Let us Plead for Faith Alone

“Let Us Plead for Faith Alone” is a hymn written by Charles Wesley during the eighteenth century. The hymn reflects one of the central teachings of the Protestant Reformation and the Methodist revival, that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works or merit. Wesley’s text encourages believers to trust entirely in the grace of God revealed in Christ.

The hymn emphasizes the biblical teaching that people are justified by faith. Romans 3:28 declares that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Wesley’s words call believers to rely on the mercy of God and to seek forgiveness and righteousness through faith in Christ rather than through their own efforts.

Another theme in the hymn comes from Ephesians 2:8–9, which teaches that salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith, not something earned by works. The hymn invites worshipers to plead with God for this gift of faith and to rest in the assurance that God freely gives salvation to those who trust in Him.

The hymn also reflects the message of Galatians 2:16, where the apostle Paul explains that a person is justified by faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law. Wesley often wrote hymns that clearly expressed this doctrine, helping ordinary worshipers understand and sing about the biblical teaching of salvation.

Finally, the hymn reflects the importance of faith described in Hebrews 11:6, which teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is portrayed as the means by which believers come to God, receive His promises, and live in obedience to Him.

Through its focus on the grace of God and the necessity of faith, “Let Us Plead for Faith Alone” expresses a key theme of Wesley’s theology and ministry. The hymn encourages believers to depend completely on Christ for salvation and to trust in the transforming power of God’s grace.