Praying Pint

 

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long-suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenience, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassionate, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

Genuine sanctification will show itself in an habitual desire to live up to the standard which St. Paul sets before the churches in his writings. That standard is to be found in the closing chapters of nearly all his Epistles. The common idea of many persons that St. Paul’s writings are full of nothing but doctrinal statements and controversial subjects— justification, election, predestination, prophecy and the like—is an entire delusion and a melancholy proof of the ignorance of Scripture which prevails in these latter days. I defy anyone to read St. Paul’s writings carefully, without finding in them a large quantity of plain practical directions about the Christian’s duty in every relation of life, and about our daily habits, temper and behavior to one another. These directions were written down by inspiration of God for the perpetual guidance of professing Christians. He who does not attend to them may possibly pass muster as a member of a church or a chapel, but he certainly is not what the Bible calls a “sanctified” man.

Genuine sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to the active graces which our Lord so beautifully exemplified, and especially to the grace of charity. A sanctified man will try to do good in the world and to lessen the sorrow and increase the happiness of all around him. He will aim to be like his Master, full of kindness and love to everyone—and this not in word only, by calling people “dear,” but by deeds and actions and self–denying work, according as he has opportunity. Christ will never be found the Savior of those who know nothing of following His example. Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce some conformity to the image of Jesus.

Genuine sanctification, in the last place, will show itself in habitual attention to the passive graces of Christianity. When I speak of passive graces, I mean those graces which are especially shown in submission to the will of God and in bearing and forbearing towards one another. This is the special point which St. Peter dwells upon in commending our Lord Jesus Christ’s example to our notice: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judges righteously” This is the point which occupies one third of the list of the fruits of the Spirit supplied by St. Paul. Nine are named and three of these, patience, gentleness and meekness, are unquestionably passive graces (Gal. 5:22, 23). I must plainly say that I do not think this subject is sufficiently considered by Christians.  The passive graces are no doubt harder to attain than the active ones, but they are precisely the graces which have the greatest influence on the world. Of one thing I feel very sure: it is nonsense to pretend to sanctification unless we follow after the meekness, gentleness, patience and forgivingness of which the Bible makes so much. 

 

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long-suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenience, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassionate, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

True sanctification does not consist in outward formalism and external devoutness. This is an enormous delusion, but unhappily a very common one.I am afraid that in many cases this external religiousness is made a substitute for inward holiness; and I am quite certain that it falls utterly short of sanctification of heart.

Sanctification does not consist in retirement from our place in life and the renunciation of our social duties. In every age it has been a snare with many to take up this line in the pursuit of holiness. Hundreds of hermits have buried themselves in some wilderness, and thousands of men and women have shut themselves up within the walls of monasteries and convents, under the vain idea that by so doing they would escape sin and become eminently holy. They have forgotten that no bolts and bars can keep out the devil and that, wherever we go, we carry that root of all evil, our own hearts. Christ would have His people show that His grace is not a mere hot–house plant, which can only thrive under shelter, but a strong, hardy thing which can flourish in every relation of life. It is doing our duty in that state to which God has called us, like salt in the midst of corruption and light in the midst of darkness, which is a primary element in sanctification. It is not the man who hides himself in a cave, but the man who glorifies God as master or servant, parent or child, in the family and in the street, in business and in trade, who is the scriptural type of a sanctified man.

Sanctification is not merely the occasional performance of right actions. Rather, it is the continual work of a new heavenly principle within, which runs through one’s daily conduct in everything he does, big or small. It is not like a pump, which only sends forth water when worked upon from without, but like a perpetual fountain, from which a stream is ever flowing spontaneously and naturally.

Genuine sanctification will show itself in habitual respect to God’s Word and habitual effort to live in obedience to it as the rule of life. There is no greater mistake than to suppose that a Christian has nothing to do with God’s Word because he cannot be justified by keeping them. The same Holy Spirit who convinces the believer of sin by His Word and leads him to Christ for justification will always lead him to a spiritual use of His Word, as a friendly guide, in the pursuit of sanctification.

