A word about discussions about sanctification

Continuing to pursue sanctification is a lot more important than figuring out the proper motivation for it.

It is can be good to try to make helpful suggestions from time to time, in the pulpit and in writing, about what might help people better and more consistently pursue sanctification without growing weary. But it is important to do so without making people feeling guilty about their motivations. What if you undercut their sanctification because you kick out a support that has been useful to them? Why make them feel guilty about their motives in sanctification when, frankly, the Bible indicates that the lack of sanctification is what we should devote more time and energy feeling guilty about.

And, I don’t understand why I’ve never noticed Presbyterians mention that the Westminster Confession explicitly affirms a variety of motivations are to be used, according to the diversity of motivations presented in Scripture. The Westminster Confession of Faith describes saving faith as both justifying and sanctifying. In chapter 14, “Of Saving Faith,” the document describes the “grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls” in this way:

By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.

So while this faith relies on Christ alone for both justification and sanctification, no one sees this as inconsistent with “trembling at the threatenings,” when such trembling is appropriate.

And, while it is possible to help someone you know with his motivations, which may be frustrating him in his progress, and it is good to present suggestions that you think are being neglected, we should also remember how much God hates it when we judge other people. What is it to you if someone is being sanctified because he fears God’s chastisement or wants to avoid the shame (yes, shame) of falling short of the ideals presented for Christians in Scripture?

If you think grace-driven, gospel-centered Pharisaism is an impossibility, you are walking next to a ditch without a safety rail. Looking down on others for not “doing it right” is always a dangerous trip, though it feels empowering.

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