Wesley on the Christian Life: The Heart Renewed in Love

Theologians on the Christian Life

by Fred Sanders

It is hard to overstate the significance of John Wesley’s legacy for the church today. As the founder of Methodism, Wesley’s theology continues to fascinate historians and energize Christians across denominational lines. From his revivalist enthusiasm to his teaching on Christian perfection, Wesley’s writings exude evangelistic zeal and a passion for faithfulness in all areas of life. In addition to providing a brief biographical sketch of this leading revivalist, Sanders spends equal time exploring Wesley’s take on the central truths of the faith and those doctrines that uniquely characterize the Wesleyan approach to spirituality. Combining history with theology, this helpful introduction to Wesley’s life and beliefs stands as an excellent addition to the growing Theologians on the Christian Life series.

Genres: Biography, Theology, Audiobook, Christianity, Christian, Church History, History

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Fred Sanders is professor of theology at Biola University's Torrey Honors College.

Reviews

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Wesley is one of the truly towering figures of church history. Unfortunately his great stature makes his faults more obvious and his errors easier to point out. Yet the obvious fact remains that this man towers above virtually everyone around him. Why is that? What was it that made John Wesley so great? There are many answers to that question, but one of the most important ones is the subject of this book: Wesley's understanding of the Christian life.

It is evident from the beginning that Fred Sanders is a faithful guide when it comes to studying Wesley. But what is even more evident is that Wesley is a worthy guide on the subject of the Christian life. At the heart of Wesley's theology is a theology of the heart or what Wesley calls "heart religion." It is this that distinguishes true Christianity and true Christian living from the deadly errors of mere formalism or loose antinomianism. Wesley's zeal for a religion of the heart, a love for God and man that flows from the core of our being, is contagious and it's worth reading the book just to get a taste of it. You may disagree with Wesley at significant points (as I do) but his passion for what all Christians share in common should be a spur to us all.

Of particular interest to me in this volume were the chapters devoted to Wesley as a theologian who gave 1 John pride of place in his thinking and of course a chapter on the subject of Christian perfection - one of Wesley's most (in)famous contributions to evangelical theology. These chapters do not disappoint and neither does this book as a whole. It is well written from start to finish and was a pleasure to read. If you have any inkling of interest in reading this book, do yourself a favor and read the introduction - I don't think you'll want to stop.

I believe Wesley would have been pleased with this book. Not because it is about him, but because it does what he aimed to do: stir up its audience to a holy life flowing from a heart aflame with love to God.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of providing a review.

[Jackson Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanders gives a fair overview of John Wesley. It was very helpful for me having grown up in the Methodist church but have since moved to a different denomination. Very thankful for the life and legacy of John Wesley.

[Alasdair Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring account of John Wesley's theology, particularly with reference to living the christian life. It's difficult to read this book without being humbled by the extent of God's plan of salvation, which not only delivers us from the penalty of sin but actually "breaks the power of cancelled sin" and ushers us into fellowship with him, through his Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanders' use of direct quotations from Wesley's writings and sermons, along with a liberal sprinkling of hymns from Charles Wesley, also helps to convey the vitality and urgency of Wesley's vision of the christian life.

Sanders' account of the Wesley's more controversial doctrine of "Christian Perfectionism" is also very helpful, defining what Wesley actually believed about "complete sanctification" this side of death, pointing out how this belief fitted into Wesley's thought as a whole, and suggesting that, even where we might not wish to follow Wesley, his motivations and rationale ought not to stop us from appreciating his doctrine of sanctification as a whole.

A must-read for anyone interested in learning about the Christain life from saints who have gone before us.

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated Fred’s review of Wesley’s contribution to the Great Tradition of the Church and her understanding of God’s story of redemption. My heart was “strangely warmed” as I read this book and I was encouraged to pursue after God more fervently.
Christianity is a religion about the heart, not just the kind.

“Christianity is a religion of the heart, and Wesley’s approach to the Christian life was directly through the territory of a holiness that was also happiness.”

[Joey Kaching · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. 4.55/5.00

In this book, Fred Sanders will lead you through a comprehensive survey of the life-long mission of John and Charles’ Wesley to awake a sleeping Christendom to the gospel call of a heart renewed in love.

Sanders’ book begins with a concise biographical account of Wesley’s life, briefly touching his upbringing, his early Anglican ministry in the colonies, the Oxford holy club, his “evangelical conversion” at Aldersgate and the remainder of his life as the shepherd of the Methodist movement.

