I agree with what you say about over-emphasis on the gospel (which includes so-called “gospel contemplation”). But, because there is some remaining sin in our flesh, I think we need to occasionally remind ourselves that we are where we are (saved) because of our triune God, not because of ourselves. In my case, I particularly need to do this when, for whatever “reason,” I am prideful. Not as part of a system, or because I think I may not be saved, but merely to maintain some humility. Any comments on this?
paulspassingthoughts said, on December 27, 2012 at 4:55 PM
Jeff,
Yes I do have a comment on this. The premise of your statement leading to the question is metaphysically flawed, and the linchpin phrase as such is, “I think we need to occasionally remind ourselves that we are where we are (saved) because of our triune God, not because of ourselves.” Why would we do that in regard to what we do in sanctification, or remind ourselves of such in sanctification, when what we do in sanctification has nothing to do whatsoever with our salvation? Hence, we are never told to contemplate our salvation and our own sinfulness to keep ourselves humble in sanctification. Instead, experiencing the things that the Holy Spirit does in our lives as a result of obedience can be very frightening. We obey, but what the Holy Spirit does in the midst can be very humbling. We simply begin to do things that we know we could never do on our own. He who does the will of God will know the doctrine–not the one who dwells at the foot of the cross (John 7:17). Not only that, the righteousness we are putting on is God’s righteousness and we would have never known of it had He not taught it to us. So where is the boasting? We are not to dwell on the flesh other than to put off its deeds.
paulspassingthoughts said, on December 27, 2012 at 5:00 PM
….furthermore, I wonder if “work out your own salvation with trembling and fear for it is God who works in you…” is stating just that in regard to the fear one feels when they experience God doing a work in their life. Why couldn’t it mean that just as well?
lydiasellerofpurple@yahoo.com said, on December 28, 2012 at 12:23 AM
I agree with what you say about over-emphasis on the gospel (which includes so-called “gospel contemplation”). But, because there is some remaining sin in our flesh, I think we need to occasionally remind ourselves that we are where we are (saved) because of our triune God, not because of ourselves. In my case, I particularly need to do this when, for whatever “reason,” I am prideful. Not as part of a system, or because I think I may not be saved, but merely to maintain some humility. Any comments on this?”
Jeff, I can relate to what you are saying. But just a few things:
Remaining sin in our flesh: Well of course there is. We are born into corrupted bodies into a corrupted world.
We are where we are because of our Triune God: Yes, who gave YOU the ability to reason and think. You do have a part in your salvation. God did not create robots. You bring the faith and repentance.
I think this thinking comes from being so brainwashed about admitting you are a sinner (sounds so humble to repeat that)after being born again and the doublespeak that comes with that, people cannot get on with sanctification. We can obey God. We can do good works. We can grow in Holiness. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit. Our Advocate and Counselor. The Spirit of Truth. I mean what more do we need? Some philosopher king to tell us how it works?
And I have no idea what you mean by humility. The guy that wrote the premier Christian book on Humility is anything but.
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Reblogged this on Clearcreek Chapel Watch.
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I agree with what you say about over-emphasis on the gospel (which includes so-called “gospel contemplation”). But, because there is some remaining sin in our flesh, I think we need to occasionally remind ourselves that we are where we are (saved) because of our triune God, not because of ourselves. In my case, I particularly need to do this when, for whatever “reason,” I am prideful. Not as part of a system, or because I think I may not be saved, but merely to maintain some humility. Any comments on this?
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Jeff,
Yes I do have a comment on this. The premise of your statement leading to the question is metaphysically flawed, and the linchpin phrase as such is, “I think we need to occasionally remind ourselves that we are where we are (saved) because of our triune God, not because of ourselves.” Why would we do that in regard to what we do in sanctification, or remind ourselves of such in sanctification, when what we do in sanctification has nothing to do whatsoever with our salvation? Hence, we are never told to contemplate our salvation and our own sinfulness to keep ourselves humble in sanctification. Instead, experiencing the things that the Holy Spirit does in our lives as a result of obedience can be very frightening. We obey, but what the Holy Spirit does in the midst can be very humbling. We simply begin to do things that we know we could never do on our own. He who does the will of God will know the doctrine–not the one who dwells at the foot of the cross (John 7:17). Not only that, the righteousness we are putting on is God’s righteousness and we would have never known of it had He not taught it to us. So where is the boasting? We are not to dwell on the flesh other than to put off its deeds.
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….furthermore, I wonder if “work out your own salvation with trembling and fear for it is God who works in you…” is stating just that in regard to the fear one feels when they experience God doing a work in their life. Why couldn’t it mean that just as well?
LikeLike
I agree with what you say about over-emphasis on the gospel (which includes so-called “gospel contemplation”). But, because there is some remaining sin in our flesh, I think we need to occasionally remind ourselves that we are where we are (saved) because of our triune God, not because of ourselves. In my case, I particularly need to do this when, for whatever “reason,” I am prideful. Not as part of a system, or because I think I may not be saved, but merely to maintain some humility. Any comments on this?”
Jeff, I can relate to what you are saying. But just a few things:
Remaining sin in our flesh: Well of course there is. We are born into corrupted bodies into a corrupted world.
We are where we are because of our Triune God: Yes, who gave YOU the ability to reason and think. You do have a part in your salvation. God did not create robots. You bring the faith and repentance.
I think this thinking comes from being so brainwashed about admitting you are a sinner (sounds so humble to repeat that)after being born again and the doublespeak that comes with that, people cannot get on with sanctification. We can obey God. We can do good works. We can grow in Holiness. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit. Our Advocate and Counselor. The Spirit of Truth. I mean what more do we need? Some philosopher king to tell us how it works?
And I have no idea what you mean by humility. The guy that wrote the premier Christian book on Humility is anything but.
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