It is the same with the joy of faith. Without the birth pains of true repentance, faith does not come into the world. -- C. F. W. Walther, *God Grant it!* p. 389
True repentance is contrition and faith that God's word of law and gospel create through preaching and the sacraments. (Paraphrase of Augsburg Confession and Apology.) Since we are simul iustus et peccator the Christian life remains a continual repentance. That is, a continual returning to God's gift of baptism by which we die with Christ and the new man rises again. (Romans 6)
In one's continual struggle with sin (Romans 7) at what point should one fear that he or she has fallen from faith or committed mortal sin?
When besetting sins are allowed to become ruling sins - when we case to struggle and fight by God's grace and with the Holy Spirit's power against the known sin in our lives and simply surrender to it. The indeed the venial has become mortal.
P.S. I wonder if we might catch a few minutes next weekend - I'll be in Seward for Lauren's graduation.
Pr Weedon:
ReplyDeleteTrue repentance is contrition and faith that God's word of law and gospel create through preaching and the sacraments. (Paraphrase of Augsburg Confession and Apology.) Since we are simul iustus et peccator the Christian life remains a continual repentance. That is, a continual returning to God's gift of baptism by which we die with Christ and the new man rises again. (Romans 6)
In one's continual struggle with sin (Romans 7) at what point should one fear that he or she has fallen from faith or committed mortal sin?
Matt,
ReplyDeleteWhen besetting sins are allowed to become ruling sins - when we case to struggle and fight by God's grace and with the Holy Spirit's power against the known sin in our lives and simply surrender to it. The indeed the venial has become mortal.
P.S. I wonder if we might catch a few minutes next weekend - I'll be in Seward for Lauren's graduation.
Unfortunately, I will be at a conference on medieval studies at W. Michigan University from Thursday-Sunday next week.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that I can't be there.
Thank you for answering my questions.