Moral reform is not of the essence of Christian spirituality, though many teachers in our day seem to give off this impression. Some even ground supposed "blessing" and "victory" upon a manifestation of heightened moral virtue—a sort of divine payback for excellent performance. This is not the Christian life as pictured in Scripture.There is no other foundation upon which holiness in a believer's life is built than the work of the triune God in redemption, as declared and proclaimed in the gospel. The love of the Father, enfleshed in the atonement and mediation of the Son, as applied and made real by the Spirit in the person's life is the driving force, the engine, behind the "machinery" of sanctification, and thus holiness. It is to this truth that the Christian will find himself returning perennially in times of doubt, despair, defeat and despondency "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).
"Real spirituality is therefore not fundamentally about self-improvement but about intimacy and communion with the triune God who transforms the believer's life."
— Dr. Kelly Kapic, 'Evangelical Holiness: Assumptions in John Owen’s Theology of Christian Spirituality', WSC Convocation Lecture, 02/25/10.
Absolutely correct! Beleivers need to realize it is a relationshp that facilitates holiness not a ritual. Good post.
ReplyDeleteAnyone can be "moral" and a "good person" without the gospel. But no one can be right before God without it.
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