(I’m sure Keller believes and preaches more than two points! So what follows below is in no way a criticism of him.)

Tim Keller is famous for making two points:

1. “we are more wicked than we ever dared believe, but

2. more loved and accepted in Christ than we ever dared hope.”

Yes, but what about the third truth?

3. We can be greater than we would ever dare attempt.

So, if one accepts only 1. and 2., one will find great comfort. But if one accepts 3. along with 2. then one might suspect that Jesus is gong to make one’s life a living hell for quite some time.

In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

PS: After I wrote this I saw Doug Wilson deal with an issue and, in so doing, make what, to my mind, was a similar point–at least for someone who should get married but fears it.