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The Great Controversy 1888
Here are revealed the heights of attainment that we may reach
through faith in the promises of our heavenly Father, when we fulfill
his requirements. Through the merits of Christ, we have access to the
throne of infinite power. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered
him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all
things?” [
Romans 8:32
.] The Father gave his Spirit without measure
to his Son, and we also may partake of its fullness. Jesus says: “If ye
then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how
much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them
that ask him?” [
Luke 11:13
.] “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I
will do it.” “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” [
John
14:14
;
16:24
.]
While the Christian’s life will be characterized by humility, it
should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the
privilege of every one to so live that God will approve and bless him.
It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under
condemnation and darkness. There is no evidence of true humility in
going with the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of
self. We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the law
without shame and remorse. “There is therefore now no condemnation
to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but
after the Spirit.” [
Romans 8:1
.]
Through Jesus the fallen sons of Adam become “sons of God.”
“Both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one; for
which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” [
Hebrews 2:11
.]
The Christian’s life should be one of faith, of victory, and joy in God.
“Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” [
1 John 5:4
.] Truly
[478]
spake God’s servant Nehemiah, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
[
Nehemiah 8:10
.] And says Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord alway; and
again I say, Rejoice.” “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.” [
Philippians 4:4
;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
.]
Such are the fruits of Bible conversion and sanctification; and it
is because the great principles of righteousness set forth in the law of
God are so indifferently regarded by the Christian world, that these
fruits are so rarely witnessed. This is why there is manifest so little of