"We are not either carnal Christians or spiritual Christians; rather, all Christians are simultaneously sinful and spiritual—not because of their 'surrender,' but because of Christ's. We are all in the same category, simply at different points along the way.
The message of the Reformation has been salve in the wounds of many, including this writer. I am not a Christian with great faith or with praiseworthy character, but a Christian who is confident that I share with every regenerate Christian 'every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ' (Eph. 1:3). I am simultaneously sinful and justified, as I am simultaneously at peace with God because of Christ's imputed righteousness, but at war with myself because of Christ's imparted righteousness. I am not a 'successful runner,' but I am 'looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [my] faith' (Heb. 12:2). I trust and obey Christ (however feebly), and I know that I will continue trusting and obeying until the day I die—not because I have appropriated Christ, but because he has appropriated me."
— Dr. Michael S. Horton, Christ the Lord (The Reformation and Lordship Salvation), 33.
The message of the Reformation has been salve in the wounds of many, including this writer. I am not a Christian with great faith or with praiseworthy character, but a Christian who is confident that I share with every regenerate Christian 'every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ' (Eph. 1:3). I am simultaneously sinful and justified, as I am simultaneously at peace with God because of Christ's imputed righteousness, but at war with myself because of Christ's imparted righteousness. I am not a 'successful runner,' but I am 'looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [my] faith' (Heb. 12:2). I trust and obey Christ (however feebly), and I know that I will continue trusting and obeying until the day I die—not because I have appropriated Christ, but because he has appropriated me."
— Dr. Michael S. Horton, Christ the Lord (The Reformation and Lordship Salvation), 33.
Thank you! This has been great encouragement for me this morning.
ReplyDeleteBlaine, the Gospel is our daily bread.
ReplyDeleteBefore Christ returns, would a nation made up of all the elect be able to be a perfect nation?
ReplyDeleteThat's a blurring of the distinction between the Two Kingdoms, sir.
ReplyDeleteA geopolitical entity does not now, nor has ever, enjoyed the full blessings of the covenant of grace, in spite of what the Dispensationalists affirm. :-D