There are two works and two workers: God and man. Just as my
right arm and my left arm work when my two hands come together,
but the union of the two hands constitute one experience.
If my left arm acts quickly, my right arm will surely respond.
And so, if the soul, renouncing self and sin and the world, with
ardour of faith in the precious blood for cleansing, and in the
promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, draws nigh to God, God
will draw nigh to that soul, and the blessed union will be
effected suddenly: and in that instant, what faith has reckoned
done will be done, the death-stroke will be given to "the old
man," sin will die, and the heart will be clean indeed, and
wholly alive toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ. It will
not be a mere "make-believe" experience, but a gloriously real
one.
It is possible that some have been led into confusion of thought
on this subject by not considering all the Scriptures bearing on
it. What is it that cleanses or sanctifies, and how? Jesus prays:
"Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth." Here it is
the word, or truth, that sanctifies.
John says: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from
all sin." Here it is the blood.
Peter says: "God...put no difference between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith." And Paul says: "That they may
receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are
sanctified by faith.
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