Wesley on the Christian Life: The Heart Renewed in Love

By Fred Sanders, Series edited by Stephen J. Nichols, Justin Taylor

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John Wesley was one of the most important figures behind the founding of modern evangelicalism. From his crucial role in the Great Awakening to his inspiring a renewal movement within the Church of England, Wesley’s historical significance is undeniable and his legacy still challenges us today, regardless of our denominational affiliation or theological perspective. Offering an approachable introduction to Wesley's life and writings, Fred Sanders invites us to learn from Wesley’s reliance on the Spirit, passion for holiness, and zeal for the gospel in this winsome portrait of an extraordinary Christian leader.

Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series. 


Author:

Fred Sanders

Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of The Deep Things of God and blogs at fredfredfred.com.

Product Details

Category: Theology
History & Biography
Christian Living
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 272
Size: 6.0 in x 9.0 in
Weight: 13.5 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-1564-4
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-1564-4
ISBN-UPC: 9781433515644
Case Quantity: 40
Published: August 31, 2013

Table of Contents

1.  John Wesley as a Spiritual Guide
2.  Born Again (and the Pastor Who Wasn’t)
3.  Heart Religion
4.  The Theologian of 1 John
5.  The Lord Our Righteousness
6.  Grace First, Then Law
7.  The Means of Grace
8.  Saved to the Uttermost
9.  Catholic Spirit
10. The Trinitarian Theology of John Wesley

Endorsements

“Fred Sanders feels the heartbeat of Wesleyan theology. His scholarship never lacks evangelical integrity or practical realism. Here is stimulating reading from a gifted teacher. Everyone who loves the gospel will resonate with the message of this book.”
Robert E. Coleman, Distinguished Senior Professor of Evangelism and Discipleship, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“As Fred Sanders shows us in this accurate and edifying life and thought of Wesley, we all have much to learn from this godly evangelical founder. I pray that God will use this book to awaken his people again, filling us with his Spirit and renewing our hearts in love. I plan to use it with my students in both seminaries and churches. It is a great place for Christians to acquaint themselves with one of the most important leaders in all of church history.”
Douglas A. Sweeney, Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“As usual, Fred Sanders brings out treasures of his research without making us do all the digging ourselves. Though respectful of John Wesley, I’ve never been what you’d call a fan. But that’s exactly why a book like this is so worthwhile. Challenging caricatures, Sanders offers a welcoming portrait of Wesley that is too even-handed and well substantiated to be his own fabrication. If the purpose of this series is to display the resources of the past for the present, then Wesley on the Christian Life is a home run.”
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; author, Core Christianity

“One of the symptoms of the contemporary malaise of the Methodist movement is a growing disconnect with the actual life and teachings of our beloved founder, John Wesley. Fred Sanders has given us a wonderful gift in this practical introduction to the life and thought of Wesley. Sanders shows us that Wesley’s thought cannot be summarized in terms of doctrinal distinctives, but is fully understood in the sanctifying winds of the Holy Spirit through the means of grace and a transformed heart. I recommend this book to all those ‘restless and Reformed’ brothers and sisters who need to understand this part of the church, as well as all those pastors and laity across the country who are longing for a guide to reintroduce Wesley to ‘the people called Methodist.’”
Timothy C. Tennent, President and Professor of World Christianity, Asbury Theological Seminary

“Whether one is an admirer or a critic, all must concede that the life and thought of John Wesley have had a decisive effect on later evangelical Protestantism. Yet few of us know much about his understanding of the Christian life beyond the rather vague terms often applied to his thought, Arminianism and perfectionism. Thus, even a hard-hearted Calvinist like myself feels a debt of gratitude to Fred Sanders for this delightful, readable, learned, accessible, and sympathetic treatment of the Methodist patriarch’s thinking on what it means to live as a Christian. A most lovely addition to a very fine series.”
Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College; author, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

“Readers are in for a treat here. Lively and thoughtful, appreciative but not uncritical, this book shows compellingly why even those who would not call themselves Wesleyan have a great deal to benefit from John Wesley.”
Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, United Kingdom