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Modern Revivals
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soul from God. Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the
divine law. God will honor those only who honor him. “Whosoever
committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression
of the law.” “Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not; whosoever
sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen him, neither known
him.” [
1 John 3:4, 6
.] Though John in his epistles treats so fully
upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of
that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression
of the law of God: “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” [
1 John 2:4
.]
Sanctification is believed by many to be instantaneously accom-
plished. “Only believe,” say they, “and the blessing is yours.” No
further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be required.
But the Bible teaches that sanctification is progressive. The Chris-
tian will feel the promptings of sin, but he will keep up a constant
warfare against it. Here is where Christ’s help is needed. Human
weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims,
“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Je-
sus Christ.” [
1 Corinthians 15:57
.] Paul exhorts his brethren, “Work
out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” [
Philippians 2:12
.]
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and concerning himself he declares, “I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” [
Philippians 3:14
.]
The successive steps in the attainment of Bible sanctification are set
before us in the words of Peter: “Giving all diligence, add to your
faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temper-
ance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and
to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.”
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling
and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” [
2
Peter 1:5-7, 10
.] This is a daily work, continuing as long as life shall
last.
Spurious sanctification carries with it a boastful, self-righteous
spirit which is foreign to the religion of the Bible. Meekness and
humility are the fruits of the Spirit. The prophet Daniel was an
example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble
service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” [
Daniel
10:11
.] of Heaven, and was granted such honors as have rarely been
vouchsafed to mortals. Yet his purity of character and unwavering