John Wesley’s Doctrine of Assurance of Salvation

One of the most defining aspects of John Wesley’s theology is his doctrine of assurance of salvation—the belief that believers can have a real, personal, and present assurance that they are children of God. This doctrine was a hallmark of early Methodism, bringing both comfort and confidence to many believers who had struggled with doubt about their standing before God.

In this post, we will explore Wesley’s doctrine of assurance, its biblical foundation, and its implications for Christian life.

1. What Is Assurance?

John Wesley defined assurance as the inner witness of the Holy Spirit that confirms to a believer that they are truly saved. This assurance is not mere presumption but a genuine, experiential reality.

Two Key Aspects of Assurance in Wesleyan Theology:

1. The Witness of the Spirit – The direct testimony of the Holy Spirit confirming one’s adoption into God’s family.
2. The Fruits of the Spirit – The evidence of regeneration seen in a transformed life.

For Wesley, assurance was not merely a theological concept but a deeply personal and transformative experience. He believed that believers could and should know that they are saved—not based on feelings or works alone, but on the witness of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

This assurance, Wesley argued, was a privilege of all true believers, not just an elite few.

2. Wesley’s Personal Experience of Assurance

John Wesley’s doctrine of assurance was shaped by his own spiritual journey.

• Before Aldersgate (1738): Wesley struggled with doubt about his salvation. Even though he was deeply religious, he lacked the inner confidence that he was truly saved.
• Aldersgate Experience (May 24, 1738): While listening to Martin Luther’s preface to Romans, Wesley felt his heart “strangely warmed.” He later wrote:

“I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

This moment became the turning point in his theology. From then on, assurance became central to his preaching and the Methodist movement.

3. The Biblical Foundation for Wesley’s Doctrine of Assurance

Wesley’s teaching on assurance was deeply rooted in Scripture. Some of the key passages include:

• Romans 5:5 – “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
• 1 John 5:10-13 – “Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself… I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
• Galatians 4:6 – “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”

These verses confirm that assurance is not merely a theological idea but a biblical truth meant to be experienced by believers.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Assurance

For Wesley, assurance is not based on human effort but on the work of the Holy Spirit. He taught that:

• The Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16).
• This assurance leads to joy, peace, and confidence in one’s relationship with God.
• The Spirit not only assures us of salvation but also enables us to live a holy life.

Thus, assurance is both a gift and a responsibility—a believer is assured of salvation, but they must continue to walk in faith and holiness.

5. The Relationship Between Assurance and Holiness

Wesley strongly linked assurance with sanctification.

• Assurance is not a license to sin but a call to holiness.
• A true believer will show evidence of their faith through a transformed life.
• Good works are not the basis of salvation but the evidence of it.

This aligns with 1 John 2:3-5, which teaches that knowing Christ leads to obedience.

Thus, Wesley held that assurance is confirmed by both the witness of the Spirit and the fruits of righteousness.

6. Can a Believer Lose Their Assurance?

Unlike some Reformed theologians who teach that assurance is permanent, Wesley believed that assurance could be lost through:

1. Willful sin – Persistently living in disobedience can dull the Spirit’s witness.
2. Neglect of spiritual disciplines – Prayer, Scripture, and fellowship strengthen assurance.
3. Doubt and fear – Lack of trust in God’s promises can weaken one’s sense of assurance.

However, assurance can also be restored through repentance and renewed faith. As Hebrews 10:22 says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience.”

Thus, assurance is not static but a living, dynamic relationship with God.

7. The Practical Importance of Assurance

Wesley believed that assurance was essential for a vibrant Christian life. It provides:

1. Confidence in salvation – No need to live in fear or uncertainty.
2. Joy and peace – A deep sense of security in God’s love.
3. Empowerment for holy living – Encouragement to live righteously.
4. Boldness in evangelism – Assurance inspires others to seek the same confidence.

Assurance leads to a faith that is both confident and active—one that expresses itself through love, holiness, and mission.