In a Christian [growth] is a battle with oneself involving much labor, intense and sorrowful, and he must dispose his faculties for something for which they have no inclination. Like a soldier, he must take every step of land, even his own, from his enemies by means of warfare, with the double-edged sword of forcing himself and opposing himself. Finally, after long labors and exertions, the Christian principles appear victorious, reigning without opposition; they penetrate the whole composition of human nature, dislodging from it demands and inclinations hostile to themselves, and place in it a state of passionlessness and purity, making it worthy of the blessedness of the pure in heart--to see God in themselves in sincerest communion with Him.
Such is the place in us of the Christian life. This life has three stages which may be called: 1) Turning to God; 2) Purification or self-amendment; 3) Sanctification.
--The Path to Salvation, p. 23
Posted by Clifton at March 7, 2004 06:00 AM | TrackBack