Basic HTML Version
Truth Elevates, September 15
Sanctifying Power of the Truth
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his
grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified.
Acts 20:32
The precious faith inspired of God imparts strength and nobility of
character. As His goodness, His mercy, and His love are dwelt upon,
clearer and still clearer will be the perception of truth; higher, holier the
desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling
in the atmosphere of holy thought is transformed by intercourse with
God through the study of His Word. Truth is so large, so far reaching,
so deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart is softened and
subdued into humility, kindness, and love.
The natural powers are enlarged because of holy obedience. From
the study of the words of life, students may come forth with minds
expanded, elevated, ennobled.... Being pure-minded, they will become
strong-minded. Every intellectual faculty will be quickened. They may
so educate and discipline themselves that all within the sphere of their
influence may see what man can be, and what he can do, when connected
with the God of wisdom and power.
The truth of God never degrades the receiver. The influence of the
truth upon him who accepts it will tend constantly to his elevation....
Those who are sanctified through the truth are living recommenda-
tions of its power and representatives of their risen Lord. The religion
of Christ will refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and
ennoble the soul, making the Christian more and more fit for the society
of the heavenly angels.
God bids us fill our minds with great thoughts, pure thoughts.... No
one with a spirit to appreciate its teachings can read a single passage
from the Bible without gaining from it some helpful thought.
[263]
274