Wesleyan Theology & Hermeneutics

a Wesley Sermon 138 grieving the Holy Spirit

A transcript of John Wesley's Sermon 138, 'On Grieving The Holy Spirit,' originally written in 1733. This version is an abridged and revised edition of the 1872 Thomas Jackson edition, edited by George Lyons with minor corrections by Ryan Danker for the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at Northwest Nazarene University. The sermon provides an exegetical commentary on Ephesians 4:30, exploring the nature of God's 'grief' as a disposition of His will arising from love and abhorrence of sin. Wesley outlines how sins offend the Holy Spirit through His immediate presence in the believer, as acts of contempt toward divine love, and as a failure to achieve the sanctification intended by the Spirit's work.

Ephesians 4:30 · 1 Corinthians 6:19 · 2 Corinthians 1:22

The Essence of Wesleyanism

A sermon by Frank G. Carver exploring the theological core of Wesleyanism, defined as 'free grace.' The text examines John Wesley's dual understanding of grace: first, as the undeserved favor of God (similar to the Reformers), and second, as the power of the Holy Spirit enabling human participation and renewal. Carver focuses heavily on the doctrine of prevenient grace—described as 'grace free in all, grace free for all'—and its role in enabling human response to God. The document further discusses the resulting spiritual graces of the assurance of salvation (referencing Wesley's Aldersgate experience) and the transformation of life.

Ephesians 2:8

The Salvific Body of Christ

This document contains an honors project by Greg Van Buskirk (2006) titled 'The Salvific Body of Christ: Wesleyan Christology Embodied in an Ecclesiology of Love.' The project examines the relationship between Christology and ecclesiology, specifically critiquing the potential for a 'monophysite' Christology in John Wesley's works—where Christ's human nature is subsumed by his divinity—and exploring how Wesley's ecclesiological practices might offer a pathway to healing this theological tension. The document also includes a brief evaluative note by Frank G. Carver, which assesses the quality of the undergraduate research, notes the influence of process theology and sacramentalism on the work, and questions the extent to which the author's views reflect his professors.

A Wesleyan Hermeneutic

A lecture transcript or personal reflection exploring the principles of a Wesleyan approach to biblical interpretation. The author addresses the challenges of interpreting Scripture within a postmodern culture that rejects the objectivity of knowledge, and contrasts the Wesleyan tradition with the Calvinistic influences found in much evangelical media. The document outlines three foundational principles for a Wesleyan hermenseutic: that the Scriptures are 'Incarnational' (requiring historical and literary study), 'Christological' (centered on the witness to Jesus Christ), and 'God-breathed' (functioning through the Holy Spirit). The author identifies as both a convinced evangelical and a critical scholar. The text also includes reflections on John Wesley's approach to Scripture, specifically referencing his 'Preface to Sermons,' and includes various biblical citations (Psalms, Luke, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Galatians) used to support the nature and function of the Word.

Psalm 119:9, 11, 105 · Luke 24:32 · 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Chapter 2 - Wesleyan Perspective

A lecture transcript discussing the placement of Wesleyan theology within the broader context of the 'Great Church.' The author argues against a sectarian 'Wesleyanism' or ideology, asserting instead that the Wesleyan tradition shares the core Trinitarian-Christological convictions of all orthodox Christian traditions. The text outlines the methodology for a three-volume theological work, stating that the project will first establish the central convictions of the Christian faith (Incarnation, Atonement, Creation, and the Trinity) before examining Wesleyan-specific emphases such as justification, sanctification, and redemption. The document also touches upon the historical identity of John and Charles Wesley as members of the Church of England.

White Paper: A Wesleyan Approach to Faithful Academic Life

A white paper discussing the integration of Wesleyan theology and academic pursuit within the context of Point Loma Nazarene University. The document includes the university's mission statement and a preface outlining a theological framework for higher education. It explores the application of the Wesleyan quadrilateral—Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience—to the pursuit of truth and the various academic disciplines. The author intends to examine specific Wesleyan themes, including prevenient grace, the means of grace, Christian perfection, and catholic spirit, as foundations for institutional excellence and faithful learning.

