In the Himalayas, there are many ascetics, who spent their life in doing difficult penance, that is not possible for others. There are a few, who stand on one leg for years or hang upside down from a tree branch for years. Recently, there was a photo in the social media, where an ascetic is sitting submerged in snow, the temperature was minus twenty-two degrees Centigrade.
Physical prowess: Bringing the body under control through mind control is possible. It requires strict discipline, strong willpower, focus, and relentless practice. Such prowess is like winning a medal in the Olympics or a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Lord Jesus Christ said: For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)
Purpose: Each person born in this world, is indeed sent by God into this world. God has sent them to fulfill His purpose in the world. When a person fulfills God’s purpose, God is glorified. Doing penance sitting in deserts or caves or mountains is escaping from the world instead of being engaged in the world. For some, the temptation in the world is too strong, want to escape from the world to live a good moral life. But Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated that indwelling among people and overcoming temptation is possible.
Blessing for others: A person could do penance, amid snow, not affected by it. Is it a transferable technique that would help poor people living in harsh winters, who can neither afford shelter nor sweaters? If not, he is selfish and foolish trying to work out his salvation.
Spiritual deficiency: The Bible teaches that all are sinners and are unable to pay the penalty for sins, as the wages of sin is death. (Romans 3:23; 6:23) Hence, salvation can neither be obtained nor earned; but received in faith. Lord Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again from the dead to gift those who believe the precious salvation. No physical prowess or mental agility could guarantee the spiritual blessing of forgiveness of sins.
Am I blessed for my sins are forgiven?