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We Are Kept from Sinning, October 17
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.
1 John 3:6
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A mere profession of godliness is worthless. It is he that abideth
in Christ that is a Christian. For “every man that hath this hope in him
purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” In every clime, in every nation, our
youth should cooperate with God. The only way a person can be pure is
to become like-minded with God. How can we know God?—By studying
His Word....
It is through faith in Jesus Christ that the truth is accepted in the heart
and the human agent is purified and cleansed. Jesus was “wounded for our
transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our
peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Is it possible to
be healed, while knowingly committing sin?—No; it is genuine faith that
says, I know that I have committed sin, but that Jesus has pardoned my
sin; and hereafter I will resist temptation in and through His might. “Every
man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” He has
an abiding principle in the soul, that enables him to overcome temptation.
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” God has power to keep the
soul who is in Christ, when that soul is under temptation. “Whosoever
sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” That is, every one who is
a true believer is sanctified through the truth, in life and character. “Little
children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth [not professeth to do]
righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” “Whosoever is born
of God doth not commit sin; ... because he is born of God. In this the
children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” Now mark
where the distinction is made: “Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not
of God, neither is he that loveth not his brother.” “My little children, let us
not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
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The Youth’s Instructor, February 15, 1894
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