Theoponderings

A poem inspired by John Wesley’s sermon, The Scripture Way of Salvation. https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-43-the-scripture-way-of-salvation/

“Only good people go to heaven.”

This is an idea that many believe

and for some it’s the reason they leave

Why even bother with the Church?

with them who sing a judgmental dirge?

if only good people go to heaven

it makes a poor impression

There cannot be a God who loves

if we break our backs while he watches above

It is surely a miracle then, that this idea is false

That we can go to heaven, despite all our faults

How then are we saved, if not by our deeds?

By working and dying and following creeds?

No, the path has been paved, and by no mere wraith

but by Jesus Christ, author and perfecter of faith

The salvation he offers is not by toil and whip

but through the grace he gives, and relationship

It is not to hell we’re thrown but from it we are rescued

as there is no one for whome sin is not accrued

There is but one condition, it’s all that’s required

faith in Christ Jesus, and the love it inspires

Because when you love someone, you put their needs first

Faith in Christ then leads of course to works

For the grace is offered freely, by the one who paid

for the sins of the world, then rose from the grave

Just as Jesus is alive, so is his grace

thus we can thrive, and finish the race.

So why wait for death, when heaven can be here?

I know I won’t. I will be live in love, and live without fear

-Curtis Ratzlaff

John Wesley’s sermon “the Scripture way of Salvation” addresses a subject of heavy debate in the Church; “are we saved by works or saved by grace through faith?” In the modern day, this debate has turned into a misconception that many people, Christians and non Christians alike, hold. “Only good people go to heaven”

Wesley writes that true saving faith is not simply intellectual belief, acknowledging facts about Jesus, or works. (good deeds, discipleship) Wesley argues that the scriptures say that salvation is a disposition of the heart; a reliance and relationship with God.

Salvation is also not just a heaven thing, but a present thing. Believers are saved in the current moment, and can live free of the sins that once held them captive.

Wesley doesn’t argue against good works, but rather states that good works will naturally flow from faith. This system also does not lead to pride, as since our salvation is freely given, how can we boast about it? The quote from Wesley that inspired this poem is this:

“What! Mercy for all? For Zacchaeus, a public robber? For Mary Magdalene, a common harlot? Methinks I hear one say, ‘Then I, even I, may hope for mercy!’”

Just as there is no deed that can earn us salvation, there is no deed that can divide us from God’s grace.