The Mother of "Multiple Stage" Christianity

This is another quote from The Whole Christ on another negative side effect of separating the benefits of the gospel from the Benefactor.

The separation of the benefits of the gospel from Christ, who is the gospel, is also the mother of the many varieties of "multiple stage" Christianity in which a person can enjoy some, but not necessarily all, of the discrete blessings. Thus one may experience an abstractable "second blessing"; or alternatively enjoy the blessings of salvation without obedience, having Christ as Savior but not (at least not yet) as Lord. But this, as Calvin noted, is to "rend asunder" the Savior. What Marrow theology grasped was the New Testament's stress on the fact that when we are "in him," we possess Christ himself; all spiritual blessings are ours immediately and simultaneously "in him." Yes, this is true eschatologically - in the sense that their full realization awaits glorification. But, nevertheless, if we are in Christ, all blessings are ours really. [52-53]

Having grown up with a version of multi-stage Christianity, this rending asunder was all too real. Rather than growth and progress being the fruit of union with Christ, he was the perfect example, but only that - an object lesson of what to strive for but without any power to actually change me. In fact, union was not a result of saving grace but a higher plane that I needed to work towards. But I could potentially fall short if I was not surrendered enough, letting go enough, radical enough, remorseful enough, or even in Christ enough. (As though this was a state I could take myself in and out of.) But this casts aspersions on the finished work of Christ and on Christ himself, not to mention the doctrine of God. What sort of Savior is he if he is not able to save to the uttermost, if his will for my sanctification can be thwarted, or if he is unable to complete the good work he began?

Ferguson ends this section of the book by quoting Calvin's Institutes with a little versification on his part. These words are beautiful but it's not just religious sentiment. It's the God-glorifying and soul-liberating truth.

When we see salvation whole - its every single part is found in Christ, we must beware lest we derive the smallest drop from somewhere else.

If we seek salvation, the very name of Jesus teaches us that he possesses it...

There's cleansing in his blood, and if it's reconciliation that we need, for it he entered Hades; if mortification of our flesh - then in his tomb it's laid. And newnesss of our life - his resurrection brings and immortality as well come also with that gift...

The sum of all those who seek such treasure-trove of blessings, These blessings of all kinds, is this; from nowhere else than him can they be drawn; For they are ours in Christ alone. [55-56]