Genuine sanctification will show itself in an habitual endeavor to do Christ’s will and to live by His practical precepts. These precepts are to be found scattered everywhere throughout the four Gospels, and especially in the sermon on the mount. To hear some men talk and read some men’s writings, one might imagine that our blessed Lord, when He was on earth, never taught anything but doctrine and left practical duties to be taught by others! What His disciples ought to be and to do is continually brought forward in our Lord’s teaching. A truly sanctified man will never forget this. He serves a Master who said, “You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you” 

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long-suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenience, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassionate, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

What are the visible marks of a sanctified man? What may we expect to see in him? This is a very wide and difficult department of our subject. It is wide because it necessitates the mention of many details which cannot be handled fully in the limits of a message like this. It is difficult because it cannot possibly be treated without giving offense. But truth should be spoken despite risk, and truth of this great magnitude should especially be spoken in our present day.

True sanctification then does not consist in mere talk about religion. This is a point which ought never to be forgotten. The vast increase of education and preaching in these latter days makes it absolutely necessary to raise a warning voice. The tongue is not the only member that Christ bids us give to His service. God does not want His people to be mere empty tubs, sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. We must be sanctified, not only “in word and in tongue, but in deed and truth”

True sanctification does not consist in temporary religious feelings. This again is a point about which a warning is greatly needed. Mission services and revival meetings are attracting great attention in every part of the land and producing a great sensation. Many, it may be feared, appear moved and touched and roused under the preaching of the gospel, while in reality their hearts are not changed at all. A kind of animal excitement from the contagion of seeing others weeping, rejoicing or affected. Their wounds are only skin deep, and the peace they profess to feel is skin deep also. Reaction, after false religious excitement, is a most deadly disease of soul. When the devil is only temporarily cast out of a man in the heat of a revival, and by and by returns to his house, the last state becomes worse than the first. Better a thousand times begin more slowly, and then “continue in the Word” steadfastly, than begin in a hurry, without counting the cost, and by and by look back, with Lot’s wife, and return to the world. I declare I know no state of soul more dangerous than to imagine we are born again and sanctified by the Holy Spirit because we have picked up a few religious feelings.

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long-suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenience, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassionate, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

Sanctification depends greatly on a diligent use of scriptural means. The “means of grace” are such as Bible reading, private prayer, and regularly worshiping God in Church, wherein one hears the Word taught and participates in the Lord’s Supper. I lay it down as a simple matter of fact that no one who is careless about such things must ever expect to make much progress in sanctification.

Sanctification is a thing which does not prevent a man having a great deal of inward spiritual conflict. By conflict I mean a struggle within the heart between the old nature and the new, the flesh and the spirit, which are to be found together in every believer (Gal. 5:17). A deep sense of that struggle, and a vast amount of mental discomfort from it, are no proof that a man is not sanctified. No, rather, I believe, they are healthy symptoms of our condition and prove that we are not dead, but alive. A true Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but war within. I shall never hesitate to tell people that inward conflict is no proof that a man is not holy, and that they must not think they are not sanctified because they do not feel entirely free from inward struggle. Such freedom we shall doubtless have in heaven, but we shall never enjoy it in this world. The heart of the best Christian, even at his best, is a field occupied by two rival camps, and the “company of two armies”.

Sanctification is a thing which cannot justify a man, and yet it pleases God. The holiest actions of the holiest saint that ever lived are all more or less full of defects and imperfections. They are either wrong in their motive or defective in their performance and in themselves are nothing better than “splendid sins,” deserving God’s wrath and condemnation. To suppose that such actions can stand the severity of God’s judgment, atone for sin and merit heaven is simply absurd. The Bible distinctly teaches that the holy actions of a sanctified man, although imperfect, are pleasing in the sight of God. He looks at the motive, principle and intention of their actions and not merely at their quantity and quality. 

Sanctification is a thing which will be found absolutely necessary as a witness to our character in the great Day of Judgment. It will be utterly useless to plead that we believed in Christ unless our faith has had some sanctifying effect and been seen in our lives. Evidence, evidence, evidence will be the one thing wanted when the great white throne is set, when the books are opened, when the graves give up their tenants, when the dead are arraigned before the bar of God. Without some evidence that our faith in Christ was real and genuine, we shall only rise again to be condemned.

