A Heritage Lost

Although contemporary Methodism seldom gives cause to think of holiness, holiness was a dominant theme in John Wesley's theology.  It could be said with some justification that Wesley would, as some folks in this neck of the woods say,, "roll over in his grave" at the disappearance of holiness in the church that speaks of him as its theological father.  He spoke of Methodists as "people who profess to pursue holiness of heart and life, inward and outward conformity...to the revealed will of God."  

The holiness of which Wesley spoke was an inward matter of the heart and also something outwardly expressed through a life which reflected the heart of Christ.  Theological words which show up in Wesley's theology are Christian perfection, sanctification (both gradual and entire), and purity of heart.  When I was ordained back in 1971, we were asked by the Bishop at our ordination, "Are you going on to perfection?" In these words of covenant, the Wesleyan heritage was verbally and visibly affirmed.  

Like many denominational groups, there seems to be an abandonment of the inward part of Wesley's theology of sanctification as the outward aspect of it becomes more and more dominant.  Holiness must always include the work of the Holy Spirit on the believer's heart in order to be true to its meaning.   Holiness is about that work of the Spirit which shapes and transforms our hearts so that they more clearly reflect the heart of Christ.  It can never be one or the other, but both if our holiness heritage is remembered correctly.