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A Hatred of Sin, April 21
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God,
even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above
thy fellows.
Hebrews 1:9
.
When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the
blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun.
The grace that Christ implants in the soul ... creates in man enmity
against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man
would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his
bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto
had been peace. The power which Christ imparts, enables man to resist
the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it,
whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within,
displays the operation of a principle wholly from above.
Conformity to the world and harmony with Christ cannot be main-
tained. Worldly maxims and worldly practices sap spirituality from
heart and life. Conformity to the world means resemblance to the world
in meeting the world’s standard.... No man can serve the world and
Jesus Christ at the same time. There is an irreconcilable antagonism,
between Christ and the world.
How few can say: “I am dead to the world; the life I now live is by
faith in the Son of God!” ... While those around us may be vain and
engaged in pleasure-seeking and folly, our conversation is in heaven,
whence we look for the Saviour; the soul is reaching out after God
for pardon and peace, for righteousness and true holiness. Converse
with God and contemplation of things above transform the soul into the
likeness of Christ.
Let your heart be softened and melted under the divine influence
of the Spirit of God. You should not talk so much about yourself, for
this will strengthen no one.... Talk of Jesus, and let self go; let it be
submerged in Christ.
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