IN HIS NEW BOOK on Jonathan Edwards, Formed For The Glory of God, Kyle Strobel states an important principle.
“Holiness is not something you can develop an
action plan for. Holiness is not in your power. The means of grace are actions
that help us focus more fully on God, recognizing that God is the fountain from
which all grace flows. If you want to bear good fruit you don’t simply try
hard, as if fruit-bearing is an issue of sheer force. Instead, you establish a
healthy connection with the tree (Jn 15:4-5). This is more deeply relational
than self-willing your life into order. Therefore, while the goal of spiritual
disciplines can digress into fixing or growing oneself, the goal of means of
grace is abiding in God through Christ.”
Labels: holiness, Sanctification