Page 93 - Maranatha (1976)

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Bible Sanctification Defined, March 22
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17
.
Those who are sanctified through the truth are living recommendations
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.
“And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified
through the truth.”
John 17:19
. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in
obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see
that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.”
1 Peter 1:22
. “Having
therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
2
Corinthians 7:1
....
Here is Bible sanctification. It is not merely a show or outside work. It
is sanctification received through the channel of truth. It is truth received in
the heart, and practically carried out in the life.
There is no Bible sanctification for those who cast a part of the truth
behind them. There is light enough given in the word of God, so that none
need err.... Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and
man.”
Luke 2:52
. Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually
in the knowledge and love of God....
Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day. It is a
continual growth in grace.... Satan lives, and is active, and every day we
need to cry earnestly to God for help and strength to resist him. As long
as Satan reigns we shall have self to subdue, besetments to overcome, and
there is no stopping place, there is no point to which we can come and say
we have fully attained....
The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner
and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in
them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation.
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