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Sanctified

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1871

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 37, No. 22.

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Sanctified.

By Mary E. Guilford

JESUS prayed to the Father “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth,” John 17: 17. How are we to be sanctified by the truth? By living in obedience to its claims. The word of God is truth. Then if we carefully study the word of God and live in harmony with its teachings, being careful to obey not only a part, but the whole truth, we shall be sanctified by it.
But, exclaims one, it is so inconvenient to do all these things; it separates us so from the world; it lays so many heavy crosses upon us; it makes us so peculiar; it causes us to walk with such shamefacedness, and to deny ourselves of so many things which please our fancy, and which really seem to us harmless and innocent. And then, there are some duties and obligations required which are so humiliating.
Yes, my friend, and all this is for your best good. Without this separation from the world; without this thorough transformation, you will never be fitted for the society of holy angels. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6: 17, 18. Those who would be the disciples of Jesus must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. For he says, “Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14: 27.
The people of God ever have been a peculiar people. Those that live in the last days, faithful adherents of God’s truth, will be noted for their peculiarity. Such will Jesus claim for his own; for he is to “purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2: 14.
Is it a hard thing that we are required to deny self? to give up those things which are hurtful and injurious? to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”? Is it a hard thing in this evil and corrupt generation, that we should adorn ourselves in “modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but with good works”? 1 Tim. 2: 9, 10.
Too humiliating! Read 1 Pet. 5: 5, 6: “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” Again, Matt. 23: 12, “And whosoever shall exalt himself, shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself, shall be exalted.” The promises and threatenings of God’s word might be multiplied on these points, but would occupy too much space.
And now, which will ultimately pay the best? To be conformed to this world? to enjoy its honors? its pleasures? its luxuries? living merely for self-gratification and present enjoyment, and finally meet the wrath of God, fall under his condemnation, and receive the reward of the disobedient? or to humble yourself before God, and be not conformed to this world? but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God, Rom. 12: 2, that you may be sanctified by the truth, and be saved? “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isa. 1: 19, 20.
If your heart is filled with supreme love to God, and your highest aim and object be to worship him, and advance the interest of his cause, the scorn and contempt of a cold, unfeeling world, will not move you. It is pride, selfish pride, and a lack of consecration and devotion to God, that causes the blush of shame and mortification to mantle the cheek, when the finger of scorn is pointed at those who are trying to serve God, and they are held up to ridicule before an ungodly world.
O, I entreat you to cut loose from the world. What are the enjoyments of this poor life, compared with the “eternal weight of glory” which awaits the people of God? what the society of the world, compared with the society of Jesus and holy angels? what the fame, the wealth, the honors of earth, compared with the riches of Heaven, and the honor that comes from God?
O, cut loose! cut loose! Consecrate yourself to God. Devote the remainder of your days to his service. Obey the truth that you may be sanctified by it and be saved when Jesus comes.
MARY E. GUILFORD.
Castalia, Ohio.