I believe scripture makes clear that those who are called overcomers are that through faith. Holding onto our faith in God and Christ in spite of the “ups and downs” is more important than feeling like we’re on a steady course, I believe.

Since Christ told us we must “die daily” then it is implied we will struggle against our weaknesses until we die. It may not be apparent to others that we are struggling and perhaps we won’t always recognize it as that.

I believe sanctification is a process and it is clear from Christ’s own words that it takes time to become truly Christ-like – “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.”
(Luke 6:40)

Well put, as long as that assurance comes from Christ, and not ourselves. Thanks for the clarification. God bless.

I think we understand what is meant here, there is no argument, you are correct. Sparks is very often reminding Christ’s followers that there is a continuing death and dying that has to be accomplished in the here and now. But, in a real sense our sanctification is complete; it is complete in Him. We experience our set backs and come to a place where we realize that we must turn to the One who we are complete in, Christ. This person is the spiritual Christian. Then there are those who come to the battle with all there own ability to overcome, and we know who they are, the carnal.

Most Christians who have had a “born again experience” have never advanced to the degree that they trust Christ as their sole resource for victory. They come to the Christian life pulling behind them their wagon full of all the valuables they have accumulated while in the world: strength of the flesh, fortune, ability of the will, and other varied talents, and pull that wagon across the threshold right into their Christian life, like so many before them. They didn’t understand that the death they identified with in that cross meant death to all those resources and a complete dependence on Christ alone. That faith in the faithfulness of Christ to keep His word is our sanctification. David was a sanctified man. His sanctification was complete. What he lacked in himself Christ filled up. This is the wisdom Paul speaks of in 1 Cor 2:6-8

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

The wisdom which is obtained through the operation of faith is unknowable to the world and to carnal Christians, and how one can at the same time be both sanctified and in the process of sanctification is a mystery to most people, but it is no less true.

To speak with assurance seems to be prideful and arrogant but, is no more prideful and arrogant than David slaying Goliath.

Steve Blackwell

Austin – Christ Who has accomplished and perfected all, is in our hearts and is having His full way and full sway in our hearts.

T. Austin Sparks hits the nail 99% on the head here, but I should point out that it is unwise to say, “I am completely spiritual” or “Jesus has His full way and full sway with me”. Look at Matthew 26:33. “Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” We all know what happened next.

The only human who ever finished their sanctification in this life is Jesus Christ; of course, He began that way. There is always a struggle, whether it’s us finding ourselves back-sliding from that surrender to Christ, or us being tempted by Satan’s untiring push. While there is a stark difference between the born again, committed Christian and the cultural, liberal Christian, it is by no means complete in this life.

Maybe I misread the statements as being prideful. If I didn’t misread them, then some further consideration should be given.