Well, as usual, I'm encouraged by God's patience time and time again. I've been mulling over the idea of sanctification quite a bit this week. It's a hard thing to grasp, but I think it will do a lot for my spiritual growth to try and understand it better.
Sanctification is kind of like the "what now" phase of the Christian life. The reality has set in and now you have to learn to accept what living day-to-day as a Christian is going to be like. Sanctification, so far in my experience, has been more about falling down than moving forward. It's been more about exposing my darkness than spreading my light.
It is like a forever battle between my will and God's will, and God just does not allow me to move forward spiritually on my own merits. No matter how bad I want to be righteous in my own strength, it just doesn't happen that way.
In any other facet of life if you failed at something this many times no one would blame you for giving up. Go do something you can succeed at; don't spin your wheels on something that's never going to happen. For me to think that I'm going to live a godly life, a devoted - consecrated -life to God at this point seems completely illogical. I have little to no experiential evidence that I'm capable of loving God with my whole being. However, I am resolved that this is where my faith should be placed, that not I, but the Lord is capable.
"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." Rom 7:24-25
Sanctification is an empty-handed plea for help. Don't stop asking for it.
1 Cor 10:13; Heb 4:14-16; 1 Cor 1:30-31; Gal 2:20
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, May 16, 2008
some thoughts on sin
I have just a few short thoughts on sin I'd like to share.
The first comes from 2nd Peter 1:5-9,
This leads to another thought I had this weekend when talking to some friends on a camping trip. We brought up the question of whether any of us could be considered a "good person" - obviously no, but it seems culturally most people think they are. We talked about the difference between man forgiving man for a transgression and God forgiving man for a transgression. In the first case we understand that to forgive basically means to have some tough words, say "I'm sorry" and go on from there. That's may be totally right in human to human interaction, but not so with God.
When we sin against God, restitution has to be made in blood - seem kinda harsh? [ Maybe, but it's important - we need for God to be holy (to be God) ]. When God "forgives" us it's not like a man accepting an apology from his neighbor. God forgives us by transferring the punishment away from us on to a scapegoat. We're not dealing with some emotional person who needs to be coddled and pleaded with to change their mind and stop being mad at us. With God, this is almost a purely legal transaction. A crime has been committed and in God's economy of justice a sentence must be served.
My friends and I also discussed this "courtroom scenario" for understanding how God's forgiveness works. When we enter God's courtroom we are "guilty as a dog", but without fail those who place their trust in Christ leave unscathed, forgiven, even "declared righteous"! What kind of trial is that? How do we go from dirty and guilty to clean and free? Well, what doesn't happen is God doesn't examine all the evidence and decide "we're not all that bad". He doesn't hear our apologies or review our acts of restitution. No, we go through the entire trial and are found absolutely (beyond a shadow of a doubt) guilty. Without excuse and without appeal we are sentenced to death. There was never a chance it would be otherwise. But in God's courtroom there is a final phase that doesn't take place in a human court. After trial, judgment and sentencing comes the "atonement phase".
This atonement phase is where our sentence (of death) is transferred to the scapegoat. In this case the only scapegoat available and capable is God's only son Jesus Christ. We are "not guilty" in the same way a person is convicted of a crime, sent to prison, and released after serving their full sentence. We leave the courtroom "not guilty", not because the debt has been canceled, but because the debt has been paid.
What I have found significant about these thoughts is the difference between forgiveness and atonement. When we're asking God to forgive we're asking him to atone for our sin. Unfortunately I have found myself for many years coming to God and basically wanting to say "I'm sorry, please forgive me". The problem is, I never think about Christ's blood or the atonement when I'm am asking this of God. I try to ask God to forgive me the way I would forgive a friend and that's a huge misunderstanding on my part.
In past time I would be critical of those who were always "stuck at the cross". I guess you would have to know me back then, but I really looked at the cross as "Step 1". If you're still on Step 1 you're not making progress. I think that might have been a really bad way of looking at it. The cross is "Step 1" in the sense that we can't have reconciliation or communion with the Father without it, but as long as sin has even a small part in my life I will need the atonement brought about by the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Finally I was encouraged by one other verse this afternoon, Gen 4:6-8,
The first comes from 2nd Peter 1:5-9,
5 ¶ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,I never really understood verse 9 - in the past I had read over it kind of quickly because I couldn't quite get my mind wrapped around it. I thought of it saying something like "he who lacks these things (traits in above list) has literally forgotten about his salvation and is now acting under the same manner of guilt and condemnation as before his cleansing". To broaden that thought I think it may be contrasting those who have these traits with those who lack them - as comparing those who are growing in the knowledge of Christ with those who are "growing" in blindness - even to the point of forgetting the preciousness of their free cleansing in Christ. As I was meditating on this verse a couple of months ago I was broken to realize my deep sense of ingratitude and flippantness towards the gift of Life that God has given me.
