When we separate salvation from sanctification, we effectively disregard the multitude of warnings and teachings found in Scripture that emphasize the importance of living a life set apart. Furthermore, this separation silences the inclusive viewpoints that Scripture offers, leading to a homogenized understanding of faith that is often oversimplified. In a political sense, I refer to this as the moderate wing of American religion, where a watered-down version of faith becomes the norm, and the rich complexities of the Christian experience are overlooked.

The purpose of our writing, and indeed of our discussions, should not simply be to articulate ideas in a different way or to sugarcoat our differences in order to reach a superficial consensus that makes us feel comfortable. When we choose to set aside what we know to be the truth in favor of a false sense of unity, we risk losing the very essence of what we are trying to convey. Instead, our goal should be to strive for the closest interpretation of scripture we can achieve, engaging deeply and thoughtfully with the text. When I hear people insist that we should simply "move on," it strikes me as profoundly misguided—almost as if I can smell a dead skunk in the air. The question I find myself grappling with is this: How can we genuinely move forward when there is such a fundamental disagreement over the very foundation of our beliefs? If we cannot even reach a consensus on whether the entirety of scripture is divinely inspired, how can we hope to take meaningful action? It's a troubling thought. Acting on beliefs derived from a position that might be considered heretical not only muddles our intentions but also taints the motivations behind our actions. To suggest that much of what scripture conveys is shrouded in mystery, and therefore allows us to dismiss or contradict its teachings at will, is not only disingenuous; it is a form of intellectual dishonesty. It leads to a kind of mindless discourse that lacks substance and direction. Picking and choosing what we want to believe from scripture, rather than wrestling with its complexities and striving to understand its message in full, reduces our engagement to mere empty rhetoric. In this way, we are not fostering genuine dialogue or understanding; we are merely participating in a cacophony of opinions that do little to illuminate the truth we seek.

When we compartmentalize the Christian experience, reducing it to mere steps or guidelines to follow, we risk losing the essence of what it truly means to live out our faith. Instead of engaging deeply with the teachings and truths of Christianity, we may find ourselves prioritizing superficial agreement over the pursuit of genuine truth. This avoidance of controversy can lead us to a comfortable but ultimately unfulfilling spiritual existence, where we gloss over the deeper issues that require thoughtful discussion and contemplation. By failing to confront these complexities, we may inadvertently allow our lives to be directed by a diluted version of faith, one that does not challenge us or encourage growth. It is essential to recognize that the Christian experience is not merely a checklist of behaviors or beliefs but rather a profound and dynamic relationship with God that calls us to engage with the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or divisive. Embracing this complexity can lead us to a more authentic and meaningful faith journey, one that honors the weight of our words and the depth of our convictions. In doing so, we align ourselves more closely with the teachings of Christ, allowing our lives to be transformed by the truths we hold dear.

Growing in our spiritual journey does not necessitate a checklist or a rigid set of tasks to accomplish. Instead, our prayers and expressions of faith should organically emerge from our personal experiences and encounters with God. When we examine the writings of the Psalmist, we observe that they do not approach God in the same manner with every psalm. Each psalm is not merely a reflection of their immediate circumstances or raw experiences; rather, the Psalmist crafts their words with the intention of imparting wisdom to their readers. The act of writing is not dictated by their situations; instead, they aim to articulate how they navigate various challenges and embrace the profound mystery of salvation—a salvation that is, quite frankly, beyond human comprehension. To simplify or reduce the concept of salvation to a mere list of steps, a collection of rules, or an argument for free will is to alter the very nature of the God we are called to worship. Let us strive to articulate the Christian experience as a holistic journey that flows from within and manifests outwardly, rather than fragmenting it into distinct categories of salvation and sanctification. While individuals may approach their faith in various ways, I remain committed to the timeless truths found in scripture. The ultimate goal of sanctification is not merely to follow a series of steps aimed at achieving moral success. In fact, we find no consistent support within scripture that promotes this notion. Instead, there exists a singular purpose that encompasses all aspects of life: to glorify God by enjoying a deep and abiding relationship with Him throughout eternity. Our lives should not be compartmentalized based on our individual choices or actions. The reasons behind why we choose to do certain things should not be the driving force; rather, our actions should stem from a more profound understanding of our faith.