Sanctifying Grace

"Being confident of this very thing — that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 1:6)

Reader! Is the good work begun in you? Are you holy? Is sin being crucified? Are your heart's idols abolished, one by one? Is the world less to you — and eternity more to you? Is more of your Savior's image impressed on your character; and your Savior's love more enthroned in your heart? Is Salvation to you, "the one thing needful?" Oh! take heed! There can be no middle ground, no standing still; or if it is so, your position must be a false one.

The Savior's blood is not more necessary — to give you a title to Heaven; than the Spirit's work — to give you a fitness for Heaven. "If any man has not the Spirit of Christ — he is none of His!" (Romans 8:9) Onwards! should be your motto. There is no standing still in the life of faith. "The man," says Augustine, "who says 'Enough,' that man's soul is lost!"

Let this be the superscription in all your ways and doings, "Holiness to the Lord!" Let the admonishing word exercise over you its habitual power, "Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord." Moreover, remember, that to be holy — is to be happy. The two are equivalent terms. Holiness! It is the secret and spring of the joy of angels; and the more of holiness attained on earth — the nearer and closer my walk is with God — the more of a sweet pledge shall I have of the bliss that awaits me in a holy Heaven. Oh! my soul, let it be your sacred ambition to "Be Holy!"

J.M.D.

Article series: Grace