6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,
7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
This leads to another thought I had this weekend when talking to some friends on a camping trip. We brought up the question of whether any of us could be considered a "good person" - obviously no, but it seems culturally most people think they are. We talked about the difference between man forgiving man for a transgression and God forgiving man for a transgression. In the first case we understand that to forgive basically means to have some tough words, say "I'm sorry" and go on from there. That's may be totally right in human to human interaction, but not so with God.
When we sin against God, restitution has to be made in blood - seem kinda harsh? [ Maybe, but it's important - we need for God to be holy (to be God) ]. When God "forgives" us it's not like a man accepting an apology from his neighbor. God forgives us by transferring the punishment away from us on to a scapegoat. We're not dealing with some emotional person who needs to be coddled and pleaded with to change their mind and stop being mad at us. With God, this is almost a purely legal transaction. A crime has been committed and in God's economy of justice a sentence must be served.
My friends and I also discussed this "courtroom scenario" for understanding how God's forgiveness works. When we enter God's courtroom we are "guilty as a dog", but without fail those who place their trust in Christ leave unscathed, forgiven, even "declared righteous"! What kind of trial is that? How do we go from dirty and guilty to clean and free? Well, what doesn't happen is God doesn't examine all the evidence and decide "we're not all that bad". He doesn't hear our apologies or review our acts of restitution. No, we go through the entire trial and are found absolutely (beyond a shadow of a doubt) guilty. Without excuse and without appeal we are sentenced to death. There was never a chance it would be otherwise. But in God's courtroom there is a final phase that doesn't take place in a human court. After trial, judgment and sentencing comes the "atonement phase".
This atonement phase is where our sentence (of death) is transferred to the scapegoat. In this case the only scapegoat available and capable is God's only son Jesus Christ. We are "not guilty" in the same way a person is convicted of a crime, sent to prison, and released after serving their full sentence. We leave the courtroom "not guilty", not because the debt has been canceled, but because the debt has been paid.
What I have found significant about these thoughts is the difference between forgiveness and atonement. When we're asking God to forgive we're asking him to atone for our sin. Unfortunately I have found myself for many years coming to God and basically wanting to say "I'm sorry, please forgive me". The problem is, I never think about Christ's blood or the atonement when I'm am asking this of God. I try to ask God to forgive me the way I would forgive a friend and that's a huge misunderstanding on my part.
In past time I would be critical of those who were always "stuck at the cross". I guess you would have to know me back then, but I really looked at the cross as "Step 1". If you're still on Step 1 you're not making progress. I think that might have been a really bad way of looking at it. The cross is "Step 1" in the sense that we can't have reconciliation or communion with the Father without it, but as long as sin has even a small part in my life I will need the atonement brought about by the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Finally I was encouraged by one other verse this afternoon, Gen 4:6-8,
6 ¶ So the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?Sin is a choice. I am to blame for wrong things to do. Sin desires to rule me, however, God has given me the power to rule over it - indeed it is a fundamental command to us as fallen human beings.
7 "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."
8 ¶ Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Seth's progress
I just finished the 1st part of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. I'm pretty sure it's slightly above my reading level, but I'm enjoying it so far. I don't know where I see myself in the book just yet, but I have been deeply moved many times through the course of my reading. Unfortunately I guess my strongest personal identification has been with the negative characters of the book like Ignorance and Temporary. I'm feel like I'm slowly slipping from a growing desire for God into a growing desire for worldly things. I am definitely lacking in fellowship, personal time with God, self-control and purity. I need help! Two weeks ago I was praying and desiring for a consistent walk and bed time - that lasted about a day and a half. I guess I get to start over again tomorrow. (Lam 3:23, Lk 14:33).
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Bodily excercise profiteth little...
I had a co-worker at a former job that whenever the topic of health, excercise, dieting, etc. came up he would remind us of the scriptural truth that "bodily excercise profiteth little"... and he's right that is at least a biblical phrase, but it's the second half of the verse that makes the point - "but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1 Tim 4:8) Tonight I've had to reflect on this verse as I'm preparing to start an intense 90-day workout (bodily excercise) program. Unfortunately I don't think I have the gumption and endurance to begin this exercise program tomorrow (today) as I had planned. Due to my recent lack of "spiritual exercise" and lack of the godliness that is profitable to all things - I know in my heart that I need to start with my walk with the Lord. So I'm skipping the workout videos for now and focusing on getting my true "core" into shape. I can't even fathom my actual need for God right now or my deep deep need for brokenness. Pray for repentance (metanoia = change mind) - I need a "changed mind".
