Sanctification--Who Does the Work?

Erroneous theories of sanctification, . . . springing from neglect or rejection of the divine law, have a prominent place in the religious movements of the day.

These theories are both false in doctrine and dangerous in practical results; and the fact that they are so generally finding favor, renders it doubly essential that all have a clear understanding of what the Scriptures teach upon this point. 

True sanctification is a Bible doctrine.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, declares: "This is the will of God, even your sanctification." And he prays: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly" (1 Thess. 4:3; 5:23).

The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained.

The Saviour prayed for His disciples: "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth" (John 17:17, 19).

And Paul teaches that believers are to be "sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 15:16).

What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples:
"When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

And the psalmist says: "Thy law is the truth."

By the word, and the Spirit of God, are opened to men, the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law.

And since the law of God is "holy, and just, and good," a transcript of the divine perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law, will be holy.

Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: "I have kept My Father's commandments." "I do always those things that please Him" (John 15:10; 8:29).

The followers of Christ are to become like Him, , by the grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification. {NL 13.2}

This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God.

Paul admonishes believers: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:12, 13).

The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will maintain 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 Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:57).

The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. Onward and upward, with faith.
 
When in conversion, the sinner finds peace with God, through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun.
 
Now he is to "go on unto perfection;" to grow up "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." . . . [Phil. 3:13, 14 and 2 Peter 1:5-10 quoted.] {NL 14.2}
 

So Love is the foundation of God's law...therefore we must have that Love for Him, who gives us all that pertains to this life, which will cause us to  love our neighbors also, reguardless of what they do.  We may hate what they do, but we love them because God first  loves us, that He gave His only begotten Son.
 
God bless you on this day.

Conversions- Fake or Real.....Alienated and Reconciled....how does it happen?

It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile men to God, by bringing them into accord with the principles of His law.

In the beginning, man was created in the image of God. He was in perfect harmony with the nature and the law of God; the principles of righteousness were written upon his heart.

But sin alienated him from his Maker.

He no longer reflected the divine image.

His heart was at war with the principles of God's law.

"The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Rom. 8:7).

But "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son," that man might be reconciled to God.

Through the merits of Christ, he can be restored to harmony with his Maker. His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must have a new life from above. This change is the new birth, without which, says Jesus, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." 

The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin.

"Sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4

"By the law is the knowledge of sin" ( Rom. 3:20).

In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God's great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own.

The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While it promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion of the transgressor.

The gospel of Christ alone can free him from the condemnation or the defilement of sin. He must exercise repentance toward God, whose law has been transgressed; and faith in Christ, his atoning sacrifice.

Thus he obtains "remission of sins that are past" and becomes a partaker of the divine nature. . . . {NL 12.2}

Is he now free to transgress God's law?

Says Paul: "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Rom. 3:31 / 6:2;

And John declares: "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous" (  John 5:3).

In the new birth, the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law.

When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. . . . {NL 12.3}

Have you had a heart transplant yet?

Conversions- Fake or Real......Can God's Law Be Changed?

Many religious teachers assert that Christ, by His death, abolished the law, and men are henceforth free from its requirements.

There are some who represent it as a grievous yoke, and in contrast to the bondage of the law, they present the liberty to be enjoyed under the gospel. 

But not so, did prophets and apostles regard the holy law of God.
Said David: "I will walk at liberty: for I seek Thy precepts" (Ps. 119:45).
 
The apostle James, who wrote after the death of Christ, refers to the Decalogue as "the royal law" and "the perfect law of liberty" (James 2:8; 1:25).
 
And the revelator, half a century after the crucifixion, pronounces a blessing upon them "that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).
 

The claim that, Christ by His death, abolished His Father's law is without foundation. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty of sin. . . . {NL 11.2}
 

LOVE is the very foudation of His laws, that is why the laws can't be changed.
 

Conversions- Fake or Real......Counterfeit Revivals- Why Be Deceived?

In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future.

There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word, it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed. And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God. 

In the truths of His word, God has given to men, a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them, they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world.

The nature, and the importance of the law of God, have been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and the obligation of the divine law, has led to errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church. Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time. . . . {NL 10}

It is the lack of love for God, that His standards are lowered.

2 Tim. 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Conversions- Fake or Real......Counterfeit Revivals--What's the Difference?

2 Chronicles  7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Many of the revivals of modern times have presented a marked contrast to those manifestations of divine grace, which in earlier days, followed the labors of God's servants. It is true that a widespread interest is kindled, many profess conversion, and there are large accessions to the churches; nevertheless the results are not such as to warrant the belief that there has been a corresponding increase of real spiritual life. The light which flames up for a time, soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense than before. {NL 9.1}

Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason, awakens no response. The plain warnings of God's word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded.

With every truly converted soul, the relation to God and to eternal things, will be the great topic of life. . . . Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth, there will be among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God, will be poured out upon His children. At that time, many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His Word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time, to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming.

The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches, which he can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world. {NL 10}

Wake up!

Conversions- Fake or Real......A New Life-style

These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life--new creatures in Christ Jesus;

Not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God, to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure.

The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated.

The proud and self-assertive, became meek and lowly of heart.

