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Dependence, March 30
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I
follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am
apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
.
The experience of the Christian in his earliest love is full of simplicity and
freshness; but as his opportunities multiply, his experience should enlarge,
and his knowledge increase. He should become strong to bear responsibility,
and his maturity should be in proportion to his privileges....
But unless there is an hourly dependence upon Christ, increasing knowl-
edge and privileges will result in self-trust and self-righteousness. The young
Christian is in danger of forgetting that it is Christ that has begun the good
work in him, and that it is Christ that must finish it. The soul must renounce
all merit, and trust wholly in the merit of Him who is too wise to err. Man of
himself can do no good thing. Said Jesus, “Without me ye can do nothing”
(
John 15:5
). The soul is to stay itself upon God.
In the gift of Christ all heaven was poured out, and through Christ the Holy
Spirit is promised to the believer. Jesus said to His disciples, “The Comforter,
which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall
teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever
I have said unto you” (
John 14:26
). Christ not only offers pardon to the
believing, repenting soul, but He promises him the constant aid of the Holy
Spirit.
In the growth of the seed in the soil, man cannot see the working of unseen
agencies that develop the plant to perfection, bringing up first the blade, then
the ear, then the full corn in the ear. But though young in the faith, you may
know that you have passed from death unto life, if the fruits of the Spirit are
made manifest in your life. If you are growing in faith and hope and love,
you may know that your spiritual vision has been cleared. If you delight
to dwell upon the plan of salvation, upon the glorious manifestations of the
divine character, if your heart, in contemplation of the love of God, glows
with thankfulness and joy, you may be sure that you have been illuminated
by the beams of the Holy Spirit, and heavenly agencies are bringing your
character up to maturity of Christian life.—
The Signs of the Times, March
27, 1893
.
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