grace ; he must have a new life from above . This change is the new birth , without which , says Jesus , " he cannot see the kingdom of God ."
The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin . " Sin is the transgression of the law ." By the law is the knowledge of sin ." 1 John 3:4 ; Romans 3:20 . In order to see his guilt , the sinner must test his character by God ' s great standard of righteousness . It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own . The law reveals to man his sins , but it provides no remedy . While it promises life to the obedient , it declares that death is the portion of the transgressor . The gospel of Christ alone can free him from the condemnation or the defilement of sin . He must exercise repentance toward God , whose law has been transgressed ; and faith in Christ , his atoning sacrifice . Thus he obtains " remission of sins that are past " and becomes a partaker of the divine nature . He is a child of God , having received the spirit of adoption , whereby he cries : " Abba , Father !"
Is he now free to transgress God ' s law ? Says Paul : " Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid : yea , we establish the law ." " How shall we , that are dead to sin , live any longer therein ?" And John declares : " This is the love of God , that we keep His commandments : and His commandments are not grievous ." Romans 3:31 ; 6:2 ; 1 John 5:3 . 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 . The old life of alienation from God has ended ; the new life of reconciliation , of faith and love , has begun . Then " the righteousness of the law " will " be fulfilled in us , who walk not after the flesh , but after the Spirit ." Romans 8:4 . And the language of the soul will be : " O how love I Thy law ! it is my meditation all the day ." Psalm 119:97 .
" The law of the Lord is perfect , converting the soul ." Psalm 19:7 . Without the law , men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God or of their own guilt and uncleanness . They have no true conviction of sin and feel no need of repentance . Not seeing their lost condition as violators of God ' s law , they do not realize their need of the atoning blood of Christ . The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of heart or reformation of life . Thus superficial conversions abound , and multitudes are joined to the church who have never been united to Christ .
Erroneous theories of sanctification , also , 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 favour , 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 Thessalonians 4:3 ; 5:23 .
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