A Discouraged Seeker
On the evening of May 24, 1738, in London, a discouraged John Wesley found himself at a Moravian society meeting on Aldersgate Street. Despite his reluctance, he attended, searching for the assurance of faith he felt he lacked. Wesley, a man deeply versed in religious practice and theology, had spent years seeking peace but had yet to find the assurance that his sins were forgiven.
A Heart Strangely Warmed
As the gathering progressed, someone read from Martin Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans. Wesley later wrote in his journal about this moment, "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. 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."
Victory Through Grace
This experience marked a turning point in Wesley's life. Although he soon faced doubts and temptations, he described how he found himself crying out for divine help, and God provided. Wesley noted the difference between his state before and after Aldersgate: previously, he strived under the law and often faced defeat, but now, through grace, he found victory.
The World as His Parish
Wesley's encounter with God at Aldersgate transformed his ministry. No longer confined by conventional structures, he embraced a broad mission field, famously declaring, "I look upon all the world as my parish." This newfound passion for sharing the message of salvation by faith and God's grace led to the rise of Methodism. By the time of Wesley's death in 1791, his movement had grown significantly, impacting countless lives. Through his testimony, Wesley gave all credit to Jesus for the change in his heart and life. His experience at Aldersgate not only assured him of his own salvation but also fueled a lifetime of service dedicated to spreading the good news across the world.