Thank you for your postcard from Lyngør. Yesterday Br. Anthony was here. We spoke about many different things, and in particular he asked many questions about Rom. 7. Among other things, he asked how Paul could say that the commandment brought death to him and later say that it wasn’t the commandment that brought death to him, but sin. This may seem somewhat complicated, but I believe he was satisfied with the answer, more or less. I explained to him that 1) the commandment, 2) sin, and 3) I were three different things. When 2) sin and 3) I were united, the 1) commandment worked until I felt and understood that I was laboring under a burden (sin) that could never satisfy the requirement of the law. The commandment worked on me for so long that I became conscious of all kinds of lusts. The commandment enabled me to see all my wretchedness, and as a result, I capitulated. The commandment was meant to bring life, but I found it to bring death. But then, when I died, I became alive and came into harmony with the commandment. So we see that the commandment brought life to me—real life—a life that comes after death (self-surrender). All this happened on account of sin, that it might be manifest as sin. In other words: 1) sin became death to him through what is good, 2) that is, the commandment.

And that, in turn, means: before, I was united with sin, but now, I am united with the commandment.

The next thing Br. Anthony couldn’t understand was verse 20: “It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” But he came to full clarity about this and rejoiced over it. He has a sharp mind, but as you know, it is possible to have a sharp mind and yet be slow to comprehend. I am not applying this to Br. Anthony; I am just mentioning it as something to reflect on in this context.

We got along very well together. He wasn’t afraid to be open with me. He came at 11:30 a.m. and left at 6:23 in the evening. Interestingly enough, he said that he didn’t understand what I had written. He also said that the last letter I wrote about “the body” and “the man” was not understood. That short letter contained many precious truths, but he said that it was extremely concentrated with many thoughts on top of each other.

I do not believe that we can speak about these deeper things to people in general; all we can do is lead them forward from where they are. I also said to Br. Anthony that not all God’s people are disciples of Jesus, only those who take up their cross. He agreed with this, and now he is determined to take up his cross. He said he has great confidence in you, and always feels judged when he is together with you. He said that is not so pleasant, but it is necessary.

Just this little “report” about our time together. Greet everyone at home, and Ludvik when you meet him. I hope we can get together when you get back from your trip to the west coast. It is always so good to speak with you about the mysteries of Christ. Br. Anthony is good material if only he can endure the cross.

Hearty greetings from everyone here.

Your brother,