Страница 69 из 120
It is false in theory, and dangerous in its practical results.
Its advocates teach that the law of God is a grievous yoke. and
that by faith in Christ, men are released from all obligation to keep
his Father’s commandments. Bible sanctification is a conformity to
the will of God, attained by rendering obedience to his law, through
faith in his Son. Our Saviour prayed for his disciples, “Sanctify
them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” [John 17:17.] There is no genuine sanctification except through obedience to the truth; and
the psalmist declares, “Thy law is the truth.” [Psalm 119:142.] The law of God is the only standard of moral perfection. That law was
exemplified in the life of Christ. He says, “I have kept my Father’s
commandments.” [John 15:10. ] And the apostle John affirms, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.” And again, “This is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments.” [1 John 2:6; 5:3.] Those who love God will love his commandments also. The truly sanctified heart is in harmony
with the divine precepts; for they are “holy, and just, and good.”
It is only when the law of God is set aside, and men have no
[300]
standard of right, no means to detect sin, that erring mortals can
claim perfect holiness. But let none deceive themselves with the
belief that God will accept and bless them while they are willfully
violating one of his requirements. The commission of a known
sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the
Modern Revivals
199
soul from God. Jesus ca
divine law. God will honor those only who honor him. “Whosoever
committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression
of the law.” “Whosoever abideth in Him si
si
him.” [1 John 3:4, 6.] Though John in his epistles treats so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of
that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression
of the law of God: “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [1 John 2:4.]
Sanctification is believed by many to be instantaneously accom-
plished. “Only believe,” say they, “and the blessing is yours.” No
further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be required.
But the Bible teaches that sanctification is progressive. The Chris-
tian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will keep up a constant
warfare against it. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human
weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims,
“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Je-
sus Christ.” [1 Corinthians 15:57.] Paul exhorts his brethren, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” [Philippians 2:12.]
[301]
and concerning himself he declares, “I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 3:14.]
The successive steps in the attainment of Bible sanctification are set
before us in the words of Peter: “Giving all diligence, add to your
faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temper-
ance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and
to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.”
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling
and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [2
Peter 1:5-7, 10.] This is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall last.
Spurious sanctification carries with it a boastful, self-righteous
spirit which is foreign to the religion of the Bible. Meekness and
humility are the fruits of the Spirit. The prophet Daniel was an
example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble
service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” [Daniel
10:11.] of Heaven, and was granted such honors as have rarely been vouchsafed to mortals. Yet his purity of character and unwavering
200
The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
fidelity were equaled only by his humility and contrition. Instead of
claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself
with the really sinful of Israel, as he pleaded before God in behalf
of his people: “We do not present our supplications before thee for
our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” “We have si
we have done wickedly.” And “for our sins, and for the iniquities
of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach.”
[302]
He declares, “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin
and the sin of my people.” [Daniel 9:18, 15, 16, 20.] And when at a later time the Son of God appeared in answer to his prayers to give
him instruction, he declares, “My comeliness was turned in me into
corruption, and I retained no strength.” [Daniel 10:8.]
Those who are truly seeking to perfect Christian character will
never indulge the thought that they are sinless. The more their minds
dwell upon the character of Christ, and the nearer they approach
to his divine image, the more clearly will they discern its spotless
perfection, and the more deeply will they feel their own weakness
and defects. Those who claim to be without sin, give evidence that
they are far from holy. It is because they have no true knowledge of
Christ that they can look upon themselves as reflecting his image.
The greater the distance between them and their Saviour, the more
righteous they appear in their own eyes.
The sanctification set forth in the Scriptures embraces the entire
being,—spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for the Thessalonians,
that their “whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Again he writes to be-
lievers, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God.” [Romans 12:1.] The Jews were commanded to offer in sacrifice to God only such animals as were free from disease or blemish.
So Christians are required to preserve all their powers in the best
possible condition for the Lord’s service. Says Peter, “Abstain from
[303]
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” [1 Peter 2:11.] The word of God will make but a feeble impression upon those whose faculties
are benumbed by any sinful gratification. The heart ca
serve consecration to God while the animal appetites and passions
are indulged at the expense of health and life. Paul writes to the
Corinthians, “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
Modern Revivals
201
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians