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  A FORETASTE OF ETERNAL LIFE
  by W.R. Inge
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Summary: The sermon argues that it is possible for the soul to gaze into
eternity while still in the body, and that this experience is highly
valued by God.

Topics: "Eternal Life", "Spiritual Clarity"
Scripture References: Psalm 46:10, Matthew 6:33, John 17:3, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Colossians 3:2

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DESCRIPTION
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W.R. Inge delves into the possibility of the soul, while still in the
body, reaching a state where it can glimpse eternity and experience a
taste of eternal life and blessedness. He acknowledges the challenges of
being preoccupied with earthly matters and the need for the soul to be
pure, stripped of all distractions, and completely separated from
worldly influences to achieve such a profound connection with God.
Despite the skepticism of many, Inge highlights St. Dionysius' belief
that it is indeed attainable in the present life through forsaking the
senses and entering into union with the divine. He emphasizes that even
a single moment of this spiritual clarity surpasses all earthly
achievements and leads to finding the kingdom of heaven and eternal life
on earth.

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CONTENT
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Some have asked whether it is possible for the soul, while it is still
in the body, to reach so great a height as to gaze into eternity, and
receive a foretaste of eternal life and blessedness. This is commonly
denied; and in a sense the denial is true. For indeed it cannot come
about, so long as the soul is occupied with the body, and the things
which minister to the body and belong to it, and to time and created
things, and is disturbed and troubled and distracted by them.

For the soul that would mount to such a state, must be quite pure,
entirely stripped and bare of all images; it must be wholly separate
from all creatures, and above all from itself. Many think that this is
impossible in this present life. But St Dionysius claims that it is
possible, as we find from his words in his letter to Timothy, where he
says: "In order to behold the hidden things of God, thou shalt forsake
sense and the things of the flesh, and all that can be perceived by the
senses, and all that reason can bring forth by her own power, and all
things created and uncreated which reason can know and comprehend, and
thou shalt stand upon an utter abandonment of thyself, as if thou
knewest none of those things which I have mentioned, and thou shalt
enter into union with Him who is, and who is above all existence and
knowledge."

If he did not think this to be possible in this present time, why did he
teach it and urge it upon us in this present time? But you ought to know
that a master has said, about this passage of St Dionysius, that it is
possible, and may come to a man so often that he may become accustomed
to it, and be able to gaze into eternity whenever he will. And a single
one of these glances is better, worthier, higher, and more pleasing to
God than all that the creature can do as a creature. He who has attained
to it asks for nothing more, for he has found the kingdom of heaven and
eternal life here on earth. viii.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/wr-inge/a-foretaste-of-eternal-life/
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