CHANGING CHURCH PT. I

Published 10 years ago, Wagner suggest the changes we have seen of late qualify as "The New Reformation".

That may be a bit of an overstatement but, be that as it may, Wagner has been a rather astute observer of the growing Apostolic nature of ministry in the 21st century. 

One of the changes that Wagner observes is a theological shift among evangelicals away from a reformed doctrine of sanctification to Wesleyan holiness.

I think the following observations may interest, even encourage, Wesleyan Holiness people.

"John Wesley was one of the first to exhibit his dissatisfaction with the Reformed doctrine of sanctification. His study of the Bible convinced him, not only that believers could attain personal holiness, but also that God expected them to do that very thing." 

"Personally, it took me quite a while to admit that there was any validity in Wesley's view, which is reflected today by Methodists, Nazarenes, Wesleyans, Church of God (Anderson, Indiana), Pentecostal holiness, Salvation Army and many other denominations." 

"A major reason was that my seminary professors had taught me, not only the reformed doctrine of sanctification, but also how to soundly refute what they considered the flawed ideas underlying Wesleyan holiness."

In upcoming posts, I will share more from "Changing Church". Stay tuned!