John Wesley and the Bible

JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
DAVE HANSON

John Wesley claimed to be a man of “One Book,” the Bible. He knew that the Holy Scriptures were the foundation of our faith and our guide for living the Christian life.

Yet, there was no one of his era who knew more about many books than John Wesley. He was widely read in the classic and in contemporary literature of his own day. For example, John Wesley read everything Ben Franklin wrote about electricity. In search of remedies, he studied the medical writings of his day. In his Christian library he encouraged his followers to read.

John Wesley warns us to read and study the entire Bible. Do not select proof texts and ignore the full scope of Holy Scripture. For example, in his sermon, “Free Grace,” in which he attacks the doctrine of predestination which was tearing the Methodist Movement to shreds, he says, “You tell me that scriptures endorse the doctrine of predestination. That is true, but I can also show you many texts which indicate the exact opposite.” Then he refers to, “Whosoever will may come…,” “It is not God’s will that any should perish…,” “I would have drawn you to myself, but ye would not….” and many others.

He said we should read the entire Bible and study each text in the context of the whole.