The vain and supercilious, became serious and unobtrusive.

The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure.

The vain fashions of the world were laid aside.

Christians sought not the "outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3, 4).

Revivals brought deep heart searching and humility.

They were characterized by solemn, earnest appeals to the sinner, by yearning compassion for the purchase of the blood of Christ.

Men and women prayed and wrestled with God for the salvation of souls.

The fruits of such revivals were seen in souls who shrank not at self-denial and sacrifice, but rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer reproach and trial for the sake of Christ.

Men beheld a transformation in the lives of those who had professed the name of Jesus. The community was benefited by their influence. . . .

This is the result of the work of the Spirit of God.

There is no evidence of genuine repentance, unless it works reformation.

If he restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, confess his sins, and love God and his fellow men, the sinner may be sure that he has found peace with God.

Such were the effects, that in former years, followed seasons of religious awakening.

Judged by their fruits, they were known to be blessed of God in the salvation of men and the uplifting of humanity. {NL 8.2}

Conversions- Fake or Real

Power of the Word

Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed, that attested its divine origin.

The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power.

Sinners felt their consciences quickened. The "light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world", illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and the hidden things of darkness were made manifest.

Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts.

They were convinced of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment to come.

They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts.

In anguish, they cried out: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God.

With faith and humility, they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.

Through the blood of Jesus, they had "remission of sins that are past." {NL 7.1}

How is your conviction?

Sonship

John 1:12   As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

When Adam's sin plunged the race into hopeless misery, God might have cut Himself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners deserved to be treated. He might have commanded the angels of heaven to pour out upon our world the vials of His wrath. He might have removed this dark blot from His universe. But He did not do this. Instead of banishing them from His presence, He came still nearer to the fallen race. He gave His Son to become bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Christ by His human relationship to men drew them close to God. He clothed His divine nature with the garb of humanity, and demonstrated before the heavenly universe, before the unfallen worlds, how much God loves the children of men.

The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing was withheld. God would not permit it to be said that He could have done more or revealed to humanity a greater measure of love. In the gift of Christ He gave all heaven.

Divine sonship is not something that we gain of ourselves. Only to those who receive Christ as their Saviour is given the power to become sons and daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by any power of his own, rid himself of sin. . . .

But the promise of sonship is made to all who believe on His name." Every one who comes to Jesus in faith will receive pardon.

God was to be manifest in Christ, "reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Cor. 5:19).

Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart divine power to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faith in Christ the fallen children of Adam might once more become "sons of God."

When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ. {Amazing Grace 53}

The Elijah Prophecy

Mal. 4:5, 6.   Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. 

Those who are to prepare the way for the second coming of Christ, are represented by faithful Elijah, as John came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Christ's first advent.

The work of John the Baptist, and the work of those, who in the last days, go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to arouse the people from their apathy, are in many respects the same. His work is a type of the work that must be done in this age. Christ is to come the second time to judge the world in righteousness.

John separated himself from friends and from the luxuries of life. The simplicity of his dress, a garment woven of camel's hair, was a standing rebuke to the extravagance and display of the Jewish priests, and of the people generally. His diet, purely vegetable, of locusts and wild honey, was a rebuke to the indulgence of appetite and the gluttony that everywhere prevailed. ... The great subject of reform is to be agitated, and the public mind is to be stirred. Temperance in all things is to be connected with the message, to turn the people of God from their idolatry, their gluttony, and their extravagance in dress and other things.

The self-denial, humility, and temperance required of the righteous, whom God especially leads and blesses, is to be presented to the people in contrast to the extravagant, health-destroying habits of those who live in this degenerate age. God has shown that health reform is as closely connected with the third angel's message as the hand is with the body.

As John the Baptist . . . called their attention to the Ten Commandments, so we are to give, with no uncertain sound, the message: "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." With the earnestness that characterized Elijah the prophet and John the Baptist, we are to strive to prepare the way for Christ's second advent. {Mar 22}

Are you called to prepare the way?

It's Up to You

Heb. 11:4.  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 

Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character. Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy in the Creator's dealings with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings of rebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon the earth and upon the human race for Adam's sin. He permitted his mind to run in the same channel that led to Satan's fall--indulging the desire for self-exaltation and questioning the divine justice and authority.

These two brothers erected their altars alike, and each brought an offering. Abel presented a sacrifice from the flock, in accordance with the Lord's directions. "And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering." Fire flashed from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. But Cain, disregarding the Lord's direct and explicit command, presented only an offering of fruit. There was no token from heaven to show that it was accepted.

Abel grasped the great principles of redemption. He saw himself a sinner, and he saw sin and its penalty, death, standing between his soul and communion with God. He brought the slain victim, the sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the claims of the law that had been transgressed. Through the shed blood he looked to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atonement that was there to be made, he had the witness that he was righteous, and his offering accepted.

Cain had the same opportunity of learning and accepting these truths as had Abel. He was not the victim of an arbitrary purpose. One brother was not elected to be accepted of God, and the other to be rejected. Abel chose faith and obedience; Cain, chose unbelief and rebellion. Here the whole matter rested.     CC 24
 
So it' s up to you to chose wether or not to be obedient to God.