Sanctification, in the last place, is absolutely necessary in order to train and prepare us for heaven. Most men hope to go to heaven when they die; but few, it may be feared, take the trouble to consider whether they would enjoy heaven if they got there. Heaven is essentially a holy place; its inhabitants are all holy; its occupations are all holy. To be really happy in heaven, it is clear and plain that we must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth. We need the work of the Holy Spirit as well as the work of Christ; we need renewal of the heart as well as the atoning blood; we need to be sanctified as well as to be justified.

 

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenient, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassion, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

Sanctification is a reality that will always be seen. Like the great Head of the church, from whom it springs, it “cannot be hid.” “Every tree is known by his own fruit” (Luke 6:44). A truly sanctified person may be so clothed with humility that he can see in himself nothing but infirmity and defects. The very idea of a man being “sanctified” while no holiness can be seen in his life is flat nonsense and a misuse of words. Light may be very dim; but if there is only a spark in a dark room, it will be seen. Life may be very feeble; but if the pulse only beats a little, it will be felt. It is just the same with a sanctified man: his sanctification will be something felt and seen, though he himself may not understand it.

Sanctification is a reality for which every believer is responsible. In saying this I would not be mistaken. I hold as strongly as anyone that every man on earth is accountable to God and that all the lost will be speechless and without excuse at the last day. Every man has power to “lose his own soul” (Matt. 26:26). But, while I hold this, I maintain that believers are eminently and peculiarly responsible and under a special obligation to live holy lives. They are not as others, dead and blind and unrenewed; they are alive unto God and have light and knowledge and a new principle within them. Whose fault is it, if they are not holy, but their own? On whom can they throw the blame, if they are not sanctified, but themselves? God, who has given them grace and a new heart and a new nature, has deprived them of all excuse if they do not live for Him. The Word of God always addresses its precepts to believers as accountable and responsible beings. If the Savior of sinners gives us renewing grace and calls us by His Spirit, we may be sure that He expects us to use our grace and not to go to sleep.

Sanctification is a thing which admits of growth and degrees. A man may climb from one step to another in holiness and be far more sanctified at one period of his life than another. More pardoned and more justified than he is when he first believes he cannot be, though he may feel it more. More sanctified he certainly may be, because every grace in his new character may be strengthened, enlarged and deepened. If there is any point on which God’s holiest saints agree, it is this: that they see more and know more and feel more and do more and repent more and believe more as they get on in spiritual life, and in proportion to the closeness of their walk with God. In short, they “grow in grace.”

 

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long-suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenience, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassionate, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

Sanctification is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian. The branch which bears no fruit is no living branch of the vine. The union with Christ which produces no effect on heart and life is a mere formal union, which is worthless before God. True faith works by love. It constrains a man to live unto the Lord from a deep sense of gratitude for redemption. It makes him feel that he can never do too much for Him that died for him. Being much forgiven, he loves much

Sanctification is the outcome and inseparable consequence of regeneration. He who is born again and made a new creature receives a new nature and a new principle and always lives a new life. A regeneration, which a man can have and yet live carelessly in sin or worldliness, is a regeneration invented by uninspired theologians, but never mentioned in Scripture.

Sanctification is the only certain evidence of that indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is essential to salvation. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His” (Rom. 8:9). The Spirit never lies dormant and idle within the soul: He always makes His presence known by the fruit He causes to be borne in heart, character and life. The Spirit is compared to the wind; and, like the wind, He cannot be seen by our bodily eyes. But, just as we know there is a wind by the effect it produces on waves and trees and smoke, so we may know the Spirit is in a man by the effects He produces in the man’s conduct. It is nonsense to suppose that we have the Spirit if we do not also “walk in the Spirit”

Sanctification is the only sure mark of God’s election. The names and number of the elect are a secret thing, no doubt, which God has wisely kept in His own power and not revealed to man. It is not given to us in this world to study the pages of the book of life and see if our names are there. But if there is one thing clearly and plainly laid down about election, it is this—that elect men and women may be known and distinguished by holy lives. Of course, it is hard to know what people really are; and many who make a fair show outwardly in religion may turn out at last to be rotten–hearted hypocrites. But where there is not, at least, some appearance of sanctification, we may be quite certain there is no election.

