InSlaveryToChrist
Puritan Board Junior
By knowledge here I mean both received natural and special revelation. Are both or either of those revelations inseparately connected with sanctification? It would seem obvious to me that natural revelation, in and of itself, has no effect on our sanctification, but may be a means of coming to special revelation. If both or either are inseparately connected with sanctification, is it of necessity (i.e., because it could not be otherwise = because it is contrary to the nature of God) or because God has freely made them so?
The personal bearing of these questions to myself makes me worried, because I perceive myself to be very lacking in love (although, ironically, very considerate of others in thought -- or so I think), yet I perceive God has given me great measure of essential knowledge. Yet, when I compare myself to other Christians, some being very lost in the main doctrines of the Bible, I feel greatly inferior to their love, and I'm forced to think, "Am I missing something very important about myself and/or God?"
Here is a verse that may relate to this discussion:
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." (1 Cor. 13:2)
I'm not sure what is meant by "knowledge" and "faith" here. Concerning faith, I'm sure faith is inseparately connected with sanctification, and thus love also. This would have to mean faith in this text is not true, saving faith, but historical only.
The personal bearing of these questions to myself makes me worried, because I perceive myself to be very lacking in love (although, ironically, very considerate of others in thought -- or so I think), yet I perceive God has given me great measure of essential knowledge. Yet, when I compare myself to other Christians, some being very lost in the main doctrines of the Bible, I feel greatly inferior to their love, and I'm forced to think, "Am I missing something very important about myself and/or God?"
Here is a verse that may relate to this discussion:
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." (1 Cor. 13:2)
I'm not sure what is meant by "knowledge" and "faith" here. Concerning faith, I'm sure faith is inseparately connected with sanctification, and thus love also. This would have to mean faith in this text is not true, saving faith, but historical only.