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Our Beliefs
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The heart of understanding our beliefs and doctrines is found in remembering that we began as the Methodist Movement. The goal of “Methodist Movement”, founded by John Wesley, was to have people’s hearts and lives profoundly changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wesley wanted every Methodist to have their “heart right with God” through a relationship nurtured in prayer, Bible study and worship, and to have their lives changed as they reached out in service to the world around them.
United Methodists have four main guidelines for belief. Scripture - Tradition - Experience - Reason We believe that Scripture is the authoritative Word of God in matters of faith. We believe that New Birth (Salvation) comes through faith in and through Jesus Christ alone. We believe that every person is created in God’s image, and in need of God’s grace. These guidelines help us understand and shape our faith:We believe in the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). United Methodist, from the time of John Wesley, have understood that Grace as key to our relationship with God. We understand that Grace is experienced in three different ways:
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As Methodists, we do not believe we are totally depraved, but recognize that we are born in bondage to original sin. We are wooed by the Holy Spirit to accept our deliverance from original sin, a deliverance purchased on the cross by our Savior Jesus Christ. (Prevenient Grace)
When we accept Christ and are freed from the power of sin and death, this is the point we refer to as New Birth or Salvation. (Justifying Grace)
From the moment we receive Justifying Grace, as Methodists we believe that our journey has just begun. In our personal relationship with God, through prayer, study of Scripture, worship and service, the Holy Spirit leads us on the journey of sanctification. (Sanctifying Grace)
The process of sanctification moves us from sinfulness to holiness. We strive to become the person God created and called us to be. As United Methodists, we earnestly strive inwardly and outwardly to experience the grace, compassion, and love of God through word and deed.
When we accept Christ and are freed from the power of sin and death, this is the point we refer to as New Birth or Salvation. (Justifying Grace)
From the moment we receive Justifying Grace, as Methodists we believe that our journey has just begun. In our personal relationship with God, through prayer, study of Scripture, worship and service, the Holy Spirit leads us on the journey of sanctification. (Sanctifying Grace)
The process of sanctification moves us from sinfulness to holiness. We strive to become the person God created and called us to be. As United Methodists, we earnestly strive inwardly and outwardly to experience the grace, compassion, and love of God through word and deed.
Seeking more information about United Methodist beliefs, history, structure, missions, stances or other topics, Ask The United Methodist Church . If they don’t find what they’re searching for, they can live chat to ask their own questions.
