A Heart Strangely Warmed

A Heart Strangely Warmed

They were missionaries while still themselves a mission field.

JOHN AND Charles Wesley were born in 1703 and 1707 respectively, the fifteenth and eighteenth children of Samuel and Susanna Wesley.

At Oxford they met frequently with George Whitefield and others for Bible study and reflection. John was the leader of their group, which was mockingly called the “Holy Club.”

In 1735 the Wesleys sailed to America to become missionaries in the colony of Georgia. During the long journey the ship was buffeted by a violent storm, and John was left cowering in fear of death. He was amazed at the peace of the Moravian Christians aboard the same ship and was shaken, realizing that they had something he didn’t have.

On January 24, 1738, he wrote in his journal, “I went to America to convert the Indians; but O! who shall convert me? Who, what is he that shall deliver me from this evil heart of unbelief? I can talk well; nay, and believe myself while no danger is near; but let death look me in the face, and my spirit is troubled. Nor can I say, ‘to die is gain.

After a short unsuccessful time in America, the brothers returned to England, where they came under the influence of Peter Boehler, another Moravian. Boehler’s teachings on justification by faith, not works, were convincing. The Wesleys began eagerly reading Martin Luther’s writings on Galatians and Romans, coming to the realization that their theology had been resting on works, not faith. This doctrine was now clear in their minds, but they did not yet have it in their hearts.

On May 20, 1738, the brothers and some friends stayed up all night praying for Charles, who was quite ill. They also were praying that God would open their hearts so they could truly believe and have assurance of salvation. The next day Charles believed and gave his life to Christ for the first time. “I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ.”

For three days John wrestled with what happened to his brother. He wanted to believe but couldn’t and became very depressed. Then on May 24, 1738, he wrote in his journal: “In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given to me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

When John went to Charles to tell him the good news, he found him up late writing a hymn to celebrate his own conversion. They sang the hymn together. That night John went to bed, hoping he would still believe in the morning. He said of the next morning, “The moment I awaked, ‘Jesus, Master,’ was in my heart and in my mouth, and I found all my strength lay in keeping my eye fixed upon him.”

John and Charles Wesley went on to lead the great Methodist revival that changed English society. When Charles died in 1788, he had written almost eight thousand hymns. John preached nonstop until his death in 1791.

Reflection

John and Charles Wesley were very religious for a number of years before they became Christians. Justification by faith through grace was the amazing truth that at last brought the Wesleys’ peace and assurance. With what in their experiences can you identify? Where are you in your spiritual pilgrimage? The lives of the Wesleys illustrate the fact that religious activity cannot get us into heaven. That comes only through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

On judgment day many will tell me, “Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.” But I will reply, “I never knew you. Go away.”

Matthew 7:22-23