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  THE THREE STAGES
  by W.R. Inge
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Summary: The sermon outlines the three stages of spiritual growth:
purification, illumination, and union with God.

Topics: "Spiritual Growth", "Union With God"
Scripture References: Psalm 51:10, James 1:12, 1 John 1:9

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DESCRIPTION
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W.R. Inge preaches about the three essential stages in the spiritual
journey towards being united with God: purification, illumination, and
union. Purification involves repentance, confession, and amendment;
illumination includes renouncing sin, practicing virtue, and enduring
trials; while union requires pureness of heart, love, and contemplation
of God. Each stage is crucial for spiritual growth and closeness to God.

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CONTENT
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Be well assured that none can be illuminated, unless he be first
cleansed, purified, or stripped. Also none can be united to God unless
he be first illuminated. There are therefore three stages--first, the
purification; secondly, the illumination; and thirdly, the union. The
purification belongs to those who are beginning or repenting. It is
effected in three ways; by repentance and sorrow for sin, by full
confession, and by hearty amendment.

The illumination belongs to those who are growing, and it also is
effected in three ways; by the renunciation of sin, by the practice of
virtue and good works, and by willing endurance of all trials and
temptations.

The union belongs to those who are perfect, and this also is effected in
three ways; by pureness and singleness of heart, by love, and by the
contemplation of God, the Creator of all things. xiv.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/wr-inge/the-three-stages/
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