John Wesley's Justification by Faith: Set in Modern Language With Introduction and Suggestions for Group Use (John Wesley in Modern Language) - Softcover

Wentz, David

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798990617278

Publisher: Doing Christianity, 2026

Synopsis

“If anyone ever deserved to go to heaven, it was her.”

You’ll hear these well-meaning words at almost any Christian funeral, but they’re wrong. The idea that anyone can deserve to go to heaven undermines the good news of the gospel. The defining teaching of Protestant Christianity is justification by faith.

Most religions teach that getting to heaven depends on being good or taking part in religious rituals. Christianity teaches that there is nothing we can do to deserve God’s grace and forgiveness. We are made right with God solely by trusting in Jesus.

In 1746, that idea was as hard for human nature to accept as it is today. That’s why John Wesley, founder of Methodism and grandfather of the Salvation Army and the Pentecostal and Holiness movements, wrote the sermon at the heart of this book.

Wesley was a fiery revival preacher who drew crowds of thousands, but his 18th-century English is unfamiliar to modern readers. Long-time pastor David Wentz has updated Wesley’s wording to restore its original clarity, force, and spirit. The result is a text that readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise will understand and enjoy.

This short book is ideal for small groups and adult Sunday School classes. Dr. Wentz provides an introduction that sets Wesley’s words in context, thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each section, a brief guide on how to lead small groups, and a suggested six-week schedule. For further study, the numerous Scripture quotes and allusions are identified. Wesley’s full original version is included as an appendix.

John Wesley’s Justification by Faith is part of the John Wesley in Modern Language series. In a time of renewed interest in Christianity worldwide, these brief, accessible group studies of Wesley’s foundational emphases are essential.

About this title

About the Author

Best known internationally as author of PASTORING: THE NUTS AND BOLTS, in print in eight languages, and nine other books, David Wentz has a passion for helping people connect with God and make a difference. Combining 38 years as a pastor with a first career in engineering and graduate degrees from three very different seminaries, he expresses God's truth in ways everyone can appreciate.Raised in the Episcopal church, Dr. Wentz has also been part of Nazarene, Pentecostal Holiness, and non-denominational congregations. As a Methodist pastor, he served small, large, and multicultural churches in rural, small-town, suburban, and urban settings, served as a regional church consultant in the Maryland - D.C. area, and led workshops for pastors internationally. In 2015 he retired to the rural Ozarks, where he writes, works in God's great outdoors, and oversees Doing Christianity, Inc., a small non-profit devoted to equipping pastors in developing and minority-Christian countries. In 1974, David married his college sweetheart, Paula. They have five children and fourteen grandchildren. The book of Ezekiel describes David's calling. Twenty-five hundred years ago, God called Ezekiel to teach God's ways and proclaim the Holy Spirit, the one who revives dry bones and forms them into a dwelling for God and a source of living water that heals nations.Bones are still dry today. God still wants to dwell among his people. Nations still need healing. And people still need to be taught God's ways and be moved by God's Spirit. David calls that "Doing Christianity," and it motivates everything he writes.

Edition details

• Publisher: Doing Christianity
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798990617278
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 82