Of special focus in this reflective overview of Wesley's theological convictions is highlighting the practical-theological dynamics of Wesley's work and suggesting possible implications for contemporary attempts to recover theology as a practical discipline. Another distinctive focus of this work is a systematic consideration of the integration of theological emphases traditionally divergent in Eastern and Western Christianity. The author also closely examines the consistency of Wesley's thought throughout his career.

The missio Dei concept has shifted missiological thinking from an anthropocentric view of mission to the understanding that the church and persons are participants in the missio Dei. A Wesleyan perspective of grace and the means of grace inform the development of a theology of participation in the missio Dei that overcomes the repetitive articulations of mission as simply being human action or divine action. Through the means of grace, Christian disciples participate in the missio Dei as those transformed by God’s love and those through whom that love embraces and transforms the world. Missio Dei and the Means of Grace: A Theology of Participation offers a profoundly simple approach and understanding to twenty-first-century missiology that is applicable for all persons, all ages, and all ecclesial expressions of the Christian church, as participation in the missio Dei through the means of grace is understood to be a holistic way of life where spiritual formation is understood as inseparable from justice ministries.

When approaching the most public disagreement over predestination in the eighteenth century, the ‘Free Grace’ controversy between John Wesley and George Whitefield, the tendency can be to simply review the event as a row over the same old issues. This assumption pervades much of the scholarly literature that deals with early Methodism. Moreover, much of that same literature addresses the dispute from John Wesley’s vantage point, often harbouring a bias towards his Evangelical Arminianism. Yet the question must be asked: was there more to the ‘Free Grace’ controversy than a simple rehashing of old arguments? This book answers this complex question by setting out the definitive account of the ‘Free Grace’ controversy in first decade of the Evangelical Revival (1739-49). Centred around the key players in the fracas, John Wesley and George Whitefield, it is a close analysis of the way in which the doctrine of predestination was instrumental in differentiating the early Methodist societies from one another. It recounts the controversy through the lens of doctrinal analysis and from two distinct perspectives: the propositional content of a given doctrine and how that doctrine exerts formative pressure upon the assenting individual(s). What emerges from this study is a clearer picture of the formative years of early Methodism and the vital role that doctrinal pronouncement played in giving a shape to early Methodist identity. It will, therefore, be of great interest to scholars of Methodism, Evangelicalism, Theology and Church History.

Did Christ atone for the sins of humanity on the cross? Does God desire all people to be saved and direct his grace toward all people for that purpose? There are some Christians following a deterministic paradigm who believe this is not true. They believe God has predestined some people for heaven and many, or even most, for hell. The rising tide of Calvinism and its "TULIP" theology needs to be respectfully answered. Grace for All: The Arminian Dynamics of Salvation features a distinguished international panel of scholars to examine this controversy. These writers address issues such as election, free will, grace, and assurance. They make compelling scriptural arguments for the universality of God's grace, contending that Christ atoned for the sins of all people and that God sincerely offers forgiveness for all through Christ. This book strives to uncover the biblical position on salvation. We hope the reader will enjoy this stimulating series of articles on the Arminian perspective and that it will spur further writing and discussion. Grace for All: The Arminian Dynamics of Salvation is an updated and revised version of Grace Unlimited, a 1975 collection of scholarly articles assembled by the late Clark H. Pinnock of McMaster Divinity College. The Contributors: David J.A. Clines Jack Cottrell Vernon Grounds William G. MacDonald I. Howard Marshall Roger Olson Grant Osborne Robert Picirilli Clark Pinnock J. Matthew Pinson Vic Reasoner Glen Shellrude James D. Strauss John D. Wagner Steve Witzki

Grace and salvation are probably the most important topics of Christian conversations, and all other doctrinal affirmations are sometimes reduced to serve supporting roles. They are ultimately inseparable; after all, salvation is by grace. Recent decades revealed an even deeper fascination on this tandem. Developments in biblical studies caused interest in reconstructing our long-held interpretations. The Reformation dictum “justification by grace through faith” is being evaluated in the light of a more holistic approach to the entire Bible. A call to return to the New Testament’s Jewish roots guides theologians today to appropriate Hebrew thought and appreciate the continuity of salvation history from the time of creation. Insights about humanity created in the image of God, arguments about the vocation of humans as priests of creation, emphasis on the relationship between worship and mission, and zealous concerns for environmental care have also influenced the discussions about God’s saving grace. All these themes are given attention here, although in varying degrees. This book is unashamedly biblical and Wesleyan in its approach. It presents the biblical narrative from creation to the final consummation, highlighting elements of grace and salvation as progressively revealed in the Bible.

This first effort at constructive Wesleyan theology to appear in United Methodist circles since the formation of the denomination in 1868 draws on the historical and literary work that has characterized Wesley studies in recent years. However, it moves beyond them to propose a way of reconstructing essential elements of Wesley's thought in service of the life and mission of United Methodists today.

"This work, impressively documented, avoids fruitless speculation and gets down to the basics of the Christian faith. In a clear writing style the author powerfully articulates the unique activity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and shows how the work of each complements the other." Dr. Kenneth Kinghorn, Dean of the School of Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary "Focus is all-important. This book, biblical throughout, proceeds from the perspective of God's loving grace, and maintains this perspective as the whole revelation of God is unfolded in its light. The Trinity is rightly honored as this theology interacts helpfully with many other theological views and clarifies anew much that traditionally has been valued. This is fresh material that serves the church fruitfully and also speaks meaningfully to contemporary culture--exactly what good theology should do." Rev. Dr. James Earl Massey, Dean Emeritus, Anderson University School of Theology