Sanctification: What It Is Not 7/25 Thurs. Thoughts

Sanctification is the second step in the Four-fold Gospel.


I. WHAT IT IS NOT

1. It is not regeneration... To be saved eternally is cause for eternal joy; but the soul must also enter into sanctification. They are not the same. Regeneration is the beginning. It is the germ of the seed, but it is not the summer fullness of the plant. The heart has not yet gained entire victory over the old elements of sin... Regeneration is like building a house and having the work done well. Sanctification is having the owner come and dwell in it and fill it with gladness, and life, and beauty.

-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel

Considerations Which Should ... (cont.) 7/24 Wed. Wisdom

4. Because the little word "now" is always linked with it. It must be taken now or never...


5. Because its issues are for eternity. The decisions there are not reversible... God's Word holds out no second chance to any human soul.

6. Because if salvation is missed there will be no excuse for it... All has been done that could be done. Salvation has been brought down to man's level. It has been placed where he can reach it.

-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel

Considerations Which Should Urge Us... 7/23 Tuesday Truth

Considerations which should urge us to take and give out this salvation


1. Because of the fact that every man's salvation is hinged on his own choice and free will... We are not forced to take it. We must voluntarily choose it or reject it.

2. Because of the tremendous responsibility to which we are held accountable for the salvation of our soul...

3. Because of the guilt which will rest upon us for neglecting and despising the precious blood of Christ, which was shed for our salvation... Jesus suffered intensely to bring it to us, and shall we stumble carelessly over it? Oh, let us be more concerned than we are, both for the salvation of our own souls and for those around us who are not saved.

-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel

Why It Is Called the Gospel of Good News (cont.) 7/22 Mon. Meditation

4. Because of its universality. Whosoever will may take it and live.


5. Because of the security of its blessings. They are given forevermore...

6. Because of the eternity of its blessings. The sun will have burnt itself into ashes, the earth will have been destroyed by volcanic heat, the heavens will be changed when salvation has only begun. Ten thousand times ten thousand years shall pass away, and we shall have only begun a little to understand what salvation means. Blessed be God for the Gospel of Christ's salvation.

-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel

Why It Is Called the Gospel of Good News 7/19 Friday Faith

Why it is called the gospel of good news:


1. Because of its value. It comes laden with blessings to him who receives it.

2. Because of its freedom. It may be taken without money and without price.

3. Because of its availableness. It is easy of access, being on the level of the worst sinner.

-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel

Things the Bible Says About Salvation (cont.) 7/18 Thurs. Thoughts

5. Christ is called the "mighty to save," because no matter how weak or how wicked the sinner may be, He is able to save him to the uttermost.

6. It is called a near salvation... "The Word is nigh thee..."  We can find Him everywhere we are.  Salvation is at our door... No steps were allowed to God's ancient altar, for then some poor sinner might not be able to get up to it.  Jesus is on the very plane where you are this moment.  You can take His salvation here now...-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel

Things the Bible Says About Salvation 7/17 Wed. Wisdom

Things the Bible says about salvation:
1. It is called God's salvation.  It was not invented by man...
2. It is called "your own salvation," because you yourself must appropriate it.
3. It is called "the common salvation," because it is free to all who will accept it.
4. It is called a "great salvation" because it is full and infinite in its provisions.  It is large enough for all your needs.
-- A.B. Simpson, The Four-fold Gospel