February 1, 1904
Sanctification
EGW
Our sanctification is God's object in all His dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we may be holy. Christ gave Himself for our redemption, that through our faith in His power to save from sin, we might be made complete in Him. In giving us His Word He has given us bread from heaven. He declares that if we eat His flesh and drink His blood we shall receive eternal life. Why do we not dwell more upon this? Why do we not strive to make it more easily understood, when it means so much? Why do not Christians open their eyes to see the work God requires them to do. Sanctification is the progressive work of a lifetime. The Lord declares “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” Is it your will that your desires and inclinations shall be brought into conformity with the divine will?BTS February 1, 1904, par. 1
As Christians we have pledged ourselves to realize and fulfill our responsibilities, and to show to the world that we have a close connection with God. Thus through the godly words and works of His disciples, Christ is to be represented.BTS February 1, 1904, par. 2
God demands of us perfect obedience to His law,—the expression of His character. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” This law is the echo of God's voice, saying to us, Holier, yes holier still. Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ; yea, long,—hunger and thirst—after righteousness. The promise is, “Ye shall be filled.” Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for this righteousness, the work of which God's Word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever.BTS February 1, 1904, par. 3
It is our privilege to be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. God has plainly stated that He requires us to be perfect; and because He requires this, He has made provision that we may be partakers of the divine nature. Only thus can we gain success in our striving for eternal life. The power is given by Christ. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.”BTS February 1, 1904, par. 4
God requires of us conformity to His image. Holiness is the reflection from His people of the bright rays of His glory. But in order to reflect this glory we must work with God. The heart and mind must be emptied of all that leads to wrong. The Word of God must be read and studied, with an earnest desire to gain from it spiritual power. The bread of heaven must be eaten and digested, that it may become a part of the life. Thus we gain eternal life. Then is answered the prayer of the Saviour, “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth.”BTS February 1, 1904, par. 5
“The angels can not take our places; but they stand ready to co-operate with us in drawing souls to Christ; and they are soliciting us to work in fellowship with them.”BTS February 1, 1904, par. 6
E. G. W.