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Editorial Annotations |
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Although the phrase "freedom and power,"
is not biblical in origin, in it one can detect a subtle
rebuke of both Calvinism's denial of human freedom in the
doctrine of unconditional election as well as the
Antinomian view that obedience to a code of Christian
conduct is superfluous to salvation. Wesley's Arminian doctrine of
"prevenient grace," in contrast to the Calvinists, held
that God's grace permitted every person the freedom to
reject sin and seek redemption in Christ. To a
degree uncommon even among fellow Arminian evangelicals,
however, Wesley also propounded a doctrine concerning "sanctification"
that imputed to every Christian a duty (and by
implication the power) to strive toward a life of perfect
holiness. In defense of this doctrine Bangs
published The Necessity, Nature, and Fruits, of
Sanctification: in a series of letters to a friend
in 1851.
The phrase "freedom and power" is
still in use by Methodists today. Recent
editions of the United Methodist Book of Discipline
require that membership candidates "accept the
freedom and power God gives them to resist evil,
injustice, and oppression." |
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Monday 15 [July 1805]
My Ague having left me, I preached twice yesterday with
freedom and power and some hearts were Melorated, thanks be
unto God. I feel to devote my little all to God through
Grace, but I find frequently powerful besetments, which
makes one stager almost, but I hear a voice saying "All things
shall work for good to them that love God;" [Rm 8.28] and I know that
I love him. His service is delightsome to my soul and I find
that I increase in Stability.
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Primary Sources |
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Terms |
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grace: For Methodists and
Arminians a God-given facility to accept divine love. Without
grace human depravity would prevent any and all
relationship with God. For Wesley (and Bangs) grace was also a
quality that suffused the life
of the Christian with peace, joy, and freedom from sin.
melorated: An antiquated form of ameliorate
meaning to improve.
besetments: Physical difficulties
to ministry such as illness as well as
spiritual obstacles to progress such as pride and doubt. |
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