 

 

Jhn 17:19  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23  he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11  For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection), 

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease), 

Long suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek), 

Gentleness (tenderness, lenient, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),     

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassion, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),    

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness), 

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

Sanctification is that inward spiritual work which the Lord Jesus Christ works in a man by the Holy Spirit, when He calls him to be a true believer. He not only washes him from his sins in His own blood, but He also separates him from his natural love of sin and the world, puts a new principle in his heart and makes him practically godly in life. The instrument by which the Spirit effects this work is generally the Word of God, though He sometimes uses afflictions.

He who supposes that Jesus Christ only lived and died and rose again in order to provide justification and forgiveness of sins for His people has yet much to learn. Whether he knows it or not, he is dishonoring our blessed Lord and making Him only a half Savior. The Lord Jesus has undertaken everything that His people’s souls require: not only to deliver them from the guilt of their sins by His atoning death, but from the dominion of their sins, by placing in their hearts the Holy Spirit; not only to justify them, but also to sanctify them. He is, thus, not only their “righteousness,” but their “sanctification” 

If words mean anything, they teach that Christ undertakes the sanctification, no less than the justification, of His believing people. Both are alike provided for in that “everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure,” of which the Mediator is Christ. In fact, Christ in one place is called “He who sanctifies,” and His people “they who are sanctified”

 

 

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

Anglican pastor John Stott said, “Pride is your greatest enemy, humility is your greatest friend.” When it comes to the national revival we need in the family of God, pride is the greatest obstacle. Humility is the open doorway. It’s impossible to confess our sins if we’re not humble enough to recognize and acknowledge them.

Is there a sinful habit quenching the Holy Spirit in your heart? Is there an attitude that is grieving Him? Could it be a secret life of pornography, bitter attitudes of anger toward someone, lack of physical discipline when it comes to eating or drinking, impure sources of entertainment, or neglect of church and Bible reading?

We can’t accommodate recurring known sin and at the same time experience revival. Ask God to show you the changes you need to make today.

We are to humble ourselves. Should we not be humbled by the fact that after receiving so much love we yet transgress? O Lord, we bow before Thee in the dust and own our grievous ingratitude. Oh, the infamy of sin!

 

 

Rev 3:14-17  “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

What causes “Lukewarm”, unconcerned, unresponsive, unmoved, coolness, uninterested, passionless, complacency….. in lives of those who call themselves Christians? We could start a list which would turn out to be quite lengthy, but at the root is something substantial and it is affecting the lives of those so inclined.  God’s Word is full of examples and warnings about forgetting God and things of God which leads people to being lukewarm at best and completely useless and void of any good at its worst. 

it escapes their notice

who intend to make My people forget

and forgot the Lord their God

For My people have forgotten Me,

And being satisfied, their heart became proud; Therefore they forgot Me.

and forget what is decreed

I forget to eat my bread

all the abundance will be forgotten

I have forgotten happiness.

And my intimate friends have forgotten me.

I am forgotten as a dead man

And forgot the God who gave you birth.

But they forgot the Lord their God

They forgot His deeds

did not remember the Lord their God

And did not remember Your wondrous deeds

They did not remember Your abundant kindnesses,

“Now consider this, you who forget God,

But they forgot the Lord their God

For you have forgotten the God of your salvation

And have not remembered the rock of your refuge.

They quickly forgot His works;

They have forgotten the Lord their God.

It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God

has forgotten his Maker

then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord

 so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen

“Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God

They did not remember His power,

Paul said to keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ, stand firm, and be fully committed because of the grace, mercy, and love God has shown through His Son, Jesus. When a person is drawn by God to knowledge of the need for salvation, redemption, and forgiveness I doubt it is ever a subtle thing. When we are exposed to this need it is only because of God revealing it to us. 

Think about that for a bit. The creator of everything, almighty, everlasting, ever-present, all-powerful, unlimited…… reaches out, knocks on the door or our heart and speaks truth of our sin and need for salvation, asking to come into our hearts. Who are we that “God” would do such a thing? And yet, people take it so lightly. I can hardly write this without humbly bowing as low as I possibly can get, for the presence of His holiness in light of my sinfulness leaves me speechless. Were we to just get from God, a visit and a knock on the door, with nothing said, it would be beyond our wildest dreams that He would even think to stop and knock at our heart’s door.    We might say, Who’s there?, or Go away, I’m busy, or just not even give concern and turn a deaf ear to it. But it says God knocks and speaks. Wow! The God of all there is in the universe, knocks on your heart’s door and speaks, asking to come in. 

