摘要
摘 要 約翰‧衛斯理（John Wesley, 1703-1791）生於十八世紀的英格蘭，當時的安立甘教會（英國國教）靈性普遍低落、道德敗壞，寬容放縱成了風尚。正統派神學家在反對自然神論的戰鬥中，雖然打了一個思想上的勝仗，但它所鼓勵的個人在基督裡的新生命並沒有出現。直到衛斯理起來發動了靈性復興運動。 本文目的在於研究衛斯理的成聖觀。衛斯理對於成聖〈sanctification〉有很獨特的看法，他認為成聖與完全的愛是同一件事，愛神和愛人這兩條誡命是律法和先知一切道理的總綱，他希望把成聖視為真正的可能性，一個基督徒或者在死前可以達到「完全的」（perfect）地步。因為要實踐愛人如己，所以，衛斯理的成聖觀也表現於社會救助與竭力宣揚福音上。他不但強調個人的靈修、信仰上的敬虔，更強調對世界的參與。筆者所研究的和其他學者先進不同之處，在於筆者欲以衛斯理成聖的觀點為主軸，以此去分析他生長的時代背景、家族傳統、神學理念、其獨到的見解及終身對成聖觀的實踐。本論文共分三大章。第一章說明衛斯理的「成長背景及成聖觀的發展歷程」；第二章探討衛斯理的「成聖觀」；第三章敘述衛斯理對其「成聖觀之實踐」。 衛斯理在十八世紀社會道德敗壞、靈性低落的英格蘭，無疑是一位領導靈性復興運動的偉人，他所燃起的熾熱火焰，精神感召，直到二十一世紀的今天仍能深深激勵人心。歷史上，一個影響後代深遠的人物及事件，值得一再地被提醒。筆者希望藉著本文，能使衛斯理的「成聖觀」更廣為人知，從而效法，立志一生以追求「成聖」為目標。
並列摘要
Abstract John Wesley (1703-1791) was born in England in the 18th century when the low spirituality and moral decay were common in Anglican Church (nation religion of United Kingdom). Although Orthodox theologians won over deism in battle, the new life in Christ did not exist in every Christian until Wesley embarked on the spiritual renaissance. The purpose of this thesis is to study John Wesley’s doctrine of sanctification. Wesley had a unique view toward sanctification. He considered sanctification as perfect love. He thought perfection could be achievable; a Christian can reach the status of perfect before he/she dies. In order to live up to loving others as loving yourself, Wesley’s doctrine of sanctification was put into practice in social succor and gospel sharing. He emphasized not only individual spiritual study, religion piety, but also involvement in the world. What makes this study different from the rest lies in researcher’s intention to do the research on Wesley’s background, family tradition, theology, unique viewpoint and his everlasting devotion to the practice of sanctification, which are all based on his view point of sanctification. This thesis is composed of three chapters. The first chapter introduces Wesley’s background and his development of doctrine of sanctification. The second chapter explores Wesley’s doctrine of sanctification. The third chapter describes Wesley’s practice of sanctification. Wesley is undoubtedly a great man for leading spiritual renaissance in the United Kingdom in the 18th century when moral decay and low spirituality pervaded. The flames and inspiration he kindled still have a great impact on people even now. Events or people are worth being reminded if they can have great influences on others. The researcher would like to make Wesley’s concept of sanctification more widely known, furthermore; help them pursue sanctification as their lifelong goal.