One of the interesting connections Edwards makes on the topic of
sanctification is found in his sermon on 2 Corinthians 5:8 delivered at
David Brainerd’s funeral on October 12, 1747. There, in one section,
Edwards connects sanctification within his broad (and glorious)
worldview. Edwards makes the following points:
- Sanctification is the progressive emerging of Christ’s holiness in our lives through (a) our vision of Christ’s glory, and (b) our union with Christ by the Spirit.
- We see Christ’s glory partially now, therefore our transformation can only be incomplete in this life.
- We experience vital union with Christ partially now, therefore our holiness will never fully emerge in this life.
- In death we behold Christ’s full glory (beatific vision), and there our sanctification is complete (glorification).
- In death all hindrances to experiencing vital union with Christ are removed, and there our sanctification is complete (glorification).
It’s interesting how Edwards merges here two key themes of
sanctification: (1) vital union with Christ in progressive
sanctification, and (2) our sight of Christ’s glory in progressive
sanctification. Those two realities are really one reality for Edwards.
To see Christ’s glory is to experience unhindered union with Him. The
beatific vision of Christ perfects our vital union with Christ. And it’s
at that point his holiness will then flow unhindered in our lives, to
our delight and to God’s glory.
All that may be a little more than we would wish to hear at a funeral
sermon, but nevertheless it’s here in Edwards, and here it is in his
own words (Works, 25:230–232):
III. The souls of true saints, when absent
from the body, go to be with Jesus Christ, as they are brought into a
most perfect conformity to, and union with him. Their spiritual
conformity is begun while they are in the body; here beholding as in a
glass, the glory of the Lord, they are changed into the same image: but
when they come to see him as he is, in heaven, then they become like
him, in another manner. That perfect right will abolish all remains of
deformity, disagreement and sinful unlikeness; as all darkness is
abolished before the full blaze of the sun’s meridian light: it is
impossible that the least degree of obscurity should remain before such
light. So it is impossible the least degree of sin and spiritual
deformity should remain, in such a view of the spiritual beauty and
glory of Christ, as the saints enjoy in heaven when they see that Sun of
righteousness without a cloud; they themselves shine forth as the sun,
and shall be as little suns, without a spot. Continue at Tony
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