Counterfeit Sanctification

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

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         Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 13
         Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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Counterfeit Sanctification

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and 
the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love 
of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 1 John 2:4, 5. 


The sanctification now gaining prominence in the religious world carries with 
it a spirit of self-exaltation and a disregard for the law of God that mark it 
as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its advocates teach that 
sanctification is an instantaneous work, by which, through faith alone, they 
attain to perfect holiness. "Only believe," say they, "and the blessing is 
yours." No further effort on the part of the receiver is supposed to be 
required. At the same time they deny the authority of the law of God, urging 
that they are released from obligation to keep the commandments. But is it 
possible for men to be holy, in accord with the will and character of God, 
without coming into harmony with the principles which are an expression of His 
nature and will . . . ? 

The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no 
divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and 
faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? Says the 
apostle James: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath 
faith, and have not works? can faith save him? . . . Wilt thou know, O vain 
man, that faith without works is dead? . . ." 

The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith 
without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without 
complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted, it is 
presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and 
provisions of the Scriptures. 

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while 
willfully violating one of God's requirements. The commission of a known sin 
silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from 
God. . . . "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a 
liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily 
is the love of God perfected" (1 John 2:4, 5). 


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