The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 472

him instruction, Daniel says: “My comeliness was turned in me into
corruption, and I retained no strength.” Daniel 9:18, 15, 20; 10:8.
When Job heard the voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he
exclaimed: “I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:6.
It was when Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, and heard the cherubim
crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” that he cried out, “Woe
is me! for I am undone.” Isaiah 6:3, 5. Paul, after he was caught up into
the third heaven and heard things which it was not possible for a man to
utter, speaks of himself as “less than the least of all saints.” 2 Corinthians
12:2-4, margin; Ephesians 3:8. It was the beloved John, who leaned on
Jesus’ breast and beheld His glory, that fell as one dead before the feet
of the angel. Revelation 1:17.
There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from
sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary’s cross. They
feel that it was their sin which caused the agony that broke the heart of
the Son of God, and this thought will lead them to self-abasement. Those
who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness
of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen
Saviour.
The sanctification now gaining prominence in the religious world
carries with it a spirit of self-exaltation and a disregard for the law of
God that mark it as foreign to the religion of the Bible. Its advocates
teach that sanctification is an instantaneous work, by which, through
faith alone, they attain to perfect holiness. “Only believe,” say they,
“and the blessing is yours.” No further effort on the part of the receiver
is supposed to be required. At the same time they deny the authority of
the law of God, urging that they are released from obligation to keep the
commandments. But is it possible for men to be holy, in accord with
the will and character of God, without coming into harmony with the
principles which are an expression of His nature and will, and which
show what is well pleasing to Him?

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