Toward Perfection

As Christ Jesus continues to bring His Holy Church into perfection, the chaff becomes more distilled from the wheat. This is readily apparent in the midst of the redeemed in Christ, who witness astonishing deficiencies both in themselves and within their respective parishes. This is to be expected. Where Christ-crucified is all the more purely preached and applied, the effect is all the more provocative in the heavenly realms, which in turn plays itself out in human forms. Besides, the redeemed are much more keenly aware of the Law as it amplifies sin. “Fear not, little flock. It is the Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Outside of the redeemed in Christ, where His Word is rejected, there may be camaraderie, friendliness, and even the most cordial civil righteousness. Here the distinction also becomes more pronounced through the ages, as manifestations of incivility become more dissolute, and the correctives of natural law shine forth on the part of those committed to self-preservation and self-righteousness.

Based on the above, it should come as no surprise that the redeemed in Christ may actually see more incivility in their own midst, than amidst the unregenerate who participate in civil righteousness. The redeemed in Christ are given all the more opportunity to practice what has been preached into their hearts, and it hurts. No crucifixion ever felt good. Yet despite such great weakness shown in the midst of Christ’s holy people, He is at work in them to will and to do His good pleasure, so that what appears to the eyes as great failure, is in fact a beautiful reality; so that as they approach the world they may be instruments in applying the same forgiveness they themselves possess.

I would rather be found in a house full of sinners participating in the benefits of Christ with weakness, than a world full of apparent saints participating in self-congratulation with strength, but I happen to live in both worlds, and that’s okay. That is precisely how it is for all who are baptized into Christ Jesus until their baptism is completed at the Last Day.