Chapter 1—True and False Theories Contrasted
The sanctification set forth in the Sacred Scriptures has to do with
the entire being—spirit, soul, and body. Here is the true idea of entire
consecration. Paul prays that the church at Thessalonica may enjoy
this great blessing. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I
pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (
1 Thessalonians 5:23
).
There is in the religious world a theory of sanctification which
is false in itself and dangerous in its influence. In many cases those
who profess sanctification do not possess the genuine article. Their
sanctification consists in talk and will worship. Those who are really
seeking to perfect Christian character will never indulge the thought
that they are sinless. Their lives may be irreproachable, they may be
living representatives of the truth which they have accepted; but the
more they discipline their minds to dwell upon the character of Christ,
and the nearer they approach to His divine image, the more clearly
will they discern its spotless perfection, and the more deeply will they
feel their own defects.
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When persons claim that they are sanctified, they give sufficient
evidence that they are far from being holy. They fail to see their own
weakness and destitution. They look upon themselves as reflecting
the image of Christ, because they have no true knowledge of Him.
The greater the distance between them and their Saviour, the more
righteous they appear in their own eyes.
While with penitence and humble trust we meditate upon Jesus,
whom our sins have pierced and our sorrows have burdened, we may
learn to walk in His footsteps. By beholding Him we become changed
into His divine likeness. And when this work is wrought in us, we
shall claim no righteousness of our own, but shall exalt Jesus Christ,
while we hang our helpless souls upon His merits.
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