1 Corinthians 13:12

A Wesleyan Understanding of the Fullness of the Spirit

A theological reflection on the Wesleyan concept of being 'filled with the Holy Spirit.' The document traces the biblical development of the Spirit, from the 'ruach' in Genesis to the Pentecost event in Acts. It explores a twofold meaning of the Spirit's fullness: first, as the fulfillment of prophetic promise marking the birth of the Church; and second, as a necessity for the daily renewal of disciples facing challenges. The text incorporates quotations from John Wesley regarding the Spirit as the fountain of holiness and the life of God in the soul, and concludes with a focus on the transformative power of the Spirit as described in the Pauline epistles.

Genesis 1:2 · Psalm 51:11 · Luke 11:13

Corinthians XI

A lecture or presentation transcript dated May 27, 2007, concerning 2 Corinthians 6:11–7:16. The author situates the biblical text within the context of the Day of Pentecost and the Wesleyan Holiness tradition, specifically addressing the relationship between the experience of the Holy Spirit and the doctrine of entire sanctification. The document includes a structural outline of 2 Corinthians, a detailed examination of specific biblical passages (including an appeal for fellowship, an exhortation to holy living, and the arrival of Titus), and references contemporary theological discussions from the 2002 Global Theology Conference in Costa Rica and the 2007 'Conference on Revisioning Holiness' at Northwest Nazarene College.

2 Corinthians 1:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:17 · 2 Corinthians 3:1-6:10

Interpretive Questions 12 1-10

A teaching outline and study guide focused on Romans 6:1-10, titled 'PAUL: “GOD FORBID”'. The document examines the transition from the theological foundations of Romans 5 (the comparison of Adam and Christ) to the practical implications of sanctification in Romans 6. It explores the concept of being 'dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus,' utilizing the Greek conjunction 'oun' (therefore) to trace the logical progression of Paul's argument regarding baptism, death to the old self, and new life in Christ. The text includes scripture quotations from the NRSV and NASB, references to scholars such as Greathouse, Lyons, and Robert Jewett, and outlines structural components of the Epistle to the Romans.

Romans 1:1-15 · Romans 1:16-17 · Romans 1:18-3:20

Isaiah Four

A Bible study lecture or sermon notes dated May 22, 2005, focusing on Isaiah 5:1-30. The document explores the theme of God as 'the Holy One of Israel' through an analysis of the 'Song of the Vineyard' (vv. 1-7). Carver interprets the parable of the vineyard as an oracle of judgment, comparing the farmer's failed expectation of good grapes to God's expectation of justice and righteousness in Israel, contrasted against the reality of bloodshed and cries of distress. The text discusses the concept of divine judgment as 'divine neglect' and includes references to Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12, the story of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21, and commentary by scholars such as John Oswalt and Brevard Childs.

Isaiah 1:4 · Isaiah 2:1-4:6 · Isaiah 5:1-30

Job2

A lecture or study notes dated September 1, 2001, focusing on Job 1:1-5 and the concept of 'perfection.' The document begins with an outline of the Book of Job's structure and includes a discussion of a Newsweek article by Kenneth Woodward regarding the modern decline in the doctrine of hell. The author explores the biblical meaning of the word 'perfect' (tam/teleios), drawing connections between the character of Job, the Wesleyan doctrine of 'entire sanctification' as defined in the Church of the Nazarene Manual, and various New Testament uses of the term. The text also references scholarly commentary by Hartley and Fokkelman, and compares the KJV translation of 'perfect' to 'blameless' or 'guiltless.'

Job 1:1-5 · Job 1:11 · Job 2:5

Romans 1 Introduction 1-06-08

Lecture notes or study materials for a session on Romans 1, dated January 6, 2008. The document introduces a study of Paul's letter to the Romans, primarily referencing William M. Greathouse's two-volume commentary (New Beacon Bible Commentary) with contributions from George Lyons. The text outlines the historical setting of the letter (likely written from Corinth, 53-59 AD), discusses the theological shift from a traditional Lutheran/Reformed understanding of justification to a 'new perspective' that emphasizes God's righteousness as a power for ethical transformation—a view shared by Ernst Käsemann, John Wesley, and N. T. Wright. The document also includes a structural outline of Romans provided by Greathouse, covering the letter's prescript and the thesis of the gospel, and concludes with brief, unrelated fragments regarding Augustine's conversion and Karl Barth.

