When God's Love Touches a Young Man's Heart
As young men, Charles Wesley and his brother John, had “a fair summer religion” until their conversion in 1738. Both were ordained preachers, they taught, wrote, composed hymns, and were missionaries. Even so, neither found success until they discovered a personal relationship with Jesus. Before they met Jesus, their religion was one of outward practice, not inward transformation. But God, rich in mercy, heard their mother’s persistent prayers for her children.
In 1735 Charles left his home in London to become a missionary in Georgia. His efforts failed and he returned to England less than 2 years later. He was doubting his salvation and physically ill with pleurisy. As he lay sick in bed, someone said to him, “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise, and believe, and thou shalt be healed of all thy infirmities.”He records in his journal that upon hearing these words:
I got out of bed and opening my Bible read from the Psalms: “He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God,” followed by the first verse of Isaiah 40, “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.”
These words churned in his mind until he was able to rest in the understanding that salvation is by faith (Eph. 2:8):
I labored, waited, and prayed to feel who loved me, and gave himself for me. At midnight I gave myself up to Christ: assured I was safe, sleeping or waking. I had continued experience of his power to overcome all temptation; and confessed, with joy and surprise, that he was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me, above what I can ask or think . . . I now found myself at peace with God and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ. I saw that by faith I stood . . . the Spirit of God chased away the darkness of my unbelief and I have found myself at peace with God” (Dudley-Smith, 1987)).
Charles’ strength returned and two days later he began his prolific hymn writing journey. According to the editor of The Oxford Edition of the Works of John Wesley, And Can It Be was written immediately following Charles Wesley’s conversion to Christianity on May 21, 1738.” It has become one of his best-loved hymns, capturing the joy and awe of salvation, so fresh and piquant in the heart and mind of this newly born child of God.” His mother’s prayers for her son’s salvation fulfilled. Charles is now on the path of God’s grace in his life, assured of his own salvation.
How to Know for Sure You Are a Christian
For several months our youngest son questioned his salvation. It bothered him tremendously. One night, when I was away, he woke his dad, confessed every sin he could think of, and fell sound asleep assured of his salvation.
Your turn: If you have ever questioned your salvation, today is the day settle it for good. Confess to Him every sin that comes to mind. Thank Him for cleansing you with His blood. Quiet your racing mind and listen. Is He speaking to your heart? Memorialize the assurance of your salvation by recording it in your journal, writing a song, or “planting” a marker in your yard confirming that you have been born again today. Next time you are questioning your salvation, return to your journal, song, or marker and thank God for His amazing love for you.