Letter 43
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for the glorifying of self. In this chapter there is no standstill. There
is continual advancement in every stage of the knowledge of Christ.
Through the knowledge of Christ is life eternal. In His prayer Jesus
says, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” In God we are to
glory. The prophet says, “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man
glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might,
let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory
in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord
which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness,” “and
sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that
glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” “Not boasting of things without
our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when
your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to
our rule abundantly, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you,
and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our
hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that
commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.”
The testimony of prophets and apostles is in full accord on this subject.
We are to glory in the Lord our God.
Continual advancement in contemplating righteousness of God
Peter continues, saying, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding
great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of
the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.” We have been called to the knowledge of Christ, and
that is to the knowledge of glory and virtue. It is a knowledge of the
perfection of the divine character, manifested to us in Jesus Christ, that
opens up to us communion with God. It is by appropriating the great
and precious promises that we are to become partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Vital relation with God essential
What possibilities are opened up to the youth who lay hold of
the divine assurances of God’s Word! Scarcely can the human mind
comprehend what is the breadth and depth and height of the spiritual
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