Conversions—Fake or Real
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against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can
be” (
Romans 8:7
). But “God so loved the world, that He gave His
only-begotten Son,” that man might be reconciled to God. Through
the merits of Christ he can be restored to harmony with his Maker. His
heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must have a new life from
above. This change is the new birth, without which, says Jesus, “he
cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin. “Sin
is the transgression of the law.” “By the law is the knowledge of sin” (
1
John 3:4
;
Romans 3:20
). In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test
his character by God’s great standard of righteousness. It is a mirror
which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him
to discern the defects in his own.
The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While
it promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion
of the transgressor. The gospel of Christ alone can free him from the
condemnation or the defilement of sin. He must exercise repentance
toward God, whose law has been transgressed; and faith in Christ, his
atoning sacrifice. Thus he obtains “remission of sins that are past” and
becomes a partaker of the divine nature....
Is he now free to transgress God’s law? Says Paul: “Do we then
make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the
law.” “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” And
John declares: “This is the love of God, that we keep His command-
ments: and His commandments are not grievous” (
Romans 3:31
;
6:2
;
[12]
John 5:3
). In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God,
as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change
has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from
sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and
loyalty....
Sanctification—Who Does the Work?
Erroneous theories of sanctification, ... springing from neglect or
rejection of the divine law, have a prominent place in the religious
movements of the day. These theories are both false in doctrine and
dangerous in practical results; and the fact that they are so generally