Core Beliefs
& Articles of Religion
Wesleyans believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Savior of all persons who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct.
What we believe, article by article.
Faith in the Holy Trinity
We believe in the one living and true God who is both holy and loving. Within the divine unity are three co-equal persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Father
God the Father is the source of everything that exists and relates to people as Father, seeking and receiving those who repent.
The Son of God
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He died for sin, rose bodily, ascended into heaven, intercedes for us, and will return to judge the living and the dead.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit points out sin, brings new birth, sets believers apart for God, guides, assures, preserves, and enables holy living.
The Holy Scriptures
The Old and New Testaments are the inspired and infallibly written Word of God and the highest authority for faith and life.
God's Purpose for Humanity
God's law is summarized in loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbours as ourselves.
Marriage and the Family
Human sexuality is intended to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman.
Personal Choice
Human beings are morally responsible, yet need God's prevenient grace to repent, believe, and be saved.
The Atonement
Christ's death and resurrection provide redemption and atonement for the sins of the whole world.
Repentance and Faith
People voluntarily respond to God's grace in repentance and faith, trusting Christ fully as Savior and Lord.
Justification, Regeneration and Adoption
Those who repent and believe are pardoned, made new, adopted into God's family, and assured by the Holy Spirit.
Good Works
Good works cannot save, but they are the fruit of faith and follow regeneration.
Sin After Regeneration
Believers can fall into sin, yet God's grace restores those who truly repent and believe.
Sanctification: Initial, Progressive, Entire
Sanctification begins the moment we are justified and regenerated, continues as we grow in grace, and prepares for the crisis of entire sanctification by the Holy Spirit.
The human heart is cleansed from inbred sin and filled with love for God and neighbour.
This life of holiness is continued through faith in Christ and demonstrated by loving obedience to God's revealed will.
Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience.
Scripture remains primary, while tradition, reason, and experience help the Church test and apply faithful doctrine.