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God's Amazing Grace
Page 146Involves Character Building
1 Peter 2: 9
Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous
light.
Obedience to the laws of God develops in man a beautiful character that is in harmony with all that is pure and holy and undefiled. In the life of such a man the message of the gospel of Christ is made clear. Accepting the mercy of Christ and His
healing from the power of sin, he is brought into right relation with God. His life, cleansed from vanity and selfishness, is
filled with the love of God. His daily obedience to the law of God obtains for him a character that assures him eternal life in
the kingdom of God.
But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all- round character is
not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and
grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with
self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.
The truth is no truth to the one who does not reveal, by his elevated spiritual character, a power beyond that which the
world can give, and influence corresponding in its sacred, peculiar character to the truth itself. He who is sanctified by
the truth will exert a saving, vital influence upon all with whom he comes in contact. This is Bible religion.
We need constantly a fresh revelation of Christ, a daily experience that harmonizes with His teachings. High and holy attainments are within our reach. Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God's purpose for us. His law is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, "Come up higher. Be holy, holier still." Every day we may advance in
perfection of Christian character.
In The Blessed Hope
Avalee
[This message has been edited by Avalee Lohman (edited May 18, 2001).]
