Altogether a Christian: Selections from the Works of Reverend John Wesley (vegetarian), Part 2 of 2

Here the Reverend explains that while many people genuinely desire to serve God, do good, and abstain from evil, truly being an altogether Christian also requires a deep love strong faith, repentance, and salvation in God as well as love towards all human beings.

“[…] Now whosoever has this faith, which purifies the heart, by the power of God, who dwells therein, from pride, anger, desire, from all unrighteousness, from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, which fills it with love stronger than death, both to God and to all mankind; love that does the works of God, glorying to spend and to be spent for all men, and that endures with joy, […] whatsoever the wisdom of God permits […]; whosoever has this faith, thus working by love, is not almost only, but altogether a Christian.

But who are the living witnesses of these things? I beseech you, brethren, as in the presence of that God, before whom hell and destruction are without a covering: how much more the hearts of the children of men? That each of you would ask his own heart, ‘Am I of that number? […] If so, have I the very outside of a Christian? The form of godliness? Do I abstain from evil, from whatsoever is forbidden in the written word of God? Do I, whatever good my hand finds to do, do it with my might? Do I seriously use all the ordinances of God at all opportunities? And is all this done, with a sincere design and desire to please God in all things?’” […]

“The great question of all, then, still remains. Is the love of God shed abroad in your heart? Can you cry out, ‘My God and my all?’ Do you desire nothing but Him? Are you happy in God? Is He your glory, your delight, your crown of rejoicing? And is this commandment written in your heart, that he who loves God love his brother also? Do you then love your neighbor as yourself? Do you love every man, even your enemies, even the enemies of God, as your own soul? As Christ loved you? […]

Remember, always to pray and not to faint, till thou also can lift up thy hand unto Heaven, and declare to Him that lives for ever and ever, ‘Lord, Thou know all things, Thou know that I love Thee.’ May we all thus experience what it is, to be not almost only, but altogether Christians! Being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus: knowing we have peace with God through Jesus Christ: rejoicing in hope of the glory of God, and having the love of God shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Spirit given unto us!”