I am encouraged by the comments here – after getting over my shock about the imperfections of Keswick. This reminds me of the words to a hymn, ‘Prone to wander, Lord I know it”. Surely works-centered living has been one of the most tempting “bunny trails” for zealous believers – and Keswick was not immune. But then, doesn’t that prove Romans 7 to be an ever-present reality in Christian living? Christians are forever slipping into law-living?
Ironside would be another example, like JI Packer, who became tormented by holiness teachings - until he stopped striving for it, and simply accepted the state of rest in Christ’s free gift.
I’ve heard Rom 7-8 preached as a split; and it has always made me feel distressed, and ashamed about my own real experiences and struggles. (So, for now I’m too afraid to listen to such a sermon again) Actually, I did read over Rom. 7 and 8, and I see no distinction between past and present - at least, between the chapters. Romans 7 is speaking in the present tense. Also, how can Romans 7 even be true for a non-believer? They do not even have the law of the Spirit at work within – to spawn this struggle. Only believers can experience that, is that not correct? And furthermore, Paul would not have needed to exhort believers in Romans 8 to be ruled by the Spirit if the sinful nature was no longer an ever-present option. As some of you are pointing out, the victory is not that the sinful nature is absent, but that we are not doomed by it, and we have the life of the Spirit within to give us victory.
You refresh my spirit with these words:
AB Simpson has the same effect on me – through his hymn, ‘Himself”. I especially like vs. 2.
1.\tOnce it was the blessing,
Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling,
Now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted,
Now, the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing,
Now Himself alone.
\tAll in all forever,
Only Christ I'll sing;
Everything is in Christ,
And Christ is everything.
2.\tOnce 'twas painful trying,
Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation,
Now the uttermost;
Once 'twas ceaseless holding,
Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting,
Now my anchor's cast.
3.\tOnce 'twas busy planning,
Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring,
Now He has the care;
Once 'twas what I wanted,
Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking,
Now 'tis ceaseless praise.
4.\tOnce it was my working,
His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him,
Now He uses me;
Once the pow'r I wanted,
Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored,
Now for Him alone.
5.\tOnce I hoped in Jesus,
Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying,
Now they brightly shine;
Once for death I waited,
Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored
Safe within the veil.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/513#ixzz1g2yZtK3L
