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emphasize the nature of the synergy when they write on spiritual formation. Now Im sure
Demarest would tell us that we just need to read all of what he has written. And no doubt that is
true. Yet not all writers on spiritual formation are equally committed on writing on this and
other issues of sanctification. And it is their writings on spiritual formation that are making the
greatest impact on the church. I would encourage them to consider seriously the nature of the
divine/human synergy.
(5) A final area to be explored is the necessity of sanctification and the
consequences of failing to make progress in it. Does a failure to make substantial progress in
sanctification or spiritual formation cause one to forfeit the obtaining of full and final salvation,
or does it merely cause one to forfeit eternal rewards? Is significant effort towards growing in
experiential holiness a necessary component of a legitimate assurance of salvation? Or would it
result in a loss of Gods blessing and soul satisfaction in this life now, but nothing more? Both
Reformed and Wesleyan theologians argue that experiential holiness is a necessary condition for
obtaining full and final salvation. Texts like Heb 12:14; Rom 6:22; 8:13; 1 Cor 6:9-10; and Gal
5:9-21 argue in that direction. Now clearly the two views differ as to whether the lack of
progress in sanctification and the continuation in an unrepentant life of sin causes one to forfeit a
salvation they initially possessed or whether that kind of life gives evidence that one never truly
was regenerated in the first place. That truly is a significant debate. But both views are
life through the enabling Spirit. . . . Sanctification, then, results from the initiative and grace of
God to which is joined the diligence of believing people. According to the biblical order, our
actions are a response to the prior, sanctifying action of God in us." ("Transformed into His
Likeness," 425.)