第165章
They claim little, when they might claim much; for there is no limit to the promises of God.Such ones do not correctly represent the sanctification that comes through obedience to the truth.The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient.Through the exercise of faith the believer comes into possession of these blessings.
Through faith, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed.
Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character.The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads.For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, "Ye shall receive."It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of that wonderful building that was to be the abiding place of His glory.It is in the mount with God--in the secret place of communion--that we are to contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity.In all ages, through the medium of communion with heaven, God has worked out His purpose for His children, by unfolding gradually to their minds the doctrines of grace.His manner of imparting truth is illustrated in the words, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3.He who places himself where God can enlighten him, advances, as it were, from the partial obscurity of dawn to the full radiance of noonday.
True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God.We are to be sanctified to God through obedience to the truth.Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God.We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and advance to perfection.
Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all.
The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do.While following their own desires, they flatter themselves that they are conforming to God's will.These have no conflicts with self.There are others who for a time are successful in the struggle against their selfish desire for pleasure and ease.They are sincere and earnest, but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil.Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting it.
The directions laid down in the word of God leave no room for compromise with evil.The Son of God was manifested that He might draw all men unto Himself.He came not to lull the world to sleep, but to point out the narrow path in which all must travel who reach at last the gates of the City of God.His children must follow where He has led the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or suffering, they must maintain a constant battle with self.
The greatest praise that men can bring to God is to become consecrated channels through whom He can work.Time is rapidly passing into eternity.
Let us not keep back from God that which is His own.Let us not refuse Him that which, though it cannot be given with merit, cannot be denied without ruin.He asks for a whole heart; give it to Him; it is His, both by creation and by redemption.He asks for your intellect; give it to Him; it is His.He asks for your money; give it to Him; it is His."Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price." 1 Corinthians 6:
19, 20.God requires the homage of a sanctified soul, which has prepared itself, by the exercise of the faith that works by love, to serve Him.He holds up before us the highest ideal, even perfection.He asks us to be absolutely and completely for Him in this world as He is for us in the presence of God.
"This is the will of God" concerning you, "even your sanctification." 1Thessalonians 4:3.Is it your will also? Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness.God demands of you entire conformity to His law.This law is the echo of His voice saying to you, Holier, yes, holier still.Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ.Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness, the work of which God's word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever.
As your soul yearns after God, you will find more and still more of the unsearchable riches of His grace.As you contemplate these riches you will come into possession of them and will reveal the merits of the Saviour's sacrifice, the protection of His righteousness, the fullness of His wisdom, and His power to present you before the Father "without spot, and blameless." 2 Peter 3:14.