Required reading
Mystery of Providence by John Flavel (available from - Chapter 6.
My notes and thoughts
At the beginning of Chapter 6 Flavel mentions that there are two eminent ways in which we are kept from sin. One is internal grace, the other is the external working of providence which is the subject of this chapter. Although internal grace is not mentioned in more than a few lines, it is a good image that Flavel's uses to describe the way internal grace keeps us from sin: 'sanctification gives sin a miscarrying womb after it has conceived in the soul'.
My notes and thoughts
At the beginning of Chapter 6 Flavel mentions that there are two eminent ways in which we are kept from sin. One is internal grace, the other is the external working of providence which is the subject of this chapter. Although internal grace is not mentioned in more than a few lines, it is a good image that Flavel's uses to describe the way internal grace keeps us from sin: 'sanctification gives sin a miscarrying womb after it has conceived in the soul'.
Although I found Flavel's chapter encouraging, I'm not sure I agree that this is a way that providence keeps us from sin: 'By removing them out of the way of temptations by death...When the Lord sees His people low-spirited and not able to grapple with strong trials and temptations which are drawing on, it is for them a merciful Providence to be released by death and set out of harm's way'. I don't think I'd want to say that God struck someone down to prevent them from further sin. Yes, God strikes people down for committing actual sin, but for sin that hasn't occurred?!? I'm happy to be proved wrong with Scripture, but Flavel's proof text of Isaiah 57:1 is weak to say the least.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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