In Harmony with His Law

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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        Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 12
        Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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In Harmony with His Law

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with 
my whole heart. Ps. 119:34. 


In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought 
into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the 
sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from 
transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. . . . 

Erroneous theories of sanctification, . . . springing from neglect or 
rejection of the divine law, have a prominent place in the religious movements 
of the day. These theories are both false in doctrine and dangerous in 
practical results; and the fact that they are so generally finding favor, 
renders it doubly essential that all have a clear understanding of what the 
Scriptures teach upon this point. 

True sanctification is a Bible doctrine. The apostle Paul, in his letter to 
the Thessalonian church, declares: "This is the will of God, even your 
sanctification." And he prays: "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly" (1 
Thess. 4:3; 5:23). The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it 
is to be attained. The Savior prayed for His disciples: "Sanctify them through 
thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17, 19). And Paul teaches that 
believers are to be "sanctified by the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 15: 16). What is the 
work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples: "When he, the Spirit of 
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). And the 
psalmist says: "Thy law is the truth." By the Word and the Spirit of God are 
opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And 
since the law of God is "holy, and just, and good," a transcript of the divine 
perfection, it follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will 
be holy. Christ is a perfect example of such a character. He says: "I have 
kept my Father's commandments." "I do always those things that please him" 
(John 15:10; 8:29). The followers of Christ are to become like Him--by the 
grace of God to form characters in harmony with the principles of His holy 
law. This is Bible sanctification. 

This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of 
the indwelling Spirit of God. 


>From Maranatha - Page 232