Chapter 140—Encourages Christlikeness
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as
he walked.
1 John 2:6
.
The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living
force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall
be witnesses to its power.... He would have His servants bear testimony to
the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of character,
and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have us bear
testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until the human race are
reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and daughters.
God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully,
wholeheartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remembering that by a
most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to serve the Lord and
Him only.
God requires perfection of His children. His law is a transcript of His
own character, and it is the standard of all character. This infinite standard
is presented to all that there may be no mistake in regard to the kind of
people whom God will have to compose His kingdom. The life of Christ on
earth was a perfect expression of God’s law, and when those who claim to
be children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to
God’s commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the number
who shall compose the family of heaven. Clothed in the glorious apparel of
Christ’s righteousness, they have a place at the King’s feast. They have a
right to join the blood-washed throng.
Everything must be viewed in the light of the example of Christ. He is the
truth. He is the true Light that lighteth every man who cometh into the world.
Listen to His words, copy His example in self-denial and self-sacrifice, and
look to the merits of Christ for the glory in character which He possesses to
be bestowed on you. Those who follow Christ live not to please themselves.
Human standards are like feeble reeds. The Lord’s standard is perfection of
character.
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