Posted on 09/16/2016 5:09:44 AM PDT by Gamecock
Martin Luther gave the following analogy: When we are justified, it is as though a doctor has just administered a sure and certain remedy for a fatal disease. Though the patient may still endure a temporary struggle with the residual effects of his illness, the outcome is no longer in doubt. The physician pronounces the patient cured even though a rehabilitation process must still be carried out.
So it is with our justification. In Christ, God pronounces us just by the imputation of the merits of His Son. Along with that declaration, God administers something to us; He gives us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit begins immediately to work within us to bring us to holy living.
The New Testament contains a ringing paradox with respect to sanctification. The Bible says, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for God is at work within you both to will and to do” (Phil. 2:12b–13a). Notice that there are two agents working here. We are called to work and God promises to work as well. We call this activity synergism. It is a cooperative effort between God and man.
Coram Deo
Are you cooperating with God in the process of sanctification or are you depending on Him to do it all?
Passages for Further Study
2 Corinthians 6:2For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Romans 13:11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, More »
This weeks Hymn
Rock Of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Cleanse me from it’s guilt and power
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to thy cross I cling
Nothing In my hand I bring
Simply to thy cross I cling
Naked, ccome to thee for dress
Helpless, look to thee for grace
Vile, I to the fountain fly
Wash me Savior, or I die
Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Post
Very good post.
We all need to be reminded about that from time to time.
Thanks.
My work is to fear and tremble, His work is finished.
Thank you my friend, for both the post and the hymn. Both much needed.
I just had a total knee replacement a few months ago. Rehab is very hard and very slow for me. Not it will serve as a reminder that I am to work hard through it. The Surgeon’s work was finished (in about 3 hours). Mine will take a long long time.
I will pray for you!
My knee replacement is out there somewhere, waiting. Only God knows the time.
Thank you. The other one is like yours.. out there waiting..
Have a blessed weekend, my friend.
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