.JPG)
The descent into sin is often a consequence of slow hardening of the heart. Likewise, repentance and the rise out of sin requires what is often a slow softening of the heart.
Paul makes it plain in Romans, Chapter 2, that full knowledge of the Law -- the difference between right and wrong -- is perfectly compatible with blindness toward one's own depravity. Jesus said (Matt 23) that the Pharisees sat in Moses' Seat, but blindly and continually broke the law. This happened because of the hardness of their hearts. Jesus' story about logs in ones own eyes, compared to splinters in others could fit here, too.
Therefore, if we even recognize our sin as sin, what passes for "repentance" may often not be very serious. From bare knowledge of the Law, one can admit to sin. But, it requires divine illumination to see sin in its true light -- to be horrified by it -- to be repulsed by it -- to hate it and pray against it. While the heart is still hard, insensitive to sin, it is profoundly easy to fall again, because the only real fear is the fear of being discovered by man. Softening of heart takes time. In fact, it is a lifelong process. It's a common thing for old men who are godly to repent of sins they committed at much younger ages. Back then, those sins which were so easily ignored are now repugnant in memory.
It's interesting to notice the relationship between Law and Gospel in this matter. The Pharisees could thoroughly understand how to apply the Law to others, but not to themselves. It is beyond human capacity. Bare knowledge of the law may harden you in your own sin. Only the Gospel delivers from sin. "Come unto me," said Jesus, and "I will give you rest." Only the grace of Christ softens the heart. This is the real work of sanctification, and it is not a work of man.
We ought to continually repent and believe the gospel of our Lord, worship the Triune God, pray, especially for others, fight sin always, and never stop serving Him -- and wait for His deliverance.
It will come.
Sin shall not have dominion over us, because we are not under Law but under Grace.
We ought to continually repent and believe the gospel of our Lord, worship the Triune God, pray, especially for others, fight sin always, and never stop serving Him -- and wait for His deliverance.
It will come.
Sin shall not have dominion over us, because we are not under Law but under Grace.
Sometimes we are so in love with a sin that we will not ask God to remove the desire for it from our heart. The reason we don't ask is because we fear that He would indeed take it away. Surprisingly, in this idolatry, which is perhaps our gravest depravity, we still find His grace. We find it when we realize that this fear of His answer to that prayer is evidence of faith in God, evidence which gives assurance that we do believe. Grace is found to abound in our weakness. Praise His holy mercy!
ReplyDeleteReviewed and retained.
ReplyDelete