117 days until the Lilburn, GA, USA Revival Conference
The second hindrance in the way of him who would be holy is imperfect faith. When Paul wrote to his corps of Salvationists in Thessalonica, he praised them for being “ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia,” and added, “in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad” (1 Thess. 1:7, 8). That was the best believing corps in all Europe, and so real and sturdy was their faith that they could endure much persecution, as we see from chapters 1:6; 2:14, and 3:2-5.
So Paul says, “We were comforted over you, in all our affliction and distress by your faith” (3:7). Strong faith that, but it was not perfect for Paul adds, “Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith” (3:10). And because of their imperfect faith they were not sanctified, so we find the Apostle praying, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (verse 23).
All who are born of God and have the witness of His Spirit to their justification know full well that it was not through any good works of their own, nor by growing into it that they were saved, but it was “by grace…through faith” (Eph. 2:8). But very many of these dear people seem to think that we are to grow into sanctification, or are to get it by our own works.
But the Lord settled that question, and made it as plain as words can make it when He told Paul that He sent him to the Gentiles to “open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me” (Acts 26:18). Not by works, nor by growth, but by faith were they to be made holy.
If you will be holy you must come to God “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22), and then, if you will wait patiently before Him, the wonder work shall be done.
Consecration and faith are matters of the heart, and the trouble with most people is there. But no doubt there are some people whose trouble is with the head. They fail to get the blessing because they are seeking something altogether too small.
Holiness is a great blessing. It is the renewal of the whole man in the image of Jesus. It is the utter destruction of all hatred, envy, malice, impatience, covetousness, pride, lust, fear of man, love of ease, love of human admiration and applause, love of splendor, shame of the Cross, self-will and the like. It makes its possessors “meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29) as Jesus was, patient, kind, full of forbearance, pitiful, full of tender compassion and love, full of faith, benevolent and zealous in every good word and work.
I have heard some people claim the blessing of holiness because they had given up tobacco, adornment or something of that sort, while they were still impatient, unkind or absorbed with the cares of this life. The result was, they soon became discouraged, concluded there was no such blessing and became bitter opponents of the doctrine of holiness. -Samuel L. Brengle
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