METHODISM: THE MOTHER CHURCH OF IEMELIF PART 2

The Doctrine of Methodist and Its Relevance Today
          All religions have their dogmas, the body of beliefs about God such as a country’s constitution. Some believe in the Father, Son and Holy, Spirit (Trinitarian); while others believe in monotheism, a certainty in one God; still, others believe that this “Three Persons” is actually Jesus Christ expressed in many ways, while others say that the “Three Persons” represents the Father. God is interpreted in many ways as Spirit, Power, Force, Idea, Being, First-Cause, and Ultimate-Cause. Still, to many, this God is perfect, holy, and rational; love, just, and in control. Thus, religions have different emphasis, about God.

          Obviously, Methodists are strongly Arminianists, Jacobus Arminius who is a Dutch Reformed theologian. The Methodists believed that a person’s free will can embrace or thwart the offer of grace (salvation) and that the Good News of salvation or grace cannot be earned. This leads to conclusion that man has absolutely no contribution about it; that God’s offer of ransom is conditional, that is, it is dependent only on faith to Jesus Christ. Although the atonement that Jesus Christ made on the cross was for all people, this grace can be resisted because man has the power to follow or not, to obey or disobey, to accept the redemption or to reject it. While for those who are already in the flock who became a serious- offender lose their chance of salvation if they do not repent of their sin before they die. This is why it is always important to repent and ask forgiveness, seriously.

          This was the doctrine that influenced John Wesley where he made all his effort to live-out and be faithful till the end. He urged his people to live carefully lest they fall away from grace. A man so engrossed in serving God that he lived and died for what he stood for, enough to inspire of those who continued his legacy. Hundreds of years have passed and his life still inspires his followers up to this day.  Wesley’s life had been for centuries became part of the curriculum of seminaries where students so closely examined his contribution to Christianity and emulated his example.

          The Methodists believe in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To this, Christology is understood in consubstantial mystery about the union of humanity and divinity of Christ. In most services, especially during Communion, the Apostle Creed is recited, a careful summary of doctrine taken out of the Nicene Creed. This belief summarizes in general the dogma of Methodism; so that there is always a constant effort to inculcate in their consciousness the God that they serve. Disciples must understand the capsulated form of what they believe so as to make strong affirmation before God who graciously gave them His love.
          Wesley understood how it is to serve God. In one of his covenant prayers he wrote: “…Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you or laid aside for you, exalted for you or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.”—Covenant Prayer of Wesley

          I'm sure God would be looking for application of belief that helps to unite the Body of Christ and not divide; seek the lost and not ignore them;  be humble in obedience and not brag your money, power, and influence; worship Him in Spirit and in truth and know that He is God.  The Scripture says, "Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe." - Heb 12:28.

          The Methodists affirm, confess, and apply to humanity their God. They understand that they have the responsibility to study their faith and make the most out of it. For it is in faith and obedience that grace is revealed.
          For the meantime all saints must persevere in serving God and be honest in doing so for He sees all actions and motives.