In speaking of authority, John Wesley always began with
Scripture. In due course I will look at
his writings concerning the authorities of Tradition, Experience, and
Reason. But Wesley always started with
the Bible. In considering the illustration
of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, it is important to note that this is not an
equilateral figure. The most important,
the foundational concept, in the eyes of Wesley is Scripture. He considered searching the scriptures to be
a Means of Grace – one of those gifts of God whereby people are drawn close to the
Lord.
Wesley wrote in his Preface to Standard Sermons: I want to know one thing the way to heaven; how to land safe on that happy shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way; for this very end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be "homo unius libri" (a man of one book).
Let me be quick to say that this statement of Wesley’s was one of priority. Wesley was a learned man, a prolific author himself, and a great reader of books –both classic and contemporary. His statement above is as if to say, “If I have only one book, let that book my Bible.” In the style of his day, Wesley’s writings – and his sermons in particular – contain copious scriptural references. On the matter of authority, Wesley believed that no behavior that could not be proven by scriptural direction was fit conduct for Christian people.
We remember that there are two volumes of writing that United Methodists claim as “Doctrinal Standards.” The first is The Standard Sermons of John Wesley (sometimes referred to as John Wesley’s Sermons, or John Wesley’s Standard Sermons.) The second work is lesser known but carries equal weight alongside the Sermons. That work is John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on the New Testament (sometimes referred to as simply Notes. This is a commentary on the whole New Testament composed by Wesley. So important were his studies and observations on this part of the Bible that this publication is set forth as what United Methodists believe.
Now, there is obviously a caution to be observed in relation to cherry-picking (plucking a particular verse or portion of a verse in order to support a position), proof-texting (making a statement and then appealing to scripture for backing. Genuine biblical examination will take a biblical verse or idea and look for life application, rather than taking a position and scraping through Leviticus and Obadiah for justification) or biblical literalism (First, remove the log from your own eye... – Matthew 7:5).
For Wesley, and for his spiritual heirs, Square One for Christian thought and discipleship behavior is always asking the question, “What does the Bible say?” And that doesn’t mean, “What does an isolated verse say?” Those small, out-of-context readings have been used to defend slavery, anti-Semitism, the oppression of women and a host of other undesirable behaviors. Literalists who employ such a methodology need to ask themselves, “Have I ever eaten barbeque? Have I ever worn a garment made of two different fabrics? Have I ever done any labor on the Sabbath?” If a person is going to claim some of the Bible literally, they are stuck with the entirety of scripture. If they are going to claim room for interpretation, then other students of the Bible deserve the same consideration. People will sometimes ask me, “What is the biblical position on… such-and-such subject?” My answer is, “Well, you start with ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…” and you conclude with “The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.’ " It takes a familiarity with all that is in between to make an informed statemen.
The Bible is a complex document. It cannot be plumbed in a sitting. Or a lifetime. But its basic tenets form the foundation of our faith.
The peace of the Lord be with you.
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