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Sanctified but Not Sinless, February 27
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom,
and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according
as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
1
Corinthians 1:30, 31
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Just here we might distinguish between genuine and false sanctification.
Sanctification does not consist in merely professing and teaching the Word of
God, but in living in conformity to His will. Those who claim to be sinless,
and make their boast of sanctification, are self-confident, and do not realize
their peril. They anchor their souls upon the supposition that having once
experienced the sanctifying power of God, they are in no danger of falling.
While claiming to be rich and increased in goods, and in need of nothing,
they know not that they are miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
But those who are truly sanctified have a sense of their own weakness.
Feeling their need, they will go for light and grace and strength to Jesus, in
whom all fullness dwells, and who alone can supply their wants. Conscious
of their own imperfections, they seek to become more like Christ, and to live
in accordance with the principles of His holy law. This continual sense of
inefficiency will lead to such entire dependence upon God that His Spirit will
be exemplified in them. The treasures of heaven will be opened to supply
the wants of every hungering, thirsting soul. All of this character have the
assurance of one day beholding the glory of that kingdom which as yet the
imagination can only faintly grasp.
Those who have felt the sanctifying and transforming power of God must
not fall into the dangerous error of thinking that they are sinless, that they have
reached the highest state of perfection, and are beyond the reach of temptation.
The standard the Christian is to keep before him is the purity and loveliness
of Christ’s character. Day by day he may be putting on new beauties, and
reflecting to the world more and still more of the divine image.—
The Bible
Echo, February 21, 1898
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