I've been corresponding with a dear friend the last few weeks on the issues of election, calling, and sanctification. I wrote a long email today about it and thought I'd post it here just in case anyone needed to hear these things today.
<mlw>
Yes, these are undoubtedly challenging subjects. I believe you will have to search for your own answers to them. However, my own view is that apart from the sovereign grace and calling of God we are unable to choose what is right. We are in fact "slaves to sin" (esp. see Rom 6). As a slave, we were bound to a life ruled by sin. Since Satan is the "ruler of this world" (eph 2:2), he has a tyranical influence over all of those who are his. however, once the Father chooses us (either by His grace, or by his divine calling in either case the first action is His, not ours), and we respond with faith and receive the promise of the Holy Spirit we then are free from sin's tyranny (Rom 6, Eph 2, Col 2). That being said, sin continues to be "at war with our members" (Rom 7) and crouches like a tiger at the door of our hearts wanting to have us (Gen 4:7).
However, because of the power of the Holy Spirit, the blood of Christ, and the grace of God we have "all we need for a life of godliness" (2 Pet 1). However, the ongoing work of sanctification is not one Christ does for us. Instead, it is one he gives us the power (and freedom) to do, but still requires our own willful effort (2 Pet 2, Rom 6-7, Acts 16...).
Therefore, in my own life when I see sin visibly at war within me, I do not count it as evidence that I am not of the elect. Rather, I see that I have the freedom to choose righteousness over sin. The freedom to so choose is evidence of my election. I recall--too easily--how my unregerate heart was a slave to sin--constantly obeying my wondering heart's every whim. Those days were not characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness or self-control but were lost in endless pursuit of pleasure which always failed to please my longings.
Therefore, my encouragement is to "make every effort" at Godliness. Give thanks to God that by his grace and calling you are free to choose what is right. You are no longer a SLAVE to sin, but it still longs to have your willful allegience. You must now choose your master each day...each hour...each minute. In either case, you can not be free. You are either a slave to sin which leads to death, or a slave to Christ which leads to righteousness (rom 6:16). However, while freedom is elusive your new master does not capture your will but gives you the freedom to obey. His work is in breaking sin's power and guilt. Your work is in constantly choosing to remain free from it's power and enslaved to righteousness.
Thus, I do not believe I will ever achieve the state of sanctification until I am with my beloved Lord. While I remain here in this world ruled by the "kingdom of the air" I will constantly face the turmoil of sin calling for the renewed allegiance of my heart. While the siren song of sin sounds sweet, I am too familiar with its fruit to choose it for long. After a short while, I recall the peace, love, and joy that comes from obedience--or I taste the bitter residue sin leaves on my heart and I return again to God's grace. May we all have the power and will to choose the right.
