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At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of the morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in.

C. S. Lewis#52

TheologyChristianityHopeSalvationAccessInclusionPurity

About this quote

What does it mean?
This quote contrasts our current external view of spiritual truth with a promised future inclusion, suggesting eventual participation in divine purity. It frames the New Testament as promising eventual access to what we currently only observe.
In plain terms
We currently see spiritual purity from outside but will eventually enter it.
What can you take from it?
Spiritual promises suggest future participation rather than just observation.

Where it applies

  • discussing salvation
  • explaining religious hope
  • reflecting on spiritual status

Putting it to work

  • preaching
  • writing theology
  • personal reflection

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to be on the outside of truth?
  • How does hope change your view of the present?

Another view

It assumes a specific theological framework that may not be universally accepted.

More from C. S. Lewis

  1. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is i…

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  2. We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He has disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is…

    Permalink to quote #53
  3. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds ou…

    Permalink to quote #50

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