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The Sanctified Life
the victory; if we bear responsibilities and discharge our duties in the
spirit of our Master—then, indeed, we gain a precious knowledge of
His faithfulness and power. We no longer depend upon the experience
of others, for we have the witness in ourselves. Like the Samaritans of
old, we can say, “We have heard him ourselves, and know that this is
indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (
John 4:42
).
The more we contemplate the character of Christ, and the more
we experience of His saving power, the more keenly shall we realize
our own weakness and imperfection, and the more earnestly shall we
look to Him as our strength and our Redeemer. We have no power
in ourselves to cleanse the soul temple from its defilement; but as we
repent of our sins against God, and seek pardon through the merits of
Christ, He will impart that faith which works by love and purifies the
heart. By faith in Christ and obedience to the law of God we may be
sanctified, and thus obtain a fitness for the society of holy angels and
the white-robed redeemed ones in the kingdom of glory.
Union With Christ Our Privilege
It is not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian to main-
tain a close union with Christ and to have a rich experience in the
things of God. Then his life will be fruitful in good works. Said
Christ, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (
John
[84]
15:8
). When we read the lives of men who have been eminent for
their piety we often regard their experiences and attainments as far
beyond our reach. But this is not the case. Christ died for all; and
we are assured in His word that He is more willing to give His Holy
Spirit to them that ask Him than are earthly parents to give good gifts
to their children. The prophets and apostles did not perfect Christian
character by a miracle. They used the means which God had placed
within their reach; and all who will forth the same effort will secure
the same results.
Paul’s Prayer for the Church
In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul sets before them the
“mystery of the gospel” (
Ephesians 6:19
), the “unsearchable riches of