A Reluctant Attendee
On the evening of May 24, 1738, John Wesley, an Anglican priest, found himself reluctantly attending a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. Despite his initial resistance, something profound was about to happen. As someone read aloud Martin Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, Wesley experienced an unexpected change. In his own words, 'About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.'
Inner Turmoil
Wesley had long been a devout clergyman, yet he struggled with an inner turmoil. His rigorous religious practices and efforts to live a holy life left him feeling inadequate and questioning his faith. He had even traveled to America with the hope of converting others, only to return feeling like a failure. He lamented, 'I went to America to convert the Indians, but oh! who shall convert me?'
A Turning Point
That night on Aldersgate Street marked a turning point. Wesley recounted, '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 assurance was not merely intellectual; it was a profound shift that brought him peace and confidence in his relationship with God.
Following this experience, Wesley openly shared his newfound assurance, praying fervently for those who had wronged him. The transformation was evident not only in his personal life but also in his ministry. No longer striving through his own efforts, Wesley found strength in relying on Christ, marking a new chapter in his spiritual journey.
The Methodist Movement
The impact of this event extended beyond Wesley himself. It became a catalyst for the Methodist movement, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith and the significance of personal experience in one's faith journey. Although Wesley continued to face challenges, his Aldersgate experience laid the foundation for a life of dynamic faith and ministry.
