The Three Stages
The sermon outlines the three stages of spiritual growth: purification, illumination, and union with God.
W.R. Inge preaches about the three essential stages in the spiritual journey towards being united with God: purification, illumination, and union. Purification involves repentance, confession, and amendment; illumination includes renouncing sin, practicing virtue, and enduring trials; while union requires pureness of heart, love, and contemplation of God. Each stage is crucial for spiritual growth and closeness to God.
Text
Be well assured that none can be illuminated, unless he be first cleansed, purified, or stripped. Also none can be united to God unless he be first illuminated. There are therefore three stages--first, the purification; secondly, the illumination; and thirdly, the union. The purification belongs to those who are beginning or repenting. It is effected in three ways; by repentance and sorrow for sin, by full confession, and by hearty amendment.
The illumination belongs to those who are growing, and it also is effected in three ways; by the renunciation of sin, by the practice of virtue and good works, and by willing endurance of all trials and temptations.
The union belongs to those who are perfect, and this also is effected in three ways; by pureness and singleness of heart, by love, and by the contemplation of God, the Creator of all things. xiv.
Sermon Outline
- The Three Stages
- Illumination
- Union
- For those perfect
- Effectuated through purity, love, and contemplation
- Of God, the Creator
Key Quotes
“Be well assured that none can be illuminated, unless he be first cleansed, purified, or stripped.” — W.R. Inge
“The purification belongs to those who are beginning or repenting.” — W.R. Inge
“The union belongs to those who are perfect, and this also is effected in three ways;” — W.R. Inge
Application Points
- To grow spiritually, you must first be purified through repentance, confession, and amendment.
- Illumination comes through renunciation of sin, practice of virtue, and willing endurance of trials and temptations.
- Union with God is achieved through pureness of heart, love, and contemplation of God.