The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 374

The European Union in Prophecy
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 favor, 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.
The Bible clearly teaches what sanctification is and how it is to be attained. The
Saviour prayed for His disciples: "Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is
truth." John 17:17. And Paul teaches that believers are to be "sanctified by the Holy
Ghost." Romans 15:16. What is the work of the Holy Spirit? Jesus told His disciples:
"When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth." John 16:13.
And the psalmist says: "Thy law is the truth." By the word and the Spirit of God are
opened to men the great principles of righteousness embodied in His law. And since
the law of God is "holy, and just, and good," a transcript of the divine perfection, it
follows that a character formed by obedience to that law will be holy. Christ is a
perfect example of such a character. He says: "I have kept My Father's
commandments." "I do always those things that please Him." John 15:10; 8:29.
The followers of Christ are to become like Him--by the grace of God to form
characters in harmony with the principles of His holy law. This is Bible sanctification.
This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the
indwelling Spirit of God. Paul admonishes believers: "Work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of
His good pleasure." Philippians 2:12, 13. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin,
but he will maintain a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ's help is
needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims:
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