Methodist vs. Presbyterian

Main Difference

The main difference between the beliefs Methodist and Presbyterian is that the Methodists reject the Calvinist doctrine of predestination (only certain people are destined for salvation, whereas the rest are destined or devoted by God to damnation) while the Presbyterians accept it.

Difference Between Methodist and Presbyterian

Comparison Chart

Methodist vs. Presbyterian

Methodists and Presbyterians are two of the many denominations that are there in Christianity. Methodists have a belief that the fallen men can ask God for his grace to save themselves. Presbyterians believe that men need the grace of God for their salvation, but they cannot seek God on their own. Methodists reject the Calvinist’s doctrine of predestination while the Presbyterians accept it. The rejection or acceptance of the John Calvinist doctrine of predestination is a fundamental difference. In simple words, John Calvin’s doctrine says that only certain people are destined for salvation, whereas the rest of them are destined (or devoted by God) to damnation. John Wesley found Methodist Church in England in 1739. He broke his ties with the ideology of Wesleyism, the Church, and the beliefs based on Lutheranism. John Knox, a formal Catholic priest, found Presbyterian Church in 1560. It has its roots in Calvinism (founded by Knox in Scotland). Methodists say that all those people who believe in God will get salvation. Presbyterians say that God has already chosen those he wants to save. The Methodist Church allows the death penalty only for serious crimes. The Presbyterian openly opposes the death penalty for any crime. The Methodist recognizes the good deeds of the people as a symbol of the strength of their faith. It focuses on deeds, not creeds. The Presbyterian believes in the justification by grace. They believe the ‘predestined elect’ as the only thing that will lead to heaven. Methodist is a tradition based belief. Presbyterians have their unique system of leadership by their elders (or “presbyters”).

What is Methodist?

Methodist is one of the many denominations that are there in Christianity. It is a branch of the Protestant movement. It originated in the British Isles, and become popular among Christian followers in the United States. The Methodist movement is founded by John Wesley, who was a British theologian and thinker with his younger brother Charles in the 18^th century England. Methodists reject John Calvinist’s doctrine of predestination ( only certain people are destined for salvation, whereas the rest of the people are destined or devoted by God to damnation). Methodists have a belief that the fallen men can ask God for his grace to save themselves. It is important to know how The Methodist Church addresses social issues. It allows the death penalty only for serious crimes. It recognizes the good deeds of the people as a symbol of the strength of their faith. It focuses on deeds, not creeds. The Methodist Church employs a worship guide known as ‘The Directory of Worship.’ Methodists teach that, if the believer is to turn away from God’s teaching at some point of his life, despite his granted Salvation, he can potentially lose it and return to the “unsaved” state. Methodist also says that salvation is for those members who believe in God. Methodists give the responsibility to their already existing pastors of presiding over the respective regions of the Methodist Churches. They send them to various church locations.

Important Features

• Missionary work
• Service through hospitals, schools, and orphanage
• The spread of the gospel.

What is Presbyterian?

Presbyterian Church is a division of Protestant Church which is greatly influenced by the teachings and beliefs and of John Calvin. John Calvin is the great 18th-century theologian from France. John Knox founded Presbyterian Church in 1560. He was a formal Catholic priest. Presbyterian has its roots in Calvinism. Presbyterians accept the core theologian doctrine of Calvinism, which is also called the Doctrine of Grace. The Doctrine of Grace essentially stipulates the qualities of the Divine Grace granted by God to chosen ones. Presbyterians have their unique system of leadership by their elders (or “presbyters”). They believe that men need the grace of God for their salvation, but they cannot seek God on their own. Presbyterians say that God has already chosen those he wants to save by believing the ‘predestined elect’ as the only thing that will lead to heaven. One important thing is how the Presbyterian Church addresses social issues. It openly opposes the death penalty for any crime. It believes in the justification by grace. The Presbyterian Church uses the ‘The Book of Discipline’ as its worship guide. The Presbyterian faith hires or ‘calls’ pastors to serve the community.

Important Features

• God grants Salvation to chosen ones
• Salvation is permanent
• Divine Grace is unequivocal

Conclusion

Methodists and Presbyterians are the two denominations of Christianity. There are considerable differences between the religious teachings and practices between both.