Romans 1:1-15 · Romans 1:16-17 · Romans 1:18-32

Romans 4: The Wrath of God, Part I

A lecture or study guide titled 'Paul and the Wrath of God: The Dark Side of the Gospel,' focusing on Romans 1:18-32. The document begins with a retrospective on Romans 1:8-15, discussing the 'ministry of presence' and the mutual encouragement of faith, referencing Mother Teresa's approach to finding Jesus in others. The primary focus is an exposition of the 'human predicament' as described in Romans 1:18-32, examining the parallel Greek structure between the revelation of God's righteousness and the revelation of His wrath (apokalyptetai). The text explores the concept of God's wrath being revealed through the gospel and the consequences of humanity suppressing the truth, leading to moral depravity.

Romans 1:8-15 · Romans 1:11-12 · Romans 1:16-17

Romans 5: The Wrath of God, Part IIa

A lecture outline or study guide titled 'Paul and the Wrath of God: The Dark Side of the Gospel (Part IIa),' dated May 4, 2008. The document examines Romans 1:18-32, focusing on the theological implications of divine judgment and the contemporary controversy surrounding homosexuality. The author intends to present how Romans 1:26-27 is interpreted by proponents of same-sex committed relationships and provides commentary from William Greathouse and George Lyons regarding the human condition, natural theology, and idolatry. The text includes scriptural citations from the NIV and NASB, and references scholarly works by Hays, Rogers, and others.

Romans 1:18-32 · Romans 1:26-27 · 1 Corinthians 6:9

SS A Wesleyan Hermeneutic

A personal reflection and lecture outline regarding the development of a Wesleyan hermeneutic. The author addresses the challenges of interpreting Scripture within a postmodern culture characterized by the rejection of objective knowledge, and critiques certain evangelical media approaches that diverge from the Wesleyan perspective. The document outlines three foundational principles for a Wesleyan hermeneutic: that the Scriptures are 'Incarnational' (requiring historical and literary study), 'Christological' (centered on the witness to Jesus Christ), and 'God-breathed' (functioning through the Holy Spirit). The author identifies as both a convinced evangelical and a critical scholar. The text also includes a quotation from John Wesley’s 'Preface to Sermons' regarding his personal approach to studying the Word of God.

Romans 1:1 · Psalm 119:9 · Psalm 119:11

T Grace Wesleyanism

A study titled 'The Essence of Wesleyanism,' originally delivered as a talk at a 1993 Wesley Festival at Point Loma Nazarene College and later published in The Preachers’ Magazine (1996). The author explores the theological foundations of Wesleyanism, focusing on the concept of 'free grace.' The text examines John Wesley's dual understanding of grace: as God's undeserved favor and as the power of the Holy Spirit enabling human participation and renewal. Key theological themes include prevenient grace (described as 'free in all and free for all') and the relationship between grace, faith, and holiness. The document includes references to Wesley's sermons, the 1745 Conference Minutes, and H. Ray Dunning's work on Wesleyan systematic theology.

Ephesians 2:8 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · Hebrews 4:16

The Holy--A Presentation 9-22-2003

A presentation transcript or lecture notes titled 'The Biblical Concept of the Holy,' likely delivered for a course at Point Loma Nazarene College. The document includes a preface discussing the Wesleyan holiness tradition, the tension between academic biblical scholarship and experiential piety within the Church of the Nazarene, and the impact of postmodern culture on evangelicalism. The author references H. Ray Dunning's work on holiness preaching and the necessity of historical and biblical interpretation. The text also incorporates reflections on the importance of divine holiness in preaching, citing Dennis Kinlaw.

1 Peter 1:13-16

Notes for Classes -- Life of Holiness & Biblical Theology

Lecture notes and course outlines for Carver's 'Life of Holiness' classes, dated February 23–24, 2009. The document details class procedures, including readings from Henri Nouwen’s 'The Way of the Heart' and Carver's own work, 'The Cross and the Spirit: Peter and the Way of the Holy.' The notes include a personal 'Morning Resolve' prayer, reflections on Carver's personal 'Rule of Devotion' developed from the influence of Kenneth Leech and Reuben Welch, and theological discussions regarding prevenient grace, the 'hidden Christ,' and Wesleyan understandings of participation in grace. The text also contains references to scholarly works by Raymond Brown, H. Ray Dunning, and Albert C. Outler.

