Chapter 311—“Not of Yourselves”
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
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The apostle desired those to whom he was writing to remember that they
must reveal in their lives the glorious change wrought in them by Christ’s
transforming grace. They were to be lights in the world, by their purified,
sanctified characters exerting an influence counter to the influence of satanic
agencies. They were ever to remember the words, “Not of yourselves.” They
could not change their own hearts. And when by their efforts souls were led
from the ranks of Satan to take their stand for Christ, they were not to claim
any credit for the transformation wrought.
God calls upon all who will to come and drink of the waters of life
freely. The power of God is the one element of efficiency in the grand work
of obtaining the victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is in
accordance with the divine plan that we follow every ray of light given of
God. Man can accomplish nothing without God, and God has arranged His
plans so as to accomplish nothing in the restoration of the human race without
the cooperation of the human with the divine. The part man is required to
sustain is immeasurably small, yet in the plan of God it is just that part that
is needed to make the work a success.
The great change that is seen in the life of a sinner after conversion is not
brought about by any human goodness....
He who is rich in mercy has imparted His grace to us. Then let praise and
thanksgiving ascend to Him, because He has become our Saviour. Let His
love, filling our hearts and minds, flow forth from our lives in rich currents
of grace. When we were dead in trespasses and sins, He quickened us into
spiritual life. He brought grace and pardon, filling the soul with new life.
Thus the sinner passes from death to life. He now takes up his new duties in
Christ’s service. His life becomes true and strong, filled with good works.
“Because I live,” Christ said, “ye shall live also”....
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