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Questions and Answers
According to the author, what is the result of accepting the thesis that a sacrament is an external expression of an inward grace?
According to the author, what is the result of accepting the thesis that a sacrament is an external expression of an inward grace?
- We will be ashamed of our body
- We will be separated from God
- We will not be able to escape from the sacred-secular dilemma
- We can make every subsequent act express that consecration (correct)
The sacred-secular antithesis is a biblical concept.
The sacred-secular antithesis is a biblical concept.
False (B)
What must we do to escape from the toils of the sacred-secular dilemma?
What must we do to escape from the toils of the sacred-secular dilemma?
We must practice living to the glory of God, actually and determinedly, and make every act of every hour of the day and night included in the transaction.
The Lord hath need of our ______________________ bodies.
The Lord hath need of our ______________________ bodies.
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
What is the common habit that hinders internal peace in Christians?
What is the common habit that hinders internal peace in Christians?
As children of Adam, we do not have to worry about the weaknesses and ills of human nature.
As children of Adam, we do not have to worry about the weaknesses and ills of human nature.
What two worlds do Christians inhabit according to the passage?
What two worlds do Christians inhabit according to the passage?
The sacred acts are known by the fact that they have no direct relation to this world, and would have no meaning whatever except as faith shows us another world, an _______________ not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
The sacred acts are known by the fact that they have no direct relation to this world, and would have no meaning whatever except as faith shows us another world, an _______________ not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Match the following activities with their corresponding categories:
Match the following activities with their corresponding categories:
What determines whether a person's work is sacred or secular?
What determines whether a person's work is sacred or secular?
The service of a less gifted brother is inferior to that of a more gifted one.
The service of a less gifted brother is inferior to that of a more gifted one.
What should every man do according to the passage?
What should every man do according to the passage?
A man can sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no ______________________ act.
A man can sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no ______________________ act.
Match the following phrases with their descriptions:
Match the following phrases with their descriptions:
What is the result of the sacred-secular antithesis in the lives of most Christians?
What is the result of the sacred-secular antithesis in the lives of most Christians?
The New Testament makes a distinction between sacred and secular acts.
The New Testament makes a distinction between sacred and secular acts.
What is the key to making every act of our lives contribute to the glory of God?
What is the key to making every act of our lives contribute to the glory of God?
According to the passage, our Lord Jesus Christ lived on earth without strain from ______________ to His death on the cross.
According to the passage, our Lord Jesus Christ lived on earth without strain from ______________ to His death on the cross.
Match the following Bible verses with their corresponding themes:
Match the following Bible verses with their corresponding themes:
What was the primary lesson that Israel learned from the holy days, holy vessels, and holy garments?
What was the primary lesson that Israel learned from the holy days, holy vessels, and holy garments?
The Roman Catholic Church represents the logical conclusion of the sacred-secular heresy.
The Roman Catholic Church represents the logical conclusion of the sacred-secular heresy.
What is the essential spirituality of worship that remained with the Church until it was slowly lost?
What is the essential spirituality of worship that remained with the Church until it was slowly lost?
Paul's sewing of tents was not equal to his writing an __________ to the Romans.
Paul's sewing of tents was not equal to his writing an __________ to the Romans.
Match the following phrases with their corresponding meanings:
Match the following phrases with their corresponding meanings:
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Study Notes
The Sacred-Secular Antithesis
- The common habit of dividing life into sacred and secular areas is a major hindrance to internal peace for Christians.
- This division leads to a sense of unease, frustration, and reduced strength, as Christians struggle to balance their spiritual and natural lives.
The Spiritual and Natural Lives
- As children of Adam, Christians live on earth, subject to the limitations of the flesh and human nature.
- As children of God, they possess a heavenly status and enjoy intimate fellowship with Christ.
- This dichotomy often leads to recognizing two sets of actions: sacred acts (e.g., prayer, Bible reading, hymn singing) and secular acts (e.g., eating, sleeping, working).
The Problem with the Sacred-Secular Antithesis
- This division is not supported by the New Testament.
- It creates a sense of uncertainty and moral maladjustment, leading to a lack of peace and joy.
- The Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a unified life, living on earth without strain, and His life is an integral part of the sacred revelation.
The Solution: Living to the Glory of God
- Every act of life can be performed to the glory of God, making every act sacred.
- The New Testament accepts the human body as created by God and not inherently offensive to Him.
- Bodily acts done in sin and contrary to nature cannot honor God, but innocent and harmless acts can be sacred.
- By one act of consecration, every subsequent act can express that consecration, making the whole life a sacrament.
Practicing a Unified Life
- To escape the sacred-secular dilemma, the truth must become a part of daily life, conditioning thoughts and actions.
- Meditation, prayer, and frequent reminders can help to establish a sense of unity and make every act sacred.
- Intelligent thought and reverent prayer are necessary to overcome the old antithesis and its habits.
Overcoming the Error
- The error of the sacred-secular antithesis is widespread, even among religious persons.
- It is necessary to combat this error, recognizing that every act, every place, and every time can be sacred.
- The New Testament teaches that true worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth, without regard to specific times or places.
Consequences of the Error
- The error has led to the distinction between sacred and secular places, days, and times, and has created a cleavage between religion and life.
- It has introduced legality and a focus on external forms, rather than spirituality and inner life.
- The Church has often lost its focus on the essential spirituality of worship, and has reverted to the old distinctions and errors.
The Importance of Motive
- The motive behind an act determines whether it is sacred or secular.
- If a person sanctifies the Lord God in their heart, they can do no common act, and all their works will be good and acceptable to God.
- Every act, no matter how simple, can be a priestly ministration and an act of worship.
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