However, not all trials are overcome. Not all saints are sanctificed equally or progresses at the same stage of sanctification. Not all sanctification is manifest visibly as much is unseen. Progression is according to the measure of grace and faith given and God's purpose which may be very brief (Thief on cross) or may be low scale (Lot).
The problem with the Lordship view of perseverance is that "works" are made essential to salvation as in the Seventh Day Adventist doctrine of Salvation. SDA will claim we are justified by faith without works performed in our own person, but then demand that there is no ultimate salvation apart from progressive sanctification by works in our own person, or keeping of God's commandments. Hence, the fruit of salvation actually become a necessary essential of salvation - thus final justification by the unholy combination of grace works. This doctrine denies the sufficiency of the works performed in the Person of Christ to completely satisfy the Law's demand for righteousness, but demands in addition that, good works MUST be performed in our own Person according to another standard ("characteristically") than the standard demanded by the Law.
Hence, a new standard of righteousness is added for works in our person in contrast to the Law's standard for works done in the person of Christ.
The works of Christ must meet a sinless standard, whereas the standard for a true born again person must be "characteristically" without sin. Two different standards for righteousness, when the Bible provides but one standard for righteousness.
However, the objection for rejecting this dual standard for righteousness is that those who oppose "characteristic" sinlessness as the necessary fruit of salvation are teaching lawlessness or giving a liscence to sin.
This is a false alternative, a false charge. The truth is that regeneration has changed the inclination of the will permanently toward righteousness (Rom. 7:18 "to will is present with me"
"I delight in the law of God after the inward man." But the "power to perform I find not."
Thus, a true child of God sins more than they want to, but they still sin. Hence, part of progressive sanctification is not necessarily OUTWARD PERFORMANCE but the internal unseen struggle which is only effectually made outwardly manifest for good when we depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we
do not (which is quite often) then although no OUTWARD manifest sanctification is seen, the inward struggle is part of progressive sanctification. In addition, when we continue in sin for a season (undetermined length) then chastening is the only manifest progressive sanctification made visible in the life of the child of God (Psa. 32).
God determines the proportion of internal versus external progressive sanctification, as he has determined the good works we do (Eph. 2:10b, Philip. 2:13). In some cases, as in the case of Lot, VERY LITTLE external manifest righteousness is seen. Much is said about the life of Lot, but very little external evidence can be found in the description of his life that would externally indicate he was a child of God.
Even Peter, does not list any external evidence but points the reader to internal evidence "his righteous heart was vexed." However, when we look at the description of his manifest life, if Peter had not said this, you who hold to "characteristic" righteousness from purely an EXTERNAL view would have to claim Lot was not a child of God.
My view is that progressive sanctification occurs in every child of God but it cannot be judged externally by the term "characteristically."
The difference between a true and false professor is not sin, but rather a person can get away with sin and whether they rejoice in sin. What is true, is that which is born of God (the spirit) cannot sin as it is created in "righteousness and true holiness" thus restoring the "image" of God (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10) even though that righteousness may not always be outwardly manifested. What is true is that the inclination of the will to do good has been permenantly changed but it requires POWER to overcome indwelling sin and that is not always overcome. However, there is always the struggle, there is always chastening in lieu of absence of manifest righteousness.
Finally, partial incomplete good works in our own person provides assurance of personal salvation but manifest righteousness does not always provide evidence that others are saved (Mt. 7:21-23) and the absence of "characteristic" manifest righteousness does not prove a person is lost ("Lot").
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