Quote:
Originally Posted by Amazing Grace  Question 78: Whence arises the imperfection of sanctification in believers?
Answer: The imperfection of sanctification in believers arises from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit; whereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins, are hindered in all their spiritual services, and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God.
now am I profoundly ignorant to read these words plainly? if my best works are defiled and filthy rags in the site of God, then how could I ever imagine that perversions of modesty or any other peccadillo rule is not filthy? Can these defiled good works earn His blessing? Not for one second.
For now, I stand by my convictions stronger than ever, and echo the words regarding Marhsall's truth in his book:
The message of the gospel is that we do not become holy by doing, but by not doing – we do not work so that we may become holy, but we become holy by faith, with the result that we begin to work naturally, from our heart. Sadly, many who recognize this truth in the matter of justification forget it when it comes to sanctification. But we are no more able for the latter than we are for the former, apart from the work of Christ in us.
It may be objected that such a teaching must result in license and lawlessness. But as Marshall demonstrates, it is actually the teaching of a works-based sanctification that issues in lawlessness, for it throws the pursuit of holiness on the abilities of the flesh, which can do nothing according to God’s law. The pursuit of sanctification by the gospel-truth of faith in Christ is the only means that can ever be successful.
This truth, when apprehended, produces some marvelous results: first, it gives all glory to God alone, for the whole process of salvation – without him, none of it is possible. Second, it serves to alleviate the tormented conscience, and makes the yoke of Christ’s law easy and refreshing indeed – for it turns our eyes to him, when before they were fixed on the impossible weight of the law hanging over our weak resolve. And finally, it actually produces true and acceptable holiness, where years of ardent efforts had left only failure and defeat – for it is only through gospel faith that Christ’s power flows through us because of our vital union with him.
The above is all I can say on the matter and give a heart Amen to it. If it denies the so called predominent view of the 3rd use, then so be it. I will not live the rest of my saved life under the burden of Law keeping in some synergistic thought of sanctification. I will not have my Lord die in vain. I will only have my savior carry me through the Law on His back, through faith and faith alone. Now I am assured that my works are not defiled becasue of Him, not because of my own efforts cooperating. I am monergistic all the way from beginning to end. |
I understand your position very well, and acknowledge your perception of it (as well as mine) as being true according to my knowledge; no matter who disagrees with it. I have thought through both sides, and have come across what I think is the correct foundation. God is truly monergistic; both at all time and at all events. Yet, it appears synergistic to us from our perspective, for our wills must act by God's compulsion; and how else are we to account for that?
The purpose of the Law of Moses is to point out what is sin and what is not sin. So, let us welcome such introspection into our 21st century lives; not so that it will condemn us, but so that it will scrape us and "find us out" in comparison to the perfection of Christ.
Yet, above all of this, is the truth that we are saved because of the work of Christ! He is our substitute before the Father! He justifies us by his imputation! And, he sanctifies us progressively by his ongoing work within us! Our assurance lies upon his promise; and nothing less!!!
Sanctification is both progressive and irregular to many! Often believers see themselves going backwards when they are actually progressing forwards in the light. So, just because our sanctification does not appear to be present, does not mean that it is truly is not present. Sometimes, the only sanctification we receive is the conviction that we are not currently being sanctified externally very much! Yet, we may very well be despising our sin more and more; even though we do not know it very well; or perhaps we are not despising it near the degree that we ought to, yet we acknowledge it more clearly than we ever did! So, dare we to evaluate our sanctification so minutely???
Perhaps God will welcome upon us some season of time like he did to our brother David, when for nearly an entire year he did not recongnize his obvious lust and murderous heart before the Lord? Are we any more sanctified than he??? Remember Luther's words, for those who regard him, "a believer is being sanctified, although you may never see it." Sanctification appears as is reletive to our perception. And so, we must be careful as to how we evaluate the presence of such. For, it may very well be present, yet not accountable for.
Blessings!