The book then proceeds to deal with the most important elements of Wesley’s teaching, organised into topics including: heart religion, 1 John, imputed righteousness, the law, sacraments, Christian perfectionism, ecumenicism, and the Trinity. In each case, Sanders does an excellent job at using as much of Wesley’s own words as possible. He selects extracts from Wesley’s sermons and Charles’ hymns throughout.

Only criticisms would be: slightly repetitive in places; would have liked more biographical detail; and the topic of Wesley’s arminian soteriology to have been given proper treatment. The exclusion of Wesley’s Arminianism appears to have been intentional in the interests of appealing to a broader evangelical readership, and restricting the content to the “Christian life”: that is, practical divinity. However, surely if Wesley’s controversial doctrine of Christian perfection could be dealt with appropriately and respectfully, more so could his Arminianism. And many would argue that his Arminianism undergirded almost every area of Wesley’s practical teaching.

I have learnt much. My sleepy hard heart has been challenged again to enjoy communion with God, and react with love.

[Matthew J. Winbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent work on the heart being renewed in love. I relay enjoyed this work and will return to it. It clears up many misconceptions about Wesley’s theology especially around his doctrine of perfection and what Wesley actually meant by it.
John Wesley: “The righteousness of Christ is necessary to entitle us to heaven, personal holiness to qualify us for it. Without the former we could have no claim to glory; without the latter we could have not fitness for it.” According to Wesley, when God commands, “Thou shalt not lie,” it means both “I command you not to lie” (the law) and “I will bring it about that you become one who does not lie” (the gospel). In the words of Isaiah 26:12: “All our works, Thou, O God, hast wrought in us.”

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on the theology of John Wesley. I especially enjoyed the chapter on "Catholic Spirit" describing how Wesley was charitable to those who disagreed with him theologically. I think this is an antidote to our fractured culture and church climate where it is easy to get trapped in our own circles. I also appreciated the authors detailed explanation and reframing of Wesley's Christian perfectionism teachings. The author showed that the heart of Wesley's concern was earnest desire for growth in holiness. This was a needed emphasis due to the threat of antinomianism then as it is now. It is evident from this book that Wesley had a burning heart for God, and I pray God raises up more men and women like Wesley in our generation.

[Gwilym Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanders plays down the significance of Wesley's Arminianism, and charitably tries to read his perfectionism in the best possible light (a critical light, but one that is as sympathetic as possible). I wondered whether he might have been a little over-charitable? But whether it's Sanders on the Christian life or Wesley on the Christian life that I was then reading, it was certainly edifying and encouraging: great on justification by faith, preaching the whole Christ, a passion for holiness, charity towards those with whom we disagree, and the importance of genuine conversion (heart religion). And more than one moment where Wesley's stance towards church authorities inspires a gospel-minded boldness. I enjoyed this.

[Alexander Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great deep dive into the life and theology of one of the more influential evangelicals of the past couple centuries.

Thanks Justin Stevers for giving this to me 🥰 I know I’ll always be your favorite Wesleyan youth pastor

[Kenyon Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

audio book: good book but sometimes the reader was so flat he sounded like ai

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) An encouraging look at a brother from a different churchmanship than me. ‘Heart religion’ fully explored!

[Levi Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Helps clarify some distortions and caricatures of Wesley himself and Wesleyan theology in its original form.

[Jon Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the "Theologians on the Christian Life" series that I have read and I want to read the rest even more after reading this one. John Wesley was a name I knew but didn't know much about and after reading this book I feel like I have a good basic grasp of who he was, what he did, and what he believed.

The breadth of content is wide enough that I never felt like I was getting deeper than I wanted to and I found each chapter interesting. There are many sermons of John Wesley and hymns of Charles Wesley quoted so I felt I got a good starter course in some of their own work.

I found a lot of the quotes helpful and want to read more of the Wesley brothers' works after this. Chapter 9 "Catholic Spirit" was a strong chapter near the end that spoke directly to finding encouragement from those in different Christian traditions (within reason of course). Leaving the book that's how I felt about Wesley, I wouldn't agree with him on everything but that doesn't mean I can't find a lot of his work helpful.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My middle name is Wesley, so a good book to learn more about my namesake.

The quick fire biography chapter was helpful, as was how Methodism started (as revival of the anglican church)

Chapters 4-6 were very repetitive, I reckon could have been edited shorter, he even repeats the catch phrase "Justification is what God does for us, sanctification is what God does in us" like every few pages. And how Wesley starts with John then to Paul.

Helped clarify what Wesley means by perfectionism (still reliant on God's grace, but seriously pursuing to be "perfect in Christ" as Paul strives for)

And the encouragement for catholicity (not being bigoted against Christians from different denominations) and the Trinity not just as head knowledge but as the god we fellowship with.

