John Wesley was part of a group of Christians, that became known as ,'The Holy Club', they were very religious. The membership was never large; twenty -five appears to have been their highest number. It was John who eventually became the leader of the Holy Club, C.E. Vulliamy points out that from a religious point of view , they had a definite emphasis upon salvation by works alone. It was not till much later that John came to realise that one was saved by faith alone. The word of God tells us clearly that one can only be saved by faith alone ,and that rules out good works. Ephesians 2 v8 - 9. To many people this does not make sense ,surly by helping others , giving to the poor,being religious ,etc that will gain one salvation . The fact is none of that can, or will save anyone.There is only one work that can save you, the death of Christ on the cross,you cannot add a plus to the gospel,if you do, you are making it your gospel, and your gospel cannot save. It is only the gospel of God that saves,that and that alone.
' Not what my hands have done
Can save my guilty soul;
Not what I feel or do
Can give me peace with God;
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears
Can bear my awful load.
Thy work alone O Christ,
Can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
Can give me peace within.'
Words Horatius Bonar.
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