PURITY AND GROWTH Part 4
The wisdom of the fathers
PURITY AND GROWTH Part 4
6. The work of heart purity is directly witnessed to by the Holy Spirit, but religious growth is discovered by the mind in its pressing after all the truth of Scripture. God makes a direct attestation to His work both in regeneration and sanctification. Of the converted we read: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. 8. 16. And of the sanctified believer we read: "Them that are sanctified, whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us." — Heb. 10. 14, 15.
The old error that by a roundabout process of human discovery, and comparing ourselves with Scripture, we are to find out whether we are converted or sanctified, after being exploded by the early writers of Methodism, is being again adopted by backslidden and unsaved teachers. Isaiah speaks of a sanctifying touch of fire, and a voice that told him directly that he was purged from sin; he says nothing of discovering it by a process of comparison.
Paul tells us of an act of God by which Jesus was revealed in him, but he says nothing of finding it out by self-analysis, or comparing himself with the Scripture. After the heart is made pure, God will in his own way communicate the infallible witness of it to the soul. But as growth in grace is largely a human process, depending upon our capacity, zeal and prayerfulness, the Spirit may not bear direct witness to its progress. It is in reference to our fruitfulness and progress that we are to examine and compare ourselves with the way- marks of Scripture.
The knowledge that we are made pure, is flashed into us from above; but the knowledge that we are growing in grace is gathered up in the daily lessons, and by the milestones we pass on the soul's journey. The knowledge of purity is given to us; the knowledge of growth is acquired.
7. Purity of heart is really known to none on earth, except those who have it; but the effect of purity and growth can be recognized by others. A pure heart is pre-eminently the spotless pearl, the white stone that no one knows save he that receives it; hence the absolute necessity of the tongue testifying to the Divine work of it.
The holy growth, however, that follows this inward cleansing is an epistle known and read of all. Heart purity is not a creed, or notion, or theological idea, or set of mental acts; it is a clear, calm, profound, hidden consciousness that God owns the soul fully and that He makes it clean from guilt, fear and sinful tempers.
But increasing fervor of prayer, an augmented diligence for God, increasing liberality, a growing self-sacrifice for others, a progress in gentleness of spirit and sanctity of conversation, enlargement of courage, humility and love, these and many other symptoms of growth in grace can be recognized by those who mingle with the purified. Purity is entirely hidden, but the effects of purity and growth are largely visible.
(from "White Robes" by G.D. Watson)