The more a man descends into the depths of humility and condemns himself as one not worthy of salvation, the more he mourns and sheds streams of tears. The more he mourns and sheds tears, the more spiritual joy flows into his heart, and with it flows increasing hope which gives him the most complete certainty of salvation. -- St. Symeon, the New Theologian, *Practical and Theological Precepts* #73
The first part of this quotation is a beautiful expression of contrition. The second part however, makes assurance of salvation dependant on tears and joy instead of on God's strong Word. Thank God for the Reformation.
ReplyDeleteGreg
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's a "making assurance dependent" on the repentance; but the recognition that the "increasing hope" came along with the repentance. The hope's source is founded in God's promises, no?
The source of both hope and joy is God's promise. I realize I am reacting to a framant from St. Symeon. Does the New Theologian make it clear that hope's source is God's promise in the extended context?
ReplyDeleteGreg
Well, for example, he goes on to say #108:
ReplyDeleteWhat is the purpose of the Incarnation of the Divine Logos which is proclaimed throughout the Scriptures, about which we read and which yet we do not recognize? Surely it is that He has shared in what is ours so as to make us participants in what is His. For the Son of God became the Son of man in order to make us human beings sons of God, raising us up by grace to what He is by nature, giving us a new birth in the Holy Spirit and leading us directly into the kingdom of heaven. Or, rather, He gives us the grace to possess this kingdom within ourselves (Luke 17:21), so that not merely do we hope to enter it but, being in full possession of it, we can affirm: 'Our life is hid with Christ in God.'
And then he goes right on to speak about Baptism and what it has accomplished for us.