The General Rules of the Methodist Societies
As taught in the Methodist / Wesleyan tradition
The practical ethics of 'Doing no harm,' 'Doing good,' and 'Attending upon all the ordinances of God.'
In the Methodist tradition, the central question of the Christian life is not merely "What must I believe?" but "How shall I live in a way that manifests the power of godliness?" This fundamental inquiry gave birth to one of the most enduring and structurally significant documents in the Wesleyan movement: The Nature, Design, and General Rules of the United Societies. First published in 1743 by John and Charles Wesley, these rules were never intended to be a new legalism or a replacement for the Gospel. Instead, they were designed as a "map of holiness"—a practical guide for those who, having been "awakened" by the grace of God, sought to "flee from the wrath to come" and walk the path of sanctification.
By the end of this lesson
- **Identify** the three primary categories of the General Rules of the Methodist Societies as articulated by John Wesley.
- **Distinguish** between the "means of grace" (ordinances) and the "works of mercy" within the Wesleyan ethical framework.
- **Explain** the theological concept of "social holiness" and its relationship to the General Rules.
- **Articulate** how the General Rules serve as a practical guide for the doctrine of sanctification and Christian perfection.
- **Trace** the biblical foundations of the Rules through specific Old and New Testament passages.
- **Defend** the role of disciplined community and accountability in the Methodist tradition's approach to Christian living.
- **Apply** the principles of "doing no harm" and "doing good" to contemporary ethical dilemmas and social justice issues.
- **Compare** the Methodist "General Rules" with other historical Christian ethical codes or confessions.
Scripture
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