The world is given up to self-indulgence . " The lust of the flesh , and the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life " control the masses of the people . But Christ ' s followers have a holier calling . " Come out from among them , and be ye separate , saith the Lord , and touch not the unclean ." In the light of God ' s word we are justified in declaring that sanctification cannot be genuine which does not work this utter renunciation of the sinful pursuits and gratifications of the world .
To those who comply with the conditions , " Come out from among them , and be ye separate , . . . and touch not the unclean ," God ' s promise is , " I will receive you , and will be a Father unto you , and ye shall be My sons and daughters , saith the Lord Almighty ." 2 Corinthians 6:17 , 18 . It is the privilege and the duty of every Christian to have a rich and abundant experience in the things of God . " I am the light of the world ," said Jesus . " He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness , but shall have the light of life ." John 8:12 . " The path of the just is as the shining light , that shineth more and more unto the perfect day ." Proverbs 4:18 . Every step of faith and obedience brings the soul into closer connection with the Light of the world , in whom there " is no darkness at all ." The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shine upon the servants of God , and they are to reflect His rays . As the stars tell us that there is a great light in heaven with whose glory they are made bright , so Christians are to make it manifest that there is a God on the throne of the universe whose character is worthy of praise and imitation . The graces of His Spirit , the purity and holiness of His character , will be manifest in His witnesses .
Paul in his letter to the Colossians sets forth the rich blessings granted to the children of God . He says : We " do not cease to pray for you , and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing , being fruitful in every good work , and increasing in the knowledge of God ; strengthened with all might , according to His glorious power , unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness ." Colossians 1:9-11 .
Again he writes of his desire that the brethren at Ephesus might come to understand the height of the Christian ' s privilege . He opens before them , in the most comprehensive language , the marvelous power and knowledge that they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High . It was theirs " to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man ," to be " rooted and grounded in love ," to " comprehend with all saints what is the breadth , and length , and depth , and height ; and to know the love of Christ , which passeth knowledge ." But the prayer of the apostle reaches the climax of privilege when he prays that " ye might be filled with all the fullness of God ." Ephesians 3:16-19 .
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