On the heels of my recent post, Shocking Beliefs of John Wesley, I came across a fascinating remark from George Whitefield regarding John Wesley.
Whitefield and Wesley were contemporaries who both had massive followings during their time. But they disagreed on a number of key theological points.
Whitefield was much more a Calvinist while Wesley was much more an Arminian.
In light of their doctrinal disagreements, someone once asked Whitefield if he thought he’d see Wesley in heaven. Here is Whitefield’s reply:
“I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly get sight of him.”
This statement alone reveals the spiritual stature of George Whitefield.
To recognize another servant of God’s place in the Kingdom despite doctrinal disagreements is a badge of a person who walks with God.
To speak well of another servant of God, honoring them in public even, is a mark of spiritual greatness and Christlike humility.
To have the insight to see when God’s hand is on a person, using them greatly, despite the doctrinal differences you may have with them, is a sign of someone who knows the Lord well.
Whitefield’s remark about Wesley is rare to see in our day where bickering, casting aspersions, and ignoring (especially) are the order of the day when it comes to theological disagreements among Christian leaders.
May Whitefield’s tribe increase!
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31
Question for Frank; Do you believe there are ‘levels’ in Heaven and that we will not all be able to get close enough to the Throne to see/worship our Lord? Many conflicting ideas, but I can’t believe this is possible, to NOT be able to approach HIS Throne. Thank you for your response. If possible, please respond via my email.
Mary
The NT teaches rewards and not everyone will receive the same reward in the Kingdom. However, Whitefield was making a point using imagery. I don’t think he was pointing to a doctrine.
Very very timely word- thank you!
Perfect timing for this, Frank. Just this morning, even before reading this, I apologized to two brothers for stupid things I said about their faith walks . . .and now your post. Obviously the Lord is wanting me to make some changes.
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN and AMEN. Thank you for sharing this timelessly valuable nugget which goes to remind us that NONE OF US are qualified to judge the heart of another brother or sister – much less those who are seemingly outside of the family. May we each encourage each other in the faith we stand in, from the faith we stand in. We can agree to disagree without casting aspersions on someone we disagree with. Especially in the organic expression of Christ, to minimize another brother/sister (or even a group of them) because they have not received a particular “revelation” is the same as setting up a hierarchy of the “haves” and the “have-nots” – which goes against the very nature of the body of Christ.
Keep those nuggets coming Brother!
I completely agree with this post. It is a mark of spiritual maturity and closeness to the heart of God to be able to honour those who hold doctrinal differences to us. Yes, may Whitefield’s tribe increase! May we who profess the Name of the Lord Jesus recognise that we are to pray for and honour our brothers and sisters in Christ rather than disdain them because they do not dot every ‘i’ and cross every theological ‘t’ like we do.
I think one of the greatest shocks we will get when we get to heaven is the presence of so many who have different doctrines to ours and are right at the throne of God worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth and lost in His Glory. Oh Glory Hallelujah!