Indwelling sin—it is the scourge of the Christian life, even more so than the world or the devil. Though the Christian has been made a partaker of the nature of Christ through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, still, absolute freedom from sin is not to be had in this present age.
To be sure, it is the Christian's duty to be mortifying sin in his life, as far as he is aware of particular instances of dominance. However, it may come as some comfort to know that this enemy has both a God-glorifying and man-benefiting function, the knowledge of which can never be a warrant for lawlessness, but is actually the impetus behind the pedagogical use of the Law.
John Owen writes,
To be sure, it is the Christian's duty to be mortifying sin in his life, as far as he is aware of particular instances of dominance. However, it may come as some comfort to know that this enemy has both a God-glorifying and man-benefiting function, the knowledge of which can never be a warrant for lawlessness, but is actually the impetus behind the pedagogical use of the Law.
John Owen writes,
"To mortify sin is not utterly to kill, root it out, and destroy it, that it should have no more hold at all nor residence in our hearts. It is true this is that which is aimed at; but this is not in this life to be accomplished. There is no man that truly sets himself to mortify any sin, but he aims at, intends, desires its utter destruction, that it should leave neither root nor fruit in the heart or life. He would so kill it that it should never more nor stir anymore, cry or call, seduce or tempt, to eternity. Its not-being is the thing aimed at. Now, though doubtless there may, by the Spirit and grace of Christ, a wonderful success and eminency of victory against any sin be attained, so that a man may have almost constant triumph over it, yet an utter killing and destruction of it, that it should not be, is not in this life to be expected. This Paul assures us of: 'Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect' (Phil. 3:12). He was a choice saint, a pattern for believers, who, in faith and love, and all the fruits of the Spirit, had not his fellow in the world, and on that account ascribes perfection to himself in comparison of others (v. 15); yet he had not 'attained,' he was not 'perfect,' but was 'following after' (v. 12): still a vile body he had, and we have, that must be changed by the great power of Christ at last (v. 21). This we would have; but God sees it best for us that we should be complete in nothing in ourselves, that in all things we must be 'complete in Christ,' which is best for us (Col. 2:10)" (Overcoming Sin and Temptation, eds. Kelly M. Kapic & Justin Taylor [Illinois: Crossway, 2006], 69-70, italics original, emphasis mine).
Great reminder! While Christians are unanimous as to our common goal - the eradication of sin from our nature so that we become fully and perfectly Christ-like as far as the absence of sin is concerned - there is, however, divergence of views as to when this goal is finally achieved. Paul and John are rather explicit when this goal is finally attained: at the second coming of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6; 1 John 2:1-3). In the meantime, we are caught in the paradox of groaning within ourselves because of this indwelling sin and rejoicing because of what and who we are in Christ.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! I find that the longer I walk with the Lord, the more heavily my sins weighs upon my heart. On the one hand, I can see this and be discouraged, almost as if I'm moving backwards...on the other hand, I can see this as the work of the Holy Spirit wisely and gently revealing to me the extent of my sin and encouraging my complete dependence upon Him.
ReplyDeleteBro. Blaine,
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure to be a blessing to you. Keep up the fight and faith.
YIC,
Warren
TCI Doha,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your encouraging comments on the UD. By the way, are you male or female? I ask so that I may know how to address you appropriately. :-D
YIC,
Warren
I'm the pastor of The Church In Doha. Address me as male.
ReplyDeleteUnderdog Theology is definitely fulfilling a very important, much needed and timely ministry in the Church. Please keep on for the Lord's sake. While we cannot and we must not expect perfection in any system of theology, I find Underdog Theology very sound and rock-solid in its Christology and soteriology. Your understanding of the gospel and its fruit in the believer must be shared to a Church that has become infatuated with a candy-coated gospel. You are blessed!