Growing In Grace

Growing In Grace.

BY R. ROTHMAN.

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."- 2^nd Peter 3: 18.

The doctrine of holiness has been opposed by some, not so much because they wish to do away with the doctrine, but because many of its teachers have attempted to teach beyond their understanding and have thereby caused confusion. It has been said that we can exercise faith in something only to the extent that we have a clear understanding of it. "Faith cometh by hearing," and if we hear different teachings concerning a doctrine, our faith will waver. We are confident that some of the worst enemies of the clear Bible doctrine of holiness are those who try to make it more or something else than the Bible makes it.

There is a doctrine in the world known as "Once in grace, always in grace." There is another known as " Predestination." Still another doctrine is that There is an experience to be obtained wherein it will be impossible for its possessor to commit sin. All these doctrines have upholders, who quote scripture in their defense. They are all of one grade and not in harmony with the Word. It would be very pleasant for some if they needed but to get in grace once and then could do as they pleased and be saved in the end. Another class would find great comfort in the thought that they have been predestined to be saved, whether they live right or not. Others are striving to reach a point where God will set them free from the necessity of working out their own salvation in fear and trembling. Such doctrines were unknown in the apostle Paul; or at least he never included himself among these fortunate few: for he realized that he was still human and needed to watch and pray. He also labored to bring his bodily appetites and passions into subjection. He says, "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."- 1^st Corinthians 9: 25 to 27.

Holiness is a doctrine sublime and worthy of its divine Author, and God is raising up servants who will clear from the minds of his children the mists of confusion that the apostasy has caused. Any doctrine that is not in harmony with the whole Word is to be rejected, even though a few scriptures may be wrested to uphold it. A sectish preacher has declared his right to propagate any doctrine that could be upheld by one text. But we trust the saints will live by every Word of God. See Matthew 4: 4. But now, dear reader, we presume you are of the number that realize the necessity of effort on your part to lay hold on eternal life, and so we would call your attention to a few scriptures to encourage you in the good fight. We would not have you try to do God's work, only make use of his gifts and promises to fulfill his will. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."— Ephesians 3: 8, 9. Peter has left us some precious thoughts. He says, "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord."- 2^nd Peter 1: 2. Here we find that grace and peace are multiplied unto us through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. So we see the necessity of having a thorough knowledge of what Christ is to us and the will and nature of God. To me the most precious knowledge I have of Christ is that it is his will to live in us. If we can secure the very life of Christ we have indeed a treasure. "For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."- 2^nd Corinthians 6: 16. Truly if we keep this thought before our minds and in our hearts we will walk worthy of our high calling. Peter again says, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2^nd Peter 1: 3, 4. Then Peter gives us work to do that may keep us busy during a lifetime, and save us from the stool of do-nothing." Now a few words by John may fittingly close our lesson: "Beloved now are we the sons of God, . . . and every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure." 1^st John 3: 2, 3.