Sunday, August 12, 2007
design and content
I've decided to re-attempt creating a website. My previous tries have lacked two major components: design and content. This time I have a better feel for what I want "to make" and a little more spare time than I've had in the past. One thing that is big for me is HTML standardization - I pretty much hand code everything (in VIM) and so I'm very "code focused" or in this case "markup focused". I also don't like testing my code on 18 different browsers, so I'm trying to follow W3.org standards to the T. I'm hoping this project will give me a better understanding of current fundamentals in HTML, DOM, JavaScript, etc., to help me in my day job as a ColdFusion/Flex programmer. If you want to check on my progress, you can visit http://initzero.net/.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Happy New Half-Year
What a year it has been! Over the last 12 months I've had some of the most memorable experiences of my life. I have a lot to reflect back on and be thankful for and a lot to look forward to in the coming months and years. Tonight I'm just glad to be reminded that God is in control of every situation. This image is the last ever "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip printed back in 1995. (Interestingly, and in case you didn't know, the strip is named after John Calvin and Thomas Hobbes of the Reformation). I know I've been given a fresh clean slate. I don't know what's next, but I know there's nothing to worry about ... now ... Let's Go Exploring!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
I feel sheepish
Ps 23:1 - The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
I read this scripture today and was really encouraged by the phrase "I shall not want" - I think it's the Lord's desire for me to be "not wanting". And I think sin is simply the outworking of "wrong wants". Another way to say the same verse is "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lust". When I make God the shepherd of my life, I'm no longer bound to lusting for evil things.
To me Ps 23 demonstrates what "walking in the Spirit" was like for David. Gal 5:16 says "...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." As David walked in the spirit under the headship of Jesus Christ he experienced what it was like to lie down in green pastures, walk beside still waters and have his soul restored.
There was also complete peace in the presence of his enemies. As we continue to fight our enemies which include our flesh and Satan's kingdom - it's again the Holy Spirit that will give us the victory in battle and peace during the storm.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
I read this scripture today and was really encouraged by the phrase "I shall not want" - I think it's the Lord's desire for me to be "not wanting". And I think sin is simply the outworking of "wrong wants". Another way to say the same verse is "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lust". When I make God the shepherd of my life, I'm no longer bound to lusting for evil things.
To me Ps 23 demonstrates what "walking in the Spirit" was like for David. Gal 5:16 says "...Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." As David walked in the spirit under the headship of Jesus Christ he experienced what it was like to lie down in green pastures, walk beside still waters and have his soul restored.
There was also complete peace in the presence of his enemies. As we continue to fight our enemies which include our flesh and Satan's kingdom - it's again the Holy Spirit that will give us the victory in battle and peace during the storm.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Beauty for ashes
One of the most sobering experiences I've had in a while occured today when I was privileged to take part in a wedding ceremony including a rich banquet. What a special opportunity it is to be a groomsman as you can take in everything - watching the bride in full white approaching the stage trying to discern her emotions, hearing every word the minister speaks and quietly sharing the spotlight with two people on the greatest day of their lives.
It is definitely one of those "goodness of God" (Ps 52:1, Rom 2:4) experiences that causes me to want to repent and live my life better, more honoring to God and more focused on the needs of others rather than myself. Overhearing the vows and commitments about treasuring each other through any life situation, makes me question my faithfulness (or lack thereof) and dedication to the Lord.
I am that bride that Jesus Christ is waiting for - He desires to see me walk down that aisle in all white - smiling ear-to-ear. Why won't I get ready for the wedding???
Rev 3:4-5
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Rev 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Rev 7:13-14
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 19:8 (kjv)
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
It is definitely one of those "goodness of God" (Ps 52:1, Rom 2:4) experiences that causes me to want to repent and live my life better, more honoring to God and more focused on the needs of others rather than myself. Overhearing the vows and commitments about treasuring each other through any life situation, makes me question my faithfulness (or lack thereof) and dedication to the Lord.
I am that bride that Jesus Christ is waiting for - He desires to see me walk down that aisle in all white - smiling ear-to-ear. Why won't I get ready for the wedding???
Rev 3:4-5
You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Rev 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Rev 7:13-14
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 19:8 (kjv)
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Thankful for friendships
I know in general that I forget to be thankful (Rom 1:21) for a great many things. And I believe it is this attitude that gives an unlimited soure of power to my flesh , because it thrives on discontent, grumbling and self-pity/pleasure. It is thankfulness and appreciation for what God has done for us that quenches the fire of lust (Prov 27:19-20).
But all that to say the biggest thing I'm thankful for (or the thing I forget to appreciate the most) are the people God has put in my life. Friends, family, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ - they have all been instrumental in shaping me and forming my thoughts, conscience, world view and perspective on life and God. I think I can safely say that I am who I am because of who God has put in my life - I always have someone to go to. And I am so very thankful...
Pray that I would not forget.
But all that to say the biggest thing I'm thankful for (or the thing I forget to appreciate the most) are the people God has put in my life. Friends, family, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ - they have all been instrumental in shaping me and forming my thoughts, conscience, world view and perspective on life and God. I think I can safely say that I am who I am because of who God has put in my life - I always have someone to go to. And I am so very thankful...
Pray that I would not forget.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
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