Pacific Union Recorder
February 23, 1905
Sanctification through the Truth
The acceptance of truth is one of God's means of sanctification. The more clearly we understand the truth that He sends to us, and the more faithfully we obey it, the more humble shall we be in our own estimation, and the more exalted shall we be in the estimation of the heavenly universe. The more unselfish our efforts for God, the more Christlike will be their influence, and the greater will be the good they will accomplish. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 1
There is a wide difference between the spirit of the world and the spirit of Christ. One leads to self-seeking, to striving for treasures that will be destroyed by the fires of the last day; the other leads to self-denial and self-sacrifice, to striving for the treasures that never perish. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 2
The Holy Spirit, received by faith, breaks stubborn hearts. This is the soul and power of the sanctification of the truth, the source of the faith that works by love and purifies the heart. All true exaltation grows out of the humiliation developed in the life of Christ, shown by the wonderful sacrifice that He made to save perishing souls. He who is exalted by God must first humble himself. God has exalted Christ above every name that is named. But Christ first reached to the very depths of human woe, weaving Himself into the sympathies of the race by His meekness and gentleness. He has set an example that all who engage in his service are to follow. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 3
“Learn of Me,” said the greatest Teacher that the world has ever known. “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” It is not enough for us to read the Word of God. The Scriptures are given for our instruction, and we are to search them carefully and diligently. We are to study the Word of God, comparing one portion with another. Scripture is the key that unlocks scripture. As we read and study and pray, there is beside us a divine Teacher, the Holy Spirit, enlightening our understanding, that we may comprehend the great truths of God's Word. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 4
We are also to search our hearts carefully, to see if we really desire to understand the teaching of the Word of God. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 5
We are to listen attentively to the words of the ministers of God, those chosen of Him and precious, whose opportunities for learning of Him have been larger than our own. We are to respect and appreciate those who have a knowledge of His words, and who understand its application better than we do. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 6
Holiness is within the reach of all who reach for it by faith, not because of their good works, but because of Christ's merits. Divine power is provided for every soul struggling for the victory over sin and Satan. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 7
“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” Knowledge of God brings power. It is by the virtue of the Word of God, as we put its truths into practice, that we are enabled to accomplish any good thing. Simplicity and godly sincerity win God's commendation. The grace of Christ revealed in the daily experience, shows that His words have been eaten, and have become a part of the life. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 8
Go forward to perfection, living in the Word of God, the source of spiritual life. This Word is to be received unto the heart. Christ speaks of it as His flesh and blood. “Whoso eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life;” He declares, “and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My flesh and drinketh My blood dwelleth in Me and I in him.” It is in obedience to God's Word that we find eternal life. PUR February 23, 1905, par. 9
Ellen G. White