Five Things Methodists Don't Believe

Although the vast majority of Christian doctrines and beliefs are things that we hold in common, there are some "Methodist distinctives," and it is important for us to understand them. This message was an attempt to do that - in reverse - by thinking together about some beliefs that are NOT part of our Methodist tradition. As a reminder the five things are as follows:

1 - There is only one way to interpret the Bible.

2 - The Communion table should be closed.

3 - To receive the Holy Spirit, you have to speak in tongues.

4 - Once saved, always saved.

5 - Whatever will be, will be.

Here is a follow up on these thoughts:

BIBLE INTERPRETATION. Here are some more thoughts from John Wesley on this matter (paraphrased, to be more understandable, and for brevity).

"Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? If it is, give me your hand. (2 Kings 10:15)"

This does not mean you must share my opinion. I do not expect or desire that. Nor does it mean I must share your opinion. You keep your opinion and I will keep mine, as steadily as ever. Let all opinions alone on one side or the other - only "give me your hand."

This does not mean you must embrace my form of worship or I must embrace yours. This does not depend on your choice or mine. We both must act as we are fully persuaded. If you think one form of church organization to be better, then think and act accordingly. I believe that infants ought to be baptized. If you are otherwise persuaded, follow your own persuasion. I have no desire to dispute with you on these "smaller points." Let them never come into sight. If your heart is as my heart, if you love God and all mankind, I ask no more - "give me your hand."

You can read more of this sermon by John Wesley.

This short statement from United Methodist doctrinal standards is a good description of the proper authority of Scripture:

"We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation."

OPEN COMMUNION. This is not particularly controversial in Methodist circles, as it is a long-standing tradition. Interestingly it is more of a custom than it is a matter of written doctrine or policy. Read more about current discussions on open Communion.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES. Methodists hold a sort of "middle ground" here. Some Christians suggest that the experience of "speaking in tongues" is the defining mark of having received the Holy Spirit. At the other extreme, some Christians suggest that speaking in tongues is no longer an authentic experience of the Holy Spirit. The "middle ground" holds that speaking in tongues is indeed an authentic gift of the Holy Spirit given to some, but that it is not a gift that is given to all believers - in other words, you can certainly receive the Holy Spirit without speaking in tongues. See this discussion for further thought. (Although this comes from a Greek Orthodox perspective, it is a pretty good description of the "middle ground.")

ONCE SAVED, ALWAYS SAVED. This teaching is sometimes called "eternal security." Methodists believe that even though God never gives up on us, it is always possible for us to use our free will to turn away from God - sad so that would be. See this discussion.

WHATEVER WILL BE, WILL BE. Methodists come from an Arminian background (emphasizing the fact that God's love is offered to everyone - and we have the free will to respond) rather than a Calvinist background (which suggests that some are chosen and others are not.) Here is a good discussion of both Arminian and Calvinist thought.

Here are more frequently asked questions about Methodist beliefs.

Here are some additional Scripture references:

THE BIBLE. Psalm 119:97-105. 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Hebrews 4:12-13. 2 Peter 1:20-21.
COMMUNION. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. Galatians 3:26-28. Ephesians 4:4-6.
TONGUES. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. 1 Corinthians 12:27-31. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5.
FREE WILL. Romans 11:22. Galatians 5:4. Colossians 1:22-23. Hebrews 6:4-6. Hebrews 10:26-27. James 5:19-20. 2 Peter 2:20-22. 2 Peter 3:17-18.

Finally, just to be fair, here are some counterpoint views on some of these issues, which you may also want to read:

A defense of "closed Communion"

A defense of "speaking in tongues" as THE sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit

A defense of the idea that "speaking in tongues" is no longer an active gift of the Spirit

A defense of the teaching - "once saved, always saved"

A defense of the idea - "whatever will be, will be"