Christian and Hopeful see Ignorance following up behind them, and they decide to wait for him in order to engage him in conversation. A heated discussion results over what constitutes true conversion, a true manifestation of God's grace in one's being. Christian says that intellectual belief is not enough, one must repent and be sorrowful for one's sinful nature. Ignorance claims that belief in Christ and having a good heart are enough, that His grace will make one's intentions and good actions meritable. Hopeful adds to the discussion by saying that no one can be saved unless God the Father extends to him a revelation of His Son.
Ignorance falls back, preferring to walk alone, and Christian and Hopeful start a new discussion on the mechanics of backsliding. They are almost out of the Enchanted Ground.
Thoughts on this chapter
This is a deeper and longer chapter, and it is rather awkward to detail the entire conversation, hence the shorter post tonight. This is a chapter which merits more study, and I don't think I can do it complete justice without more time. As far as I understand it, it seems that Ignorance thinks that if he thinks he is doing good, his heart is good, and God would have no choice but honor that goodness. It's based on good feelings and intentions, but is not built on solid rock.
Tomorrow is the end of Part 1. Part 2 will follow starting on Sunday, as Amy and I are going to be traveling this weekend. As a result of skipping four days, I will have fourteen days to cover fourteen chapters before Easter. I'm still going to do that, maybe I'll have some shorter posts some days and double them up, so I can have a day or two of rest before Easter.
Posted by joelfuhrmann at April 2, 2003 10:54 PM