ADVANCE IN GRACE

ADVANCE IN GRACE

I do trust that much profit may accrue from the readings. It seemed to me to be generally accepted that not only are we saved sinners, but that for any advance in grace there must be a change from Adam to Christ. Once this step is known in the power of the Spirit, the path shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Another point of great value came out, which must be apprehended in order to be here for Christ. I mean the difference between the acting of the Holy Ghost in each of us individually, for our own endless benefit, and His acting in us in the assembly, and in the body for Christ. The former we find in Romans 5: 1 - 11 and chapter 8, and the latter in 1 Corinthians 12.

I believe that there is no progress in Christ’s things until there is simple, unswerving faith that in the eye of God for every believer, the man under His judgment has gone in judgment in the cross; and that He now can receive the returning prodigal in the fullest affection and favour, in the acceptance of Him who has glorified God.

^[p. 94] Next, that He has given to us the Holy Spirit, so that each can say, “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8: 2). Now our side is in moral correspondence with God’s side, and until this is established in the soul, there cannot be liberty of heart to attend to His interests. It is then the assembly, in its divine greatness, opens out to us. I am afraid that the place and work of the Holy Ghost are not sufficiently realised. Faith for God’s side, because it is unalterable. The Spirit for my side, because I am not free but by and in the Spirit.

I hope that the little trouble at ———— may lead to much blessing. The oil for the lamp is beaten oil.