Originally Posted by AC.
On a related note - I have 2 questions about Misery-Deliverance-Gratitude.

1. I would deduce from your comments that you believe M-D-G is also a comprehensive part of the same experience, meaning each aspect of true conversion is basically interrelated & instantaneous.
Yes and No... wink The original subject was in regard to regeneration, which is monergistic. Now, it seems, you are switching gears, so to speak, and focusing upon sanctification, which is synergistic. Yes, MDG is a comprehensive part because sanctification naturally flows out of regeneration --> justification. But I do not believe it is of the same 'experience', since regeneration is not experiential, i.e., the recreating of the will (new nature). Conversion, the fruit if regeneration is experiential.

Originally Posted by AC.
2. I was told by a little less-conservative Christian-brother that M-D-G is less linear and more circular. Not that it is a viscious cycle, but rather as we undergo sanctification/growing in grace we will actively expereince the bitterness of sin and a renewal of repentance leading to continued gratitude. So the initial rebirth is not in question, but a renewal of the misery of sin/the deliverance from sin/and the gratitude toward the Savior continues/is continual....
I'm not sure what this individual is wanting to distinguish between 'linear' vs. 'circular'. IF I had to stay with his terminology, I would have to say that MDG is linear, i.e., there is a progressive movement toward becoming more like Christ, i.e., perfectly holy. As sanctification progresses one is given more of a glimpse of one's own sinfulness and thus an increased need and love for Christ and all that is good. Of course, this progression is not a constant, unwavering increase in these things for there are surely times of digression, fallowness, etc. But overall, it is surely an upward progression. So, I don't see this as a "renewal of MDG" but a continuation and increase of it.

shrug Does that address what you are asking?

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simul iustus et peccator

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