Meaning: The quote "We should so work as if we were to be saved by our works; and so rely on Jesus Christ, as if we did no works" by Francis Asbury, a prominent clergyman, encapsulates a fundamental tension in Christian theology regarding the interplay between faith and works. This quote touches on the age-old debate about the role of human effort in salvation and the necessity of divine grace in the Christian faith.

At the heart of this quote is the concept of salvation, which lies at the core of Christian belief. The idea of being "saved by our works" refers to the notion that one's actions and deeds play a role in determining their salvation. This aligns with the teachings of many Christian denominations that emphasize the importance of good works, moral living, and obedience to God's commandments as essential components of the Christian life. The concept of "relying on Jesus Christ, as if we did no works" reflects the belief in the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice and the idea that salvation is ultimately granted through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through human effort alone.

Francis Asbury's quote can be understood within the broader theological framework of the Protestant Reformation, particularly the teachings of Martin Luther and John Calvin. Luther, a key figure in the Reformation, emphasized the doctrine of justification by faith alone, arguing that salvation comes through faith in Christ rather than through good works. This perspective challenged the prevailing belief in the Catholic Church at the time, which placed a strong emphasis on the role of good works and sacraments in attaining salvation. Similarly, Calvin emphasized the sovereignty of God in salvation, asserting that it is God's grace alone that saves individuals, and that good works are a fruit of that salvation rather than a means to achieve it.

The tension between faith and works has been a source of debate and division within Christianity for centuries. Various Christian traditions have grappled with how to reconcile the seemingly contradictory teachings of the New Testament regarding faith and works. The apostle Paul's writings, particularly in his letters to the Romans and Galatians, have been central to this theological discourse. In these letters, Paul emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the means of salvation, while also affirming the significance of a transformed life marked by good works as a result of that faith.

The quote by Francis Asbury reflects a balanced approach to this theological tension, advocating for a harmonious integration of faith and works in the Christian life. It encourages believers to live out their faith through good works while recognizing that ultimate salvation comes through reliance on the grace of Jesus Christ. This perspective aligns with the teachings of the Wesleyan tradition, of which Francis Asbury was a prominent figure. The Wesleyan theological emphasis on the transformative power of God's grace and the pursuit of holiness through acts of mercy, justice, and compassion resonates with the sentiments expressed in the quote.

In conclusion, Francis Asbury's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between faith and works in the Christian understanding of salvation. It encapsulates the ongoing theological dialogue within Christianity regarding the relationship between human effort and divine grace, and it encourages believers to embrace a holistic approach to their Christian walk, recognizing the inseparable connection between faith in Christ and a life characterized by good works.