While sanctification has begun and is growing daily, we expect that our flesh will be destroyed and buried with all its uncleanness. Then we will come forth gloriously and arise in a new, eternal life of entire and perfect holiness. For now we are only half pure and holy. So the Holy Spirit always has some reason to continue His work in us through the Word. He must daily administer forgiveness until we reach the life to come. At that time there will be no more forgiveness, but only perfectly pure and holy people. We will be full of godliness and righteousness, removed and free from sin, death, and all evil, in a new, immortal, and glorified body. [Large Catechism III:57]
I think my copy is numbered differently than yours. Could you please give another way to find the quote?
ReplyDeleteThe creed! Paragraph 57.
ReplyDeleteGot it, part II. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteA useful antidote to other so-called Lutheran essays on sanctification that crop up on the internet from time to time. Thank you.
ReplyDeletePastor, is the body itself sinful? Why is physical death the line of demarcation for our glorification?
ReplyDeletePaul, no the body is by no means itself sinful, but the sin that totally infects us as persons and corrupts us will be finally obliterated through death and resurrection: "Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
ReplyDelete