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February 1 The Holy Spirit Helps the Willing to Obey
A Gift for Those Willing to Obey
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, . . . and we are his witnesses
of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given
to them that obey him” (Acts 5:30, 31).
“You have the word of the living God, and for the asking you may
have the gift of the Holy Spirit to make that word a power to those
who believe and obey.” 1
There is truth in Jesus that is terrible to the ease-loving, do-nothing
ones. There is truth in Jesus that is full of soothing joy to the obedient.
It is the joy of the Holy Ghost. 2
There are three living persons of the heavenly trio. In the name of
these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized and these powers
will cooperate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts
to live the new life in Christ. 3
There is a class of persons who are not following the example of
Christ in keeping God’s law, yet they claim to be holy. They are ready
to appropriate the promises of God without fulfilling the conditions
upon which they are given. But their faith has no foundation; it is like
sliding sand. There is another class who see the claims of the law of
God, and, although it involves a cross, they choose the path of obedience,
coming out and separating themselves from the world. They do
not consult convenience, nor shrink from accepting the truth for fear
of reproach. They step out from the path of transgression, and place
their feet in the way of God’s commandments. The promises of God,
which are given on condition of obedience, are for those who walk in
the light of His holy word. Those who do His will may claim all the
benefits the Lord has promised. 4
We can receive of heaven’s light only as we are willing to be emptied
of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ
by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every
thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit
is given without measure. 5
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