p. 474 | NOTES by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 5, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 30.

NOTES.

By Editor

SANCTIFY means to set apart, or to separate, to a holy use; to devote or consecrate; to cleanse or purify. It was in separating himself from all worldly honor and emoluments, devoting himself to the salvation of man, that Jesus sanctified himself. It is through the truth and Spirit of God that his followers are sanctified. John 17:17; 1 Peter 1:1. That is, the truth points out a different path than that of the world. The way of the world is the way of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life. 1 John 2:16. But God's word forbids this. Titus 2:11-14. Therefore, if the individual obeys through the regenerating and vivifying power of the Spirit of God, he walks in an opposite path, he follows a different way. Was he a covetous man before he united with Christ? The truth forbids covetousness by enjoining liberality. It separates from the covetous disposition, and purifies the character. And so it is with every defect of character.

SANCTIFICATION may be used in a double sense. There is an instantaneous sanctification; there is progressive sanctification. The setting apart of institutions or things, as the Sabbath, for instance, is an instantaneous transaction. When God gave the command for the observance of the seventh day to Adam, it was that moment set apart forever for a sacred use. So man can, through the grace of God, consecrate, devote, or yield himself, wholly to God at one time, so far as regards his will and purpose. He makes no reserve, he gives himself wholly to God. But so far as character is concerned, sanctification is a progressive work. He has built in his former life, by worldly habits, a worldly character. His flesh—his nerves, his muscles—acts in harmony with this character, many times, without volition. Man does not know all these defects in his character till temptation or trial reveals them. Then the worldly is put away; the individual separates from that which is contrary to truth; and thus day by day he sanctifies his faculties, separates from the world, and purifies his character. This constant, progressive sanctification, purification, or growth, is a strong proof of the genuineness of the sanctification of the will, or the consecration of the whole man to God, at the beginning of his true Christian experience.

THIS meeting and overcoming in the trials which come after regeneration, will be the Christian's warfare. Old imaginations will rise up against the knowledge of God received from his word through the enlightening power of his Spirit, but they will be cast down by the weapons not carnal. The old thoughts which we formerly loved to dwell upon will again arise for the mastery, but they will be crushed out by the thoughts of faith and hope and righteousness, the thoughts of God expressed in his word. There is no such thing as negative holiness or purity. If bad thoughts are to be expelled from the mind, if bad habits are to be overcome, the opposite good must be firmly planted in their place. He who only seeks to put away the evil will find himself like the man out of whom was cast the demon. His empty selfish heart invites seven demons more wicked than the first.

Vow comes from the Latin votum, which signifies "a solemn promise made to some deity." Wherever used in the Bible, whether as a verb or noun, it refers to solemn promises made to the Lord. It sometimes refers to promises concerning that which God commands or forbids; but this is not properly a vow. No promise of ours can make an obligation stronger. It is our duty to do what God has commanded us, whether we promise to do so or not. A promise to so perform renders us more culpable before men, because it is a virtual acknowledgment of our obligation. But God reads the heart and understands the motives. And if he has made plain a sacred obligation to us, our promise will not make our obligation more sacred.

Vows generally are promises to do what the Lord has not commanded, or made obligatory upon us by written law. Laws are given concerning the obligation of vows and manner of executing them, but it is not said what we shall vow. This God leaves with us.

MEN generally vow when in trouble, or when delivered from some great trouble. In the former case the vow is often suggested through conviction of unfaithfulness in the past; in the latter case, it springs from gratitude awakened by deliverance. Ofttimes true Christian principles underlie neither; the first kind of vow is excited through fear; the latter through impulse, and as soon as the trouble is past, or the emotion has subsided, the conscience is stifled and the vow forgotten. Sometimes the enemy is permitted to hedge up the way because of an unwise course in other directions; but he who truly vows will remember the vow, and by God's help pay it.

AN inclination to not pay vows made to the Lord ought to lead to searching of heart. If we vowed to God in a day of trouble, or in a day of deliverance, or in a time of spiritual awakening, let us not go back and question whether we ought to have made the vow. If the spirit of God prompted it, it certainly ought to be paid, and God will give us help so to do. Do not say it was an error, but with gratitude of heart to God, pay that which your lips have uttered.

AFTER all, the Christian owes all to God. Oh, for that higher conception which realizes this. We are blood-bought, body and soul. All belongs to God. How, then, ought we to labor and plan for him "who gave himself for us." M. C. W.

The following from "Testimonies to the Church," Vol. 4, pp. 462-4, are directly to the point:—

"The brief but terrible history of Ananias and Sapphira is traced by the pen of inspiration for the benefit of all who profess to be the followers of Christ. With others, Ananias and his wife Sapphira had the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles. The power of God attended the word spoken, and deep conviction rested upon all present. The softening influence of the grace of God had the effect upon their hearts to cause them to release their selfish hold upon their earthly possessions. While under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, they made a pledge to give to the Lord certain lands; but when they were no longer under this heavenly influence, the impression was less forcible, and they began to question and draw back from fulfilling the pledge which they had made. They thought that they had been too hasty, and wished to reconsider the matter. Thus a door was opened by which Satan at once entered, and gained control of their minds.

"This case should be a warning to all to guard against the first approach of Satan. Covetousness was first cherished; then, ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish souls grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated and pledged to God, deception was practiced. They talked the matter over together, and deliberately decided to withhold a part of the price of the land. When convicted of their falsehood their punishment was instant death. They knew that the Lord, whom they had defrauded, had searched them out; for Peter said: 'Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? while it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.'

"God, in his wise plans, has made the advancement of his cause dependent upon the personal efforts of his people, and upon their free-will offerings. By accepting the co-operation of man in the great plan of redemption, he has placed a signal honor upon him. The minister cannot preach except he be sent. The work of dispensing light does not rest upon ministers alone. Every person, upon becoming a member of the church, pledges himself to be a representative of Christ by living out the truth he professes. The followers of Christ should carry forward the work which he left for them to do when he ascended into Heaven."