Final answer:
Packer claims that hesitance in self-abandonment in Christ denotes unbelief because true faith demands complete surrender to Him, which should override adhering to past beliefs or external influences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Packer concludes that our "dithering" over self-abandonment in Christ is a matter of unbelief because the hesitation or reluctance to fully commit to one's faith in Christ involves a lack of trust or confidence in the truths of Christianity. This idea is rooted in the notion that true faith requires a complete surrender to Christ, forsaking one's own understanding and preconceptions. Packer suggests that any doubt or unwillingness to fully embrace this commitment is a reflection of unbelief, as genuine belief would naturally lead to a wholehearted abandonment of self in favor of a Christ-centered identity and worldview.
Throughout various excerpts, it is evident that holding onto past beliefs or being influenced by external circumstances can shape one's commitment to spiritual convictions. Some individuals may find it challenging to abandon their certainties in exchange for a new set of beliefs which they have not yet fully grasped or internalized. According to Packer, if one truly believes in the Christian faith, there should be no reservation in fully surrendering to Christ, as any form of hesitation is a sign of unbelief.