(According to John Wesley. The following is from Wesley's book, A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.)
"Indeed, how God may work, we cannot tell; but the general manner wherein he does work is this:
- Those who once trusted in themselves that they were righteous, that they were rich, and increased in goods, and had need of nothing, are, by the Spirit of God applying his word, convinced that they are poor and naked.
- All the things that they have done are brought to their remembrance and set in array before them, so that they see the wrath of God hanging over their heads, and feel that they deserve the damnation of hell.
- In their trouble they cry unto the Lord, and he shows them that he hath taken away their sins, and opens the kingdom of heaven in their hearts, righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
- Sorrow and pain are fled away, and sin has no more dominion over them.
- Knowing they are justified freely through faith in his blood, they have peace with God through Jesus Christ; they 'rejoice in hope of the glory of God,' and 'the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts.'"
