HOW TO OBTAIN THE GREAT DELIVERANCE Part 5

The wisdom of the fathers

HOW TO OBTAIN THE GREAT DELIVERANCE Part 5

This, then, is the order of the work of grace: The Word Preached, Conviction for Inbred Sin, Prayer, Consecration, Continued Prayer, Faith, The Divine Instantaneous Work, The Witness of the Spirit, The Soul’s Knowledge, The Feeling, Established.

Some critics may find fault with the fourth feature (Consecration), saying that we consecrate to obtain pardon. But the Bible does not say so, but states that the conditions of pardon are repentance and faith. What the critic takes to be the consecration of the sinner is nothing but surrender. The sinner surrenders; the Christian consecrates.

Furthermore, we would say that while a spirit of consecration is seen in every regenerated life that is worthy of the name, yet consecration is one thing and perfect consecration another; just as sanctification is seen to be one thing and entire sanctification something far deeper, sweeter, and more blessed. It is perfect consecration that secures entire sanctification. The reader will also observe that the word “repentance” is not found in the order named above.

The blessing held up here is for the Christian, and the real Christian should have nothing to repent of. He should, by virtue of the regenerated life, be living without sin, according to Bible statement. St. John, in his first Epistle, writes that it is while the child of God is walking in the light as God is in the light, and while having fellowship with his brethren, that the blessing comes down upon him and the blood of Christ cleanses from sin. Repentance presupposes a sinful and backslidden life, but the blessing of sanctification is for the soul that is in a justified condition and walking in the clear light with a joyous sense of acceptance with God.

There can be a profound conviction over the presence of inbred sin, with intense yearning for its removal, but this is not repentance. Christ distinctly said that he had not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. But he did not say that he did not have a call for believers. On the contrary, the Bible says that “God has called us to holiness.”

And we confess to astonishment that men who are quick to see the call to repentance fail to observe the distinct call to holiness. Sinners are not called to holiness, but to repentance; and Christians are not called to repentance, but to holiness. God “commands” sinners everywhere to repent, but he “beseeches” his people to present themselves upon the altar as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto him.

Would that Christians everywhere that have not the blessing spoken of in this volume would put themselves under full salvation preaching. Soon inbred sin, or the plague of the heart, would be revealed, and deep conviction would take place. Prayer, consecration, and faith would swiftly follow. Then would come the baptism of fire purifying the heart, and the delightful witness of the Holy Ghost to the work.

(from "The Old Man" by Carradine)