explains what it is, why it is important, and its results. The next two chapters provided more detail on the consequences of the new birth and life in the Spirit. Chapter four relates the new birth to peace, hope, and love and explains that true conversion will show itself in terms of real changes in behavior. The final chapter discusses the new birth and the consequent responsibilities that come upon us to with with God in the process of sanctification.

I would recommend this book as an encouragement to help the reader life his or her life as holy, just as God is holy. This book also has great historical value and will be interesting to those who wish to know more of Church history. For those interested in the debate between Calvinists and Arminians, it reveals a first-hand Arminian perspective regarding salvation and regeneration demonstrating many differences and, yet, surprising common ground with Calvinist counterparts.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the book for everybody. However, for those who like John Wesley, reading about John Wesley, or interested in the theology of John Wesley, this can be a good book. What Oden has done is to take five (5) sermons of John Wesley on the topic of the New Birth and brought the language into modern English. He has tried to keep to the meaening of Wesley's sermon and not exactly a word for word translation. It is well forth the read.

J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" and "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms"

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate many of Wesley's points, but he uses poor logic and exegesis throughout.