Justification by Grace Alone

In Christianity, "justification" is the event or process by which sinners are made or declared to be righteous in the sight of God. During John Wesley's time, two common Reformation teachings shaped the conversation: "Justification by Faith Alone" (sola fide), meaning that justification comes on the basis of faith, and "Scripture Alone" (sola scriptura), meaning that the Bible is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice.

Wesley affirmed the importance of both faith and Scripture, but his teachings emphasized something distinctive: Justification by Grace Alone — salvation comes by divine grace, or "unmerited favor" only, not as something merited or earned.

Methodist Sacraments — Baptism and Communion

A sacrament is a sacred act instituted by Christ — a visible sign of God's love and grace acting in our lives. Like most other Protestants, United Methodists recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper (also called Communion or the Eucharist). United Methodists also celebrate other important acts of worship, including confirmation, marriage, funerals, family devotions, and the laying on of hands — but baptism and communion hold a unique place because Jesus himself participated in them.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the occasion for public profession of faith in Christ, commitment to lives of Christian discipleship, and acceptance of the responsibilities of church membership.

In Confirmation, God reaffirms the divine promise given at baptism, members make a personal commitment to God before the congregation, and participants strengthen their faith and relationship with God.

Membership Vows

New members are asked to covenant together: