October 13, 2022

“See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life.” (Deuteronomy 32:39)

The myth of linear progression is soul-killing. That is – thinking that slowly, over time, you get better and better, less sinful, more holy. Through discipline and devotion, you are becoming the person you were meant to be. That is a deeply mistaken view of sanctification. And out of touch with your own reality. When the person you thought you had forgiven does something reminiscent of the original offense, you are all the sudden back at square one with your resentment and outrage. Even though years have passed.

A much closer to reality paradigm of sanctification is the pattern of death and resurrection – biblical and true to life. Life (i.e. – God) brings you to death in some area of your life. You are at the absolute end of your resources and your rope. You are likely back at square one. You cry out for help, simply because you are desperate and out of any other conceivable options. Then God resurrects – brings life where there was no life. And this is not of your own doing.

Sanctification simply means that as you experience this repeat cycle of death and resurrection, you may stop trusting yourself with your own life, even as you may start trusting God a wee bit more. The school of hard knocks is also known as the school of grace.

“We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” (Saturday in Easter Week – BCP)