Practical thoughts on prayer and our
Growth in Grace
by Maurice Baldwin
K fter conversion, all true believers through faith in Christ’s finished work have first and immediately the sanctification spoken of in God’s Word, and secondly, by the working of the Holy Spirit in the heart; thereafter, a believer is daily brought more fully into line with the will of God and into likeness, to Jesus Christ. Hence, how earnest ly should we, after our salvation, endeavor to show by our daily walk and conversation the reality of this sanctification as we are “ called” and “ separated” for His service! There is a sanctification effected for us through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ — “ once for all.” So also there is a progressive sanctification wrought in us by the operation of the Holy Spirit. Re considering these two blessings of justification and sanctification, it is all important to realize that they are both the gift of God. We are only the receivers. The first of these blessings, through Christ’s death as the sinners’ substitute (which every true believer at once realizes), and the second, through the operation of the Holy Spirit—both are the gift of God alone. With many, the popular idea of sanctification is just renunciation; in other words, only the giving up of anything that ministers to the flesh rather than to godly edifying. In this lies a great mistake, for renunciation is the result, not the
principle of sanctification; practical sanctification is growth in grace as we go on appropriating Christ by faith. The renunciation is the re sult of this reception of Him into our hearts. The first great principle of justification is believe and live. The second, believe and grow; in justification the sinner receives Christ as his substitute Saviour; in sanctification the believer receives the same Saviour as a mighty con queror who is able to subdue all things to Himself. The risen Christ is a portion of His people, and it is the exalted office of the Holy Spirit to make these two glorious truths clear and convincing to every be liever. To illustrate this: We see how nature acts. When winter reigns with all its icy power, how can we escape its rigor? Shall we break off the icicles and cart away the Your Prayer Requests Each morning at eight the editorial staff of T h e K in g ’ s B usiness magazine gathers for prayer. Over the years God has answered the heartcry of thousands. Should you have a request we would count it a privilege to take it to the throne of grace. Your request will be held in the strictest confidence. Address: The Editors, T h e K in g ’ s B usiness , 55 8 So. Hope St., Los Angeles 17, Calif.
snow and call it summer? No, for it would be winter still. The sun, nothing but the sun, will make the summer, and so it is with the soul. If the Christian has grown cold and sp iritua l winter reigns within, checking the development of grace, the only way by which a change can be effected is by Christ afresh coming in as the Sun of Righteous ness and making summer in the soul. But remember, He only says to the saved sinner: “ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” You may pray that you may be delivered from self but self cannot cast out self. No, we must arise and open the door and let Christ in. How earnestly we should heed His command: “ Be filled with the Spir it,” and in obedience to Him then will our lives be wholly surrendered and Christ be magnified in our lives. The Spirit does not speak of Himself, but of Christ. Jesus told His disciples that when He left He would send the Comforter, and He (the Holy Spirit) “ shall testify of me” ; therefore, remember that the more we have of the Spirit’s power the more we shall realize that Christ dwells in our hearts-—by faith. Three facts we should especially notice. First: As God did not leave Israel after He had overthrown
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