He did leave out some things (e.g. just a very short description of his marriage, and not much on some of his other controversies) but I think that's because he wrote this not as a biography but as a "what can we learn from him" which was understandable.

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is merely okay; probably the weakest of the series that I've read. Sanders dances around the edge of Wesley's theology but never really gets to the heart of it. He does treat Christian perfectionism ably and fairly. He is also very fair to Calvinists.

The most interesting discussion of the book centers on 1 John. Sanders writes how 1 John held primacy for Wesley's view of justification and sanctification, and of how those two were related. Then he attempted to read Paul in light of that Johannine prism. Most Protestants seek to do the opposite. We read Romans and Galatians first, then try to make sense of 1 John in light of these writings of Paul. A lot of what makes Wesley unique is his reversal of this trend. I must admit, it fascinates me. I have not come to any firm conclusions, let alone radical realignments, but I am prepared to argue that believers must take 1 John much more seriously than most of us do.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Theologians on the Christian Life Series. As a Reformed Calvinist, it may be natural of me to eschew Wesley works since he seems to be so far on the other side of the soteriological spectrum. Sanders attempts to show in this work, however, that the antithesis to Calvinism is not Arminianism but it is rather Roman Catholicism. Whatever the case, forms of pelagianism are found in both camps which is my main concern.

Wesley was an incredibly pious man, known to all for his fervor and attention to holiness. His writings are simple to read and complex to live out. As Sanders brings to surface in this book, the Wesley family contributed much to their time in the way of sermons, hymns, poetry, and other forms of literature that are still in use today. John’s brother, Charles, might have been more accurate in his theology but he was no more impactful. This was a good and enjoyable read.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent examination of Wesley's (as the author points out its often hard to separate John and Charles but John is the main focus) most basic views on Christianity. It is all the more interesting for not coming out of a Wesleyan or Methodist (and they are very different these days) background. Well researched and sourced the author does a good job of illuminating and clarifying Wesleys' thoughts, concerns and passions. Not whitewashing differences of opinion he shows that much of what passes today as an understanding of Wesley is myth and anecdote and assumption instead of searching out the truth and context of what Wesley said and wrote. While it would have been nice if the Wesleys had published a systemic theology they left behind more than enough material to understand and appreciate their work and thought.

[Cale Manley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. As a Wesleyan, I thoroughly enjoyed deepening my understanding of Wesley’s theology. However, this seems to be a book written especially for those with a Reformed background. Although Wesley was not a systematic theologian, his sermons, notes on the New Testament, letters, and hymns reveal a rich and robust theology. I really enjoyed Fred Sanders’ approach and writing style. His treatment and assessment of Wesley is honest—appreciative while acknowledging his faults. I was impressed at the thoroughness of the research in this book. I think this book would be highly interesting and beneficial for anyone looking to learn more about the theology of John Wesley.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Introduction to John Wesley

By no means is this an exhaustive book. Sanders begins his book by explaining his relationship to Wesley and Methodism. He then gives a brief biography of Wesley. The rest of the book Sanders explains Wesleyan theology and tries to flesh out the controversial parts. While Sanders is himself Methodist, he doesn't give Wesley a free ride. What emerges from this book is a flawed but devout mans who started a movement and remains still vital today.

[Luke Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of his theology made it hard for me to benefit as easily.

Wesley was prone to legalism and couldn't affirm eternal security. These are symptoms of failing to properly rest in Christ. Why then do several noteworthy Calvinists seem to double-down and over emphasize Wesley's communion with God as if he's a super saint? Whitefield and Spurgeon, for example, did this.

[Don Dunnington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice introductory volume on Wesley. I used parts of this for a series on Christian Life in the Wesleyan Tradition recently taught at our church.

[Jonathan Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the series so far. A charitable and honest look at Wesley and his teaching

[Jack W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and informative biography of a great Anglican minister, church reformer, and Christian saint

[Allen Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I strongly resist the dogmatism of both Wesley (-at least as he's presented in this book-) and Sanders, the book was well written and treated its subject fairly.

[Coyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fred Sanders’ Wesley on the Christian Life is another excellent work in a truly solid series. If this book does feel somewhat off from the others in the series (at least the others I’ve read, which is by no means all of them), I suspect the difference is Wesley rather than Sanders. After all, Wesley was a preacher—and a revival preacher at that—first and foremost, and only afterwards a theologian. Which doesn’t mean that he has nothing to say to us! If you take nothing else away from this book, you should take away the importance of Wesley for modern Christians.

And I don’t just mean “importance” in the sense of his influence on contemporary denominations like the Church of England, the Methodists (both of whom have largely bailed on his teachings anyway) and the Wesleyans (about whom I know almost nothing). Though he is of course important in that sense too."