John 5:39-47 · John 8:39-43 · John 8:46-47

T-Biblical Interpretation

An article discussing the relevance of biblical interpretation within a Wesleyan context, specifically addressing the challenges posed by postmodernism and certain evangelical traditions. The author outlines the necessity of a Wesleyan hermeneutic and examines John Wesley's approach to Scripture as presented in his 'Preface to Sermons,' emphasizing themes of humility, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the primacy of love. The text also begins to outline foundational principles of biblical authority, describing the Scriptures as both 'incarnational' and 'christological.'

Romans 1:1 · Galatians 2:20

Lodahl - Wesleyan Theology and Contemporary Ministry - 8 - 4-14

A lecture or paper titled "John Wesley’s Dark Night of the Soul?" presented between August 4-8, 2014. The text explores the intersection of John Wesley's theology with the mystical tradition, specifically comparing Wesley's use of light and darkness metaphors with the works of John of the Cross. The author discusses Wesley's complex relationship with mysticism—noting his warnings against mystics who bypass the means of grace while acknowledging his use of 'practical mystics' like Madame Guyon—and reflects on a personal scholarly essay comparing Wesley and John of the Cross regarding sanctification.

1 John 1:5-7 · Ephesians 5:8

Communion First Church 11-2-14

A liturgical program and instructional outline for a Communion service held at SD First Church of the Nazarene on November 2, 2014. The document includes scripture readings from Matthew (26:17-20, 26-28, 30), John (16:13-15), 2 Corinthians (5:17, 19, 21), Hebrews (10:10), and 1 John (1:2, 1:9), as well as a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The text provides specific liturgical instructions for both the 'Both Services' and 'Classic Service' formats, including the distribution of elements, the lifting of the bread and cup, and administrative notes regarding transitions between speakers (Ron Benefiel and Justin) and the collection of the offering.

Matthew 26:17-20, 26-28, 30 · John 16:13-15 · 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19, 21

Biblical Foundations for the 'Secondness' of Entire Sanctification

A seminar paper, originally delivered as President of the Wesleyan Theological Society in April 1987 and subsequently published in the Wesleyan Theological Journal, exploring the hermeneutical challenges of preaching the Wesleyan message of holiness. Carver discusses his personal transition from a Methodist/Holiness background to academic New Testament studies, expressing concern over 'holiness hermeneutics' that may manipulate biblical texts. He proposes a foundational presupposition that 'holiness' can be understood as 'integrity,' arguing that biblical holiness involves both a relation of exclusive allegiance to God and a response in life to His revealed moral character. The text also touches upon the necessity of biblical primacy in Wesleyan identity and begins to address the use of the language of the holy in the Old and New Testaments.

Galatians 2:20 · 1 John

John Wesley and Dark Faith

An academic paper exploring the relationship between John Wesley's spiritual experience and the concept of 'dark faith' as defined by the Spanish mystic John of the Cross. The author compares Wesley's use of light and darkness metaphors—which Wesley typically applied to sin and ignorance—with the apophatic tradition of the mystics. The text examines Wesley's complex relationship with mysticism, noting his aversion to 'bad' mystics who bypass the means of grace, while acknowledging his deep engagement with 'practical mystics' such as Madame Guyon and Brother Lawrence. The author suggests that while Wesley avoided the terminology of the 'dark night of the soul,' his personal experiences shared similarities with the contemplative traditions of John of the Cross.

1 John 1:5-7 · Ephesians 5:8

WTS The Quest for the Holy

In this presentation, Frank G. Carver explores the theological concept of 'the darkness of God' as a lens through which to understand the Wesleyan and Church of the Nazarene holiness heritage. Drawing on Exodus 20:18-21, Carver examines the Hebrew term 'arafel' (thick darkness) to discuss the presence and hiddenness of the Divine. He connects Old Testament motifs of divine darkness to the spiritual writings of figures such as T.S. Eliot, St. John of the Cross, Thomas Merton, and Henri Nouwen. Carver uses this metaphor to reflect on his personal religious upbringing in the Methodist and Nazarene traditions and to pose a question regarding the contemporary Church's ability to encounter the transcendent presence of God.

Exodus 20:18-21 · Exodus 28:18-21 · Psalm 97:2