Resistible grace and human cooperation

What it is: Historical Methodism teaches that the grace of God is active and sufficient to awaken human response, but does not operate irresistibly in all cases.

How the tradition understands it: The person can cooperate with grace or resist it. This emphasis seeks to preserve divine primacy without denying moral responsibility and freedom.

Basis and context: The point places Methodism closer to Wesleyan Arminianism than to strict Reformed currents.

Debates and variations: Language may vary among more classical Arminian Methodists and more ecumenical or moderate currents.

Supportive

John Wesley, Sermon Free Grace

methodism,wesley,grace,arminianism

An emblematic sermon of the Wesleyan critique of strict predestinarianism.

Reference: John Wesley, sermon Free Grace.
Content: Wesley defends the breadth of divine grace and criticizes formulations that limit its universal reach.
Use in debate: It is a central source for Methodist identity in themes of grace and freedom.

John Wesley, Sermon On Working Out Our Own Salvation

methodism,wesley,grace,human-response

An important sermon on grace and human cooperation.

Reference: John Wesley, sermon On Working Out Our Own Salvation.
Content: Wesley articulates the primary action of divine grace and responsible human response without self-salvation.
Use in debate: It is an important source for resistible grace and human cooperation.

Neutral

Ephesians 2:8-10

bible,grace,faith,evangelicalism

Salvation by grace and transformed life.

Reference: Ephesians 2:8-10.
Content: The text unites salvation by grace through faith with a life directed toward good works.
Use in debate: It is central to evangelical language about grace, faith, and discipleship.