Sometimes I hear pastors give an invitation to come to Christ like this, “if you want what Jesus offers, If you are feeling like something is missing in your life, If you want a change because things are not going well for you, with all heads bowed and eyes closed, raise your hand, I am not going to embarrass you, I just want to pray for you, Ask Jesus to come in and He will.”

I have heard this type of invitation from more than one pastor. There is no speaking of sin and the need for forgiveness or repentance. There is talk of benefits in your life now and eternal life. 

When Peter proclaimed the word of God on the day of Pentecost the people were cut to the heart and said, “What must we do?” Peter said, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  There was no “with your heads bowed and eyes closed raise your hand”.  There was no embarrassment from those who understood their need for forgiveness of their sin to ask what they needed to do. Their hearts were cut and bleeding out, as it were, and they needed immediate attention for they knew they were dying and as close to death as a person could get. If a pastor is worried about someone being embarrassed for seeking “What must I do” then the pastor is not proclaiming the need for salvation, but rather a shallow gospel of what can I get out of this deal. Raise your hand so I can pray for you. I can’t even come close to understanding this in light of an invitation for salvation.  Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ”

How is a person to understand the depth of the punishment Christ endured was exactly what they deserve? How is a person to understand the holiness of God without understanding sin and its ugliness and the need for repentance? 

Too often pastors want to show numbers. People who raised their hand and people who got baptized. Too often pastors do not want to offend people by talking about sin so they talk about comforting thoughts of the promises of God that are bestowed on believers. They do not talk of sin in light of the holiness of God and the need for repentance as this will make people uncomfortable. You can fill up the seats by making people comfortable about their lives. How many lives crab hold of this shallow invitation without a single conviction of sin? I am sure there are those, over time, and through the Holy Spirit have come to a saving grace knowledge of Jesus Christ, but it is not because the pastor proclaimed the Word of Truth boldly. 

How easy is it to forget God when there is no thought of sin, no understanding of the penalty, and no repentance? How easy is it to neglect the Word of God and things of God when there is no understanding of the need for forgiveness?  When God is only proclaimed as a reservoir of benefits and freely giving out blessings, without the knowledge of a person’s sins and the due penalty before a holy God, then the shallowness of their need will manifest in their life. There will be no light of Jesus Christ shinning. In fact, people seeing them and hearing them proclaim they are “Christian” will not see much difference in their lives as their own. If this is all they see what is the need for the benefits and blessing from God they already have worldly peace, prosperity, good health, a nice family, a good job, and help others when they desire to do it. They will not hear from the Christian who repented when they became aware of sin, that their sins were forgiven, how they lived prior to salvation, how they are filled with the Holy Spirit, how they are growing in understanding and knowledge of the grace, mercy, and love of God. 

Without an active discernment, knowledge, and awareness of sin and its sinfulness in light of the holiness of God, there will be no growth and maturing (sanctification). God will be forgotten. The world and what it has to offer will become the norm. The signs of the times will pass them by and when the bridegroom returns I wonder if they will be watching and ready. 

How are they to understand Hebrews 10:31. “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God”?  How are they to understand God’s grace, mercy, and love if they do not understand His judgement, wrath, anger, hell, and torment? 

There should be no shallowness in the understanding of sin. When we understand it then the Gospel of Jesus Christ, repentance, forgiveness, and salvation set our hearts and minds on the great cost bore by Jesus that was our just reward for our sins, and the great grace, mercy, and love of God.  Instead of forgetting God our hearts and minds are seeking to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all of our thoughts, words, and actions. 

You can not understand the depth of God’s blessings without understanding the depth of your sinfulness.

 

 

Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord…. “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
Zechariah 8:22-23

It has been ruled by Canaanites, Egyptians, Jebusites, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and British. It has been destroyed at least 2 times, besieged 23 times, captured 44 times, and attacked 52 times. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It remains the most contested piece of real estate in the world—Jerusalem—the so-called “City of Peace.” ¹

The most besieged city in the world will indeed become a city of peace when the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) sets up His Millennial Kingdom: “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east…. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:4, 9).

Remember to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6) as she awaits the arrival of the Prince of Peace.

Indeed, the destiny of the world is tied to the future of Jerusalem.