Ques. 159. By N. F. C.
Ans. It was on the cross that the work of atonement was done. The sufferings, death and blood shedding of our Lord met and satisfied all the claims of God's throne against sin. God has raised Him from among the dead, and given Him glory, that our faith and hope might be in God.
His resurrection is the proof to us that God is glorified. If Christ were not raised, the whole story were untrue. By one offering we are perfected forever. (Heb. 10:14.) God sees us in Christ. He is God's righteousness; we are in Him. "As He is, so are we in this world.”
His place on high gives us also a place there in the Father's house.
Christ's priesthood (Heb. 7:25) meets us in our weakness, journeying through the wilderness. The priesthood is exercised on behalf of believers who come unto God by Him.
Ques. 160. Is there a second blessing, or work of grace, not received at conversion?
Am I wrong in thinking every child of God is sanctified? M. B.
Ans. There are many truly converted people who do not understand their place and portion in Christ. They are not satisfied with their spiritual condition, and have been taught that an act of surrender or consecration will obtain for them a second work of grace, which some call sanctification.
The word "sanctify" means "to set apart". On looking into the Word of God, we find it applied to the Christian in two ways: Firstly-Absolute sanctification, that is, of the person, Secondly-Practical or progressive sanctification, that is of the heart and ways.
The first is like a husband and wife set apart for each other by the marriage.
The second is like the two being married, learning to please each other in their ways.
To the first such scriptures as 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 10:10, 14; 1 Peter 1:2, would apply.
To the second, John 17:17; 1 Cor. 2:30; 1 Thess. 4:3,4; 5:23; Rom. 12:1; Titus 2:11,12.
A sinner brought to Christ is sanctified, is forgiven, is a child of God, a member of the body of Christ, his body is a temple of the Holy Ghost who now dwells in him. Often the question is asked, Why then are Christians not always happy? We find the reason is, the flesh is in us-that old selfish nature. We cannot improve it, or get rid of it, by any act or surrender. We are to reckon it dead in the death of Christ. (Rom. 6:6, 11.)
But we do need to keep Christ before us as our object in life, and steadily and daily yield up our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, our intelligent service, and be renewed in the spirit of our minds, feeding upon the Word of God. (Rom. 12:1, 2.)