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Counterfeit Sanctification, August 12
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him
verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in
him.
1 John 2:4, 5
.
The sanctification now gaining prominence in the religious world carries
with it a spirit of self-exaltation and a disregard for the law of God that
mark it as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its advocates teach that
sanctification is an instantaneous work, by which, through faith alone,
they attain to perfect holiness. “Only believe,” say they, “and the blessing
is yours.” No further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be
required. At the same time they deny the authority of the law of God, urging
that they are released from obligation to keep the commandments. But is it
possible for men to be holy, in accord with the will and character of God,
without coming into harmony with the principles which are an expression
of His nature and will ...?
The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial,
no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and
faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? Says the
apostle James: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath
faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ... Wilt thou know, O vain
man, that faith without works is dead? ...”
The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine
of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven
without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted,
it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and
provisions of the Scriptures.
Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy
while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission
of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates
the soul from God.... “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his
word, in him verily is the love of God perfected” (
1 John 2:4, 5
).
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