Some thoughts on Wesleyan holiness

In his sermon entitled “On Working Out Our Own Salvation” John Wesley underscores three primary points:

1. “That grand truth, which ought never to be out of our of remembrance, ‘[i]t is God that worketh in us, both to will and to do of his own good pleasure.’”

2. “The improvement we ought to make of it: ‘[w]ork out your own salvation with fear and trembling.’”

3. “The connexion between them: ‘[i]t is God that worketh in you;’ therefore ‘work out your own salvation.’”

The first point is that Christians need to remember that salvation and sanctification is not of our own doing, but it is the working of God in our lives. God is working in us to change not only our wills and desires, but also the things that we do, all for His glory. God changes our wills and desires, giving us “inward” holiness, which, in turn, affects changes in our outward conduct, giving us “outward” holiness. The net effect is that we desire to do good things, are prepared and capable of doing them, and God is glorified because it was all His working in us and through us.

Wesley’s second point is that the Christian is to build on the changes that God is working in their life, doing things that will facilitate spiritual growth. Christians need to avoid things that hinder God’s work (things and places where we find temptation to old behaviors and ungodly thoughts and deeds) and focus on spiritual disciplines that build on the work God is doing in us (such as studying the Word, prayer, ministering to others). Christians are to undertake this work diligently, carefully, earnestly and with precision; with the same kind of seriousness and care with which one would undertake their professional duties for their employer. Take the fitness industry as an example of this second principle: it is common for people to have a gym membership and consult with a personal trainer in order to achieve their fitness goals. The trainer assesses the person’s needs, establishes the appropriate workout regimen, and gives instruction on how to hold and move the weights. The trainer stays with the client to ensure proper technique and often gives diet and nutrition advice to facilitate the desired results. Once the trainer has prepared the person, it’s time for the client to continue with the training regimen, follow the dietary advice, and track their progress. If the person fails to follow the regimen they were taught, they will not see the results they desire, or the results will occur much more slowly. Doing the things one has been taught, with seriousness, diligence, and precision, will result in great rewards and the desired results.

The third point made by Wesley is that because it is God working in us, we must respond to God’s work by cooperating with him. If we fail to cooperate with God’s work in changing our lives, we will thwart God’s efforts, and we will not experience growth, holiness, or victory over sin. It takes our cooperation with God’s work in order to reach the goal of the upward call in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Much like the illustration of the fitness plan, so it is in our spiritual lives; if we fail to cooperate with God, we will not see the victory God intends for His children.

Grant Reader is associate pastor at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Gardnerville.