Chapter 224—Hearts Made Pure
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he
is pure.
1 John 3:3
.
Here is a work for man to do. He must face the mirror, God’s law, discern
the defects in his moral character, and put away his sins, washing his robe
of character in the blood of the lamb. Envy, pride, malice, deceit, strife, and
crime will be cleansed from the heart that is a recipient of the love of Christ
and that cherishes the hope of being made like Him when we shall see Him
as He is. The religion of Christ refines and dignifies its possessor, whatever
his associations or station in life may be. Men who become enlightened
Christians rise above the level of their former character into greater mental
and moral strength. Those fallen and degraded by sin and crime may, through
the merits of the Saviour, be exalted to a position but little lower than that of
the angels.
But the influence of a gospel hope will not lead the sinner to look upon
the salvation of Christ as a matter of free grace, while he continues to live in
transgression of the law of God. When the light of truth dawns upon his mind
and he fully understands the requirements of God and realizes the extent of
his transgressions, he will reform his ways, become loyal to God through the
strength obtained from his Saviour, and lead a new and purer life.
We have a work to do to fashion the character after the divine Model. All
wrong habits must be given up. The impure must become pure in heart; the
selfish man must put away his selfishness; the proud man must get rid of his
pride; the self-sufficient man must overcome his self-confidence, and realize
that he is nothing without Christ.... We must have a living connection with
God.
A stubborn and rebellious heart can close its doors to all the sweet
influences of the grace of God and all the joy in the Holy Ghost; but the ways
of wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. The more
closely we are connected with Christ, the more will our words and actions
show the subduing, transforming power of His grace.
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