2 Chronicles 29:5 And said to them, Hear me, you Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers… I. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS PERSONAL DEDICATION? made three kinds of baptism: Sanguinis, fluminis, fiaminis — the blood, the flood, the fire! By repentance and faith in Christ's atonement the sinner is saved, and by water-baptism received into the visible Church. But, to be wholly prepared for the Master's work, there must be the baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire. The aim of Christianity is to lead us from the material to the spiritual; from the instrumental and accidental to the absolute and eternal. This house is an instrument in the service of God. Its best consecration is the consecration of its occupants, and this is accomplished by the radical work of the Holy Spirit. The tongue of the preacher, the pen of the author, the lips of the singer, the fingers of the musician, and the brush of the painter, are servants of a governing purpose — channels through which thought and feeling, genius and culture, express themselves. If the soul that controls these instruments be consecrated, then they are hallowed. As the wondrous river we read of in ancient fable turned to gold the very sand its currents washed, so does the fountain of a holy heart, pouring forth its enriching flood in speech and effort, dignify the humblest employment or surroundings. With this spirit of consecration enter and occupy this sanctuary, and you will make the place, indeed, holy. II. WHAT ARE THE FRUITS OF THIS RADICAL, HEARTY, AND PERMANENT CONSECRATION? The people by this spirit of high consecration, are set free from the bondage of low and false views, prevalent in worldly circles. And, finally, if the pure and holy spirit of self-dedication, thus outlined, prevails, genuine revivals of religion will surely follow, healthful growth in activity, love, and liberality will be seen, and true Christian unity will be fostered among all who really love our Lord Jesus Christ. (Prof. E. P. Thwing.) Parallel Verses KJV: And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. |
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