Is being good the way to heaven? Being religious? Jesus said, “You must be born again.”

John Wesley, spiritual forefather of Methodist, Pentecostal, and Holiness churches and the Salvation Army, explains Jesus’ words in this brief classic. One of the standard sermons Wesley required his circuit riders to learn and re-preach, The New Birth shows that religion and morality are good but new life in Jesus is vital.

Wesley pulls no punches. But his 18th-century English is hard for most modern readers. As with his best-selling John Wesley’s The Character of a Methodist, David Wentz has updated the language to restore its original force and spirit. The result is a text that readers of all levels of theological interest and expertise will understand and enjoy.

This short book is ideal for small groups and adult Sunday School classes. Dr. Wentz has added an introduction that sets the work in context, thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each section, a brief guide on how to lead small groups, and a suggested six-week schedule. For further study, Wesley’s numerous Scripture quotes and allusions are identified. Wesley’s full original version is included as an appendix.

John Wesley’s The New Birth is part of The John Wesley in Modern Language Series. In a time of upheaval in global Christianity, these brief, accessible summaries of Wesley’s foundational emphases are required reading.