Retrospective Sanctification

[ProtestantBankie]

Brethren,

I've taken to using a term that I have not found used anywhere else and which no doubt has an alternative in the realm of systematic theology.

When I have memories of films or think about things I have done - I have often recalled events from my memory, recalled lyrics of songs or scenes from movies in a way that makes them perfectly legitimate for the Christian. I remember reccomending a film "No swearing" which turned out to be a hideous movie.

My memory has been "cleaned up"; My views of why things happened has changed - it's as if the process of sanctification has been applied retrospectively.

1) Other than being a type of sanctification is there a name for this specific?
2) Praise God for where he has begun a good work.

Thanks!

 

[earl40]

So far as having your mind conform to His Word this does not happen until regeneration takes place. What I have observed is that many place their conversion way after they were born again and they assume that they understand why they do something now is different than when they were young. We do many things without "cosciously" reconizing it is The Lorrd working within us and through us. This I am thankful for because I realize all our works are tainted by an ungratefull heart to one extent or another.

 

[MarieP]

1) Other than being a type of sanctification is there a name for this specific?

I too know the phenomenon you're talking about! And I like the term "Retrospective Sanctification"! It's part of "taking every thought captive" and "renewing the mind"!

PS- There was actually a movie I liked (as a Christian) that I rented some years later and could not watch. I wondered how in the world I missed the filth in it. But then I discovered I hadn't- I'd watched it on TV then, and they added in all sorts of filth in the DVD version! In fact, there was an interview with the producer, and in it he gloated over the level of raunch he was permitted to put on the DVD. It was called Frequency- don't watch the DVD- it was awful!