Read the rest here: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeffe...

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, I don't really get in to biographies. But this book was much more than a biography. Sanders took a more theological approach to Wesley's life, and rather than focus on the life of John Wesley and his theological growth and development chronologically, he chaptered his book on theological ideas. Wesley's obsession with 1 John, the idea of "heart religion", etc. This was a really compelling book.

As a calvinist, I knew there were going to be some things that I read and would disagree with, but Sanders speaks directly to this in the first chapter of the book. He does not want to talk about what Wesley differs on, but rather where he agrees with the reformed stream. The problem is that the ripples of these theological differences lap onto the shores of every area of doctrine. I found myself staying "on guard" through some of the headier chapters of the book, being careful to be sober-minded as I read.

This all has nothing to do with Sanders' writing ability, which is gripping, and actually by the end of the book, through the persuasion of Sanders, I found myself really thankful that I read the book, and glad I could come closer to a theologian--though I am not sure Wesley would call himself that--that has had such a significant footprint on the Christian landscape.

If you like biography, church history or want to take a break from your fiction reading, grab this book off the shelves. It is well worth your time.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few months after I came to Christ, I was browsing titles in the bookstore of a local Presbyterian church. The bookstore was small, more like a closet with shelves than a full-fledged store. However, it was big enough for me and another shopper to look over titles and check out the latest published works. Out of the blue, the other shopper turned to me and asked if I was a Calvinist or an Arminian? I did not know what those terms meant, so I told him that I was undecided. That encounter was back in the late late Seventies, and in some ways, I think I am still trying to answer that question. Reformed/Calvinist thought has deeply shaped my theological thinking, but the heart-felt experiential emphasis of Wesleyan/Arminianism has impacted me too. If you don't know John Wesley well, or you would like to go deeper into his sermons and writings, I would highly recommend Fred Sanders' *Wesley on the Christian Life.* Sanders aptly describes Wesley's emphasis on a Christianity with a heart burning for love of Christ. Wesley's love of Christian holiness lived by faith in Christ will not only inform the mind, but feed the soul. I was encouraged spiritually as feel as educated theologically. I would say that Crossway Books has hit another home run in its *Theologians on the Christian Life* series.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim volume is an absolutely brilliant entry into the life and thought of Wesley. Well researched (as evidenced by the footnotes), but the text avoids getting caught up in too many unnecessary details - it keeps a razor sharp focus on what Wesley had to say about the Christian life. Imagine - the book barely discusses Arminianism, a major feat considering this is a book on Wesley! The book allows Wesley's own words to speak whenever possible, and it was alarming how pertinent his words are still centuries after his time. I read with great interest about Wesley's personal life (the state of his marriage was sadly a mark on his illustrious ministry), and his approach to theology (the fact that 1 John was a pivotal book in his theology was something new I learnt). I was especially delighted to discover that Wesley ranked good works above devotional practices in terms of importance - this is an important reminder to the modern Christian who finds himself bogged down by church programs galore that working for the marginalized in society and serving the needy is not optional but essential to a vibrant Christian life. The highest praise i can give this book is that it left me thirsty for the work of the Holy Spirit in my own life and a greater hunger for holiness. I daresay Wesley would approve of this book!

[Joshua Duemler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read most anything written by Fred Sanders. He’s very gifted at showing how the arrangement of ones doctrines in relation to each other impact our Christian living. He does this well with Wesley, explaining him fairly and positively to his more Reformed audience. His discussion on Wesley’s love of John’s writings was very helpful, as was his discussions of the law and Wesley’s teaching on Christian perfectionism. I also like his punctuating the work with Charles Wesley hymns. Very good book.

[Zach McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Christian Life series that I have had the chance to read. I wanted to read on John Wesley simply because he is outside of my theological "camp"; and yet, I have been immensely blessed by the hymns of his brother, but with little knowledge of John himself. This is a neat series because of the focus, not just on the individuals life in a general sense, but on their view of the Christian life specifically. One awkward aspect of this book though is the assumption that, because it is published by Crossway, many 'calvinists' would be reading this volume. This is obvious, and a bit awkward, because the author keeps mentioning Wesley's response to the Calvinists of his day (Whitefield) and attempts to make a case for Calvinists to read and learn from Wesley. I will say, I am thankful for Wesley despite his numerous theological discrepancies, but this purpose for the book could have been a bit less 'obvious.' Overall, I a thoroughly enjoyed learning from Wesley on the use of the means of grace, his love for 1 John, and his desire to see people grow in holiness through faith in Christ.