After reading Romans 6:1-7, a question entered my mind that I found difficult to shake. Why does God value a progressive sanctification ? He could have instantly made us holy, but in His infinite wisdom He chose to do it over stages. Why ?
Here are some thoughts:
1. The things that really mean something to us are genuine and well crafted. A cloth/ fake bullwhip imitating Indiana Jones' whip is not near as meaningful as a real, handcrafted leather bullwhip from El Paso Saddleblanket. We value the things that took time to prepare. A homecooked meal ( like a potroast) simmering for hours is much better than 6 nuggets flash fried in 30 seconds.
2. God wants us to relate to Him by faith. Hebrews 11:1 and following talk about the faith that believers had throughout history. Their relationship with God was forged in those low moments of pain and difficulty. There is no shortcut to holiness, and without holiness no one will see the Lord.
3. God values love and freedom. A computer can do amazing things... which it is programmed to do. A person can love sincerely because God has designed us with choice.
In an " instant sanctification" process we would by pass all of those things which build up love, joy, peace, patience,etc.
4. 2 Corinthians 1:9 Paul says that they were excessively burdened... to the point that they even despaired of life. He says that this happened so that they would not trust in themselves, but in God. The process of becoming holy deepens our dependence.
5. A process allows God to fully display all of His attributes of glory, majesty, patience, mercy, love, kindness, grace, etc. We can see the manifold wisdom of God as we walk on this journey.
Any other things I left out ?
Carl
