John Wesley: Word/Person of the Week

John Wesley (1703-1791)

An English theologian converted to Christ through the hearing of Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. He was somewhat of a radical as he began open-air preaching in England at a time when that was not allowed. He is the founder of Methodism, and the denominations that flow from his theology – such as the Methodist, Wesleyan, Holiness and Pentecostal churches. Wesley taught the doctrine of entire sanctification – that one could be completely free from conscious sins in this life. Emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. He contributed much to Christian education and to social reform. He was an Arminian and his followers tend to be Arminian as well. His brother, Charles Wesley, was also converted to Christianity through the reading of Martin Luther – Charles was converted from reading Luther’s commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians. Charles wrote 10,000 hymns in his lifetime.

To access more definitions, visit The Lutheran Lexicon.