John:17:17: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
1Pe:3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
"True sanctification comes through the working out of
the principle of love. "God is love; and he that dwelleth
in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16.
The life of him in whose heart Christ abides, will reveal
practical godliness. The character will be purified, elevated,
ennobled, and glorified. Pure doctrine will blend with
works of righteousness; heavenly precepts will mingle with
holy practices.
Those who would gain the blessing of sanctification
must first learn the meaning of self-sacrifice. The cross of
Christ is the central pillar on which hangs the "far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory." "If any man will
come after Me," Christ says, "let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow Me." 2 Corinthians 4:17;
Matthew 16:24. It is the fragrance of our love for our fellow
men that reveals our love for God. It is patience in service
that brings rest to the soul. It is through humble, diligent,
faithful toil that the welfare of Israel is promoted. God
upholds and strengthens the one who is willing to follow
in Christ's way.
Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a
day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight
of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and
constantly living for Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor
reformations wrought in the character by feeble, intermittent
efforts. It is only by long, persevering effort, sore discipline,
and stern conflict, that we shall overcome. We know not
one day how strong will be our conflict the next. So long
as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins
to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no
stopping place, no point which we can reach and say, I have
fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong
obedience."
The Acts of the Apostles: By Ellen G White
