Recent previous posts (and my sermon on Sunday) emphasized the Biblical teaching that a true conversion involves an unconditional surrender and whole-souled commitment to the Lordship of Christ (i.e., 'repentance'). This section on (progressive) sanctification reminds us, at the same time, that throughout our Christian life in this world, we face the struggle against indwelling sin. But it is a struggle where the power of the Spirit is stronger than the influence of the 'flesh.' (Cp. Gal.5:16ff.):
1. Those who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified—truly and personally—through the power of Christ's death and resurrection, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them.
The dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, its various lusts are more and more weakened and put to death, and those called and regenerated are more and more enlivened and strengthened in all saving graces, leading to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
2. This sanctification, although imperfect in this life, is effected in every part of man's nature. Some remnants of corruption still persist in every part, and so there arises a continual and irreconcilable war—the flesh warring against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.
3. Although in this war the remaining corruption may strongly prevail for a time, yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate nature overcomes, and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
-- Westminster Confession of Faith (1993 Modern Language edition)
2 comments:
This is so true and I am see this in my own life. One of the main ways I continually find strength and encouragment in the pursuit of holiness is the reminder of the incredible truth of the gospel. Being the foundational begining for the transformation in my life. As I continually see that if it were not for Christ continual work and grace in my life I would be no farther forward. It comes only by God's grace through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Of course there is the issue of whether or not I am yeilding to and giving way to the spirits work in my life. Praise God for His incredible work. I was just shown that even in the area of defeating sin regurally pride rose up. For I was putting the confidence in myself. So here I am having to humble myself before God and embrace the truth that my justification and my sanctification only come through God. So that I may have no grounds to boast but in Christ alone.
Good thoughts, Erik. Keller's new book, "The Prodigal God," is another great reminder for us to keep our Christian faith and life gospel-centered.
-- Doug
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