July 4

And Sanctification.—1 Corinthians 1:20.

SANCTIFICATION commences when the soul is regenerated, when we are born again by the incorruptible seed of the word of God. Now this quickening of the soul is the work of Jesus. He is the resurrection and life of his people. For says the Apostle to the believers at Ephesus, "You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins." It is when his voice is believingly heard, that the principles of the new and spiritual life are imparted. Sanctification includes conformity of the soul to God. It is the setting apart of its faculties and powers to the service and glory of God. Christ's holy life is the model of our sanctification. As we live to him, and in resemblance of his holy example, are we sanctified before God. When we grow up into the image of his spiritual likeness, then is the work of sanctification advancing within us. The grace by which this is effected is communicated from Christ. His grace alone is sufficient for us. We bear fruit, by being in him as the living vine, and deriving nourishment and strength from him. By believingly beholding his glory, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the spirit of the Lord. Entire sanctification is the soul's perfect resemblance to Christ's moral likeness, to which we are ardently to aspire, and which constitutes the meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light. As this work is commenced by Jesus, and as he carries it on through all its progressive stages, so he will bring on the head stone, amidst acclamations of grace, grace unto it. Let us keep his name constantly before us; a life of sanctification can only be carried on by looking unto Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us avail ourselves of all the sanctifying ordinances of his house. Read and meditate on the sanctifying truths of his word. And fervently, with all prayer, constantly seek the sanctifying influences of his Holy Spirit.