Chapter 313—Union With Christ
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:14
.
To effect the salvation of men, God employs various agencies. He speaks
to them by His word and by His ministers, and He sends by the Holy Spirit
messages of warning, reproof, and instruction. These means are designed to
enlighten the understanding of the people, to reveal to them their duty and
their sins, and the blessings which they may receive; to awaken in them a
sense of spiritual want, that they may go to Christ and find in Him the grace
they need....
Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by refusing
to cherish His spirit and follow His example, or he enters into a personal
union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith, and obedience. We must, each
for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen us. This union with
Christ is to be formed by those who are naturally at enmity with Him. It is
a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud heart. This is
close work, and many who profess to be followers of Christ know nothing
of it. They nominally accept the Saviour, but not as the sole ruler of their
hearts....
To renounce their own will, perhaps their chosen object of affection or
pursuit, requires an effort, at which many hesitate and falter and turn back.
Yet this battle must be fought by every heart that is truly converted. We
must war against temptations without and within. We must gain the victory
over self, crucify the affections and lusts; and then begins the union of the
soul with Christ.... After this union is formed, it can be preserved only by
continual, earnest, painstaking effort. Christ exercises His power to preserve
and guard this sacred tie, and the dependent, helpless sinner must act his part
with untiring energy, or Satan by his cruel, cunning power will separate him
from Christ....
Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your talents, your virtues, your
piety, your philanthropy,... will not form a bond of union between your soul
and Christ. Your connection with the church ... will be of no avail unless you
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