The Union With God
The sermon emphasizes the deeply inward nature of union with God, where the soul finds itself in a point of self-awareness and understanding, and is brought to perfection through God's likeness.
W.R. Inge delves into the profound concept of the union of the soul with God, emphasizing that this union is deeper and more inward than that of the soul and body. He explores the idea of the soul being lost in God, pointing out that even in this state, the soul retains a sense of self-awareness as a created being. In striving for perfection, Inge highlights the necessity of allowing God to work unhindered within us to perfect His likeness, enabling us to understand and love in alignment with Him.
Text
THE union of the soul with God is far more inward than that of the soul and body. (566)
Now I might ask, how stands it with the soul that is lost in God? Does the soul find herself or not? To this will I answer as it appears to me, that the soul finds herself in the point, where every rational being understands itself with itself. Although it sinks and sinks in the eternity of the Divine Essence, yet it can never reach the ground. Therefore God has left a little point wherein the soul turns back upon itself and finds itself, and knows itself to be a creature. (387)
God alone must work in thee without hindrance, that He may bring to perfection His likeness in thee. So thou mayest understand with Him, and love with Him. This is the essence of perfection. (471)
Sermon Outline
- I. The Nature of Union with God
- A. More inward than the soul and body
- B. A point of self-awareness and understanding
- II. The Lost Soul in God
- A. The soul sinks in the Divine Essence
- B. A point of self-discovery and recognition
- III. God's Work in Perfection
- A. God must work without hindrance
- B. Bringing perfection through likeness
Key Quotes
“The union of the soul with God is far more inward than that of the soul and body.” — W.R. Inge
“God alone must work in thee without hindrance, that He may bring to perfection His likeness in thee.” — W.R. Inge
“This is the essence of perfection.” — W.R. Inge
Application Points
- Recognize your place as a creature in the eyes of God.
- Allow God to work in you without hindrance, bringing perfection through His likeness.
- Strive for self-awareness and understanding in your relationship with God.