HOW TO LIVE THE VICTORIOUS LIFE by an Unknown Christian

CONTENTS1. Is It Possible? 2. Can "Little" Sins Be Conquered?3. God's Love Never Faileth 4. How Sin Is Overcome 5. None Can Imitate Christ 6. How to Enter In 7. Buried With Christ 8. Surrender All to Christ 9. Real Victory and False --Real

Victory and Its Counterfeit 10. This Life Is a Gift 11. Not Sinless Perfection 112. The Perils of This Life -- Some of the Perils That Beset a Life of Holiness and How They May Be Met and Conquered 13. Other Perils 14. "Highest" Criticism 15. Days of Heaven on Earth

AUTHOR'S PREFACE

Most men hesitate to speak of their own spiritual experiences. They are deterred by the fear of making "self" too prominent, or are ashamed to confess how much practical unbelief and half-hearted allegiance to their Lord exist in their lives.

The writer of this book knows hisown unworthiness; but he humbly believesthat he also knows something of theworthiness of an All-sufficient Savior.

The manner in which this knowledgecame -- through an apparently trivialincident -- is itself remarkable.

The immediate result was a joywhich no bridling could restrain. Butwhenever this Victorious Life was spoken of, requests were made for "something in print." After much pressure from many directions, and with much hesitation on the part of the writer, he ventured to put down his reflections.

These appeared in the columns of THE LIFE OF FAITH, through the kindness of the Editor.

They are here republished with practically no alterations. These chapters show the pathway by which one seeking soul found its way from "life"to "life more abundant."

They endeavor to reveal the helps and the hindrances which a seeker after the Victorious Life should know.

The writer owes much to the lives of four men, but the great "CRISIS" in his spiritual life took place, not in the uplift of a great convention, but in the quietude of his own study.

He believes that his experience isthat of tens of thousands of Christianmen and women -- who have LIFE, and areearnest and devoted workers, yet wholong for some Power which will conquerthe so-called "little sins."

That POWER is the Lord Jesus Christ-- and HE offers Himself to us (John1:12).

So this book goes forth with muchearnest prayer that others may be helpedby the things which have been such anunspeakable inspiration to the writer,who -- lest any shadow of self shouldfall upon these pages -- humbly cravesto be allowed to remain

An Unknown Christian

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HOW TO LIVE THE VICTORIOUS LIFE

CHAPTER ONE

IS IT POSSIBLE?

Is there such a Life? St. Johnplainly says that every child of God"overcometh the world."

Now THAT is Victory! And he tellsus how Victory is secured: "This is theVICTORY that overcometh the world --even our faith" (1_John 5:4) -- andthen most of us give up in despair!

It all seems too vague -- tooindefinite. Besides, isn't our faith toosmall or too weak? Or perhaps we don'tpossess the "right kind of faith" to getthe Victory.

With many of us there is a sneakingidea that the schoolboy was very nearthe mark when he said 'Faith isbelieving what ain't." But of this weare sure: to most Christians theVictorious Life is a beautiful miragewhich vanishes into thin air, or recedesinto the distance as we try to approachit. And so we look forward to finding itin heaven!

Now St. John isn't speaking aboutVictory in heaven -- for THERE, "faithis LOST in sight."

So there must be a Victory here onearth, in some way the result of faith.The writer would gladly give all he hadin the world if in exchange he couldhave seen this way of Victory 25 yearsago! After many years of Bible study;after many fears of futile "strugglingwith temptation" which, with monotonousregularity, tested him, he at last saw away out -- or rather a way IN. It was tohim a new way -- a LIVING way -- <6>and eagerly he entered in. He now seesthere is such a thing as Victory, and hemarvels how he missed his way before. Inthe joy of -- to him -- a wonderfuldiscovery he longs for others to sharethe blessing -- in these "last days."And is there not a real heartfeltyearning amongst Christians today to lay

hold -- not on LIFE, for they have that-- but on "LIFE MORE ABUNDANT"?

The Victorious Life! The words ringwith hope. Moreover, wherever anannouncement is made that such a topicis to be talked about, men and womenflock to discover the secret of such alife. For they KNOW intuitively thatwhen VICTORY comes defeat goes! Thoseshameful betrayals of the Master, whichare so discouraging, will vanish away.

With Victory will come PEACE -- apeace which really passeth allunderstanding.

With Victory will come JOY -- arejoicing with joy unspeakable and fullof glory (1_Peter 1:8).

With Victory will come POWER -- thevery "power of God." The Victorious Life-- a life of Peace, and Joy, and Power.Would not SUCH a life satisfy any man?

Can we ask for anything better? AndChrist offers THIS.

The writer proposes to try to makeit plain and clear to the simplest mind,what the Bible says about this Life. Weshall ask: How can it be obtained andretained? What are its difficulties andits dangers? Can it be lost? If so, canit be regained? We shall speak of realVictory and FALSE. We hope to tell ofits Triumphs and its Testings. Now wewish <7>

TO GIVE A WARNING

It is this: Satan will do hisutmost to cloud your mind. He will bringall sorts of doubts and difficulties tolight. Why is this? Just because he iseager to prevent you from gainingVictory! Believe me, the devil does notmind your being "religious," and he doesnot mind how much POWERLESS work youattempt so long as you fall short of theVictorious Life.

So long as you go to the world foryour pleasures, and so long as you fallinto the usual sins of respectable

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people, THE MORE YOU ATTEMPT FOR CHRISTthe more the DEVIL IS PLEASED. He simplyrevels in seeing defeated, worldlyChristians desperately busy for Christ.But the devil will do his level best todiscredit Victorious Life teaching andto keep you from even SEEKING tounderstand it. He is quite an adept inusing -- i.e., misusing -- Scripture.

But be confident of this very thing-- that the teaching is striking homeand striking him -- the devil -- whendifficulties are suggested to your mindor some verse of Scripture "comes" toyou, which seems to contradict somestatement made in these chapters.

No one is more anxious than thewriter that only the truth as it is inChrist shall be heard. If any statementis not true to Scripture or toexperience, none will be more delightedto have this pointed out than thewriter, who is possessed with aconsuming desire that every Christianshall be "filled with all the fullnessof God."

CHAPTER TWO

CAN "LITTLE" SINS BE CONQUERED?

The Victorious Life is a Life ofVictory over Sin. Is such a thingpossible? It is not a question ofabsolute sinlessness like that ofChrist, or that of Adam before the Fall.There will always remain the cleardeclaration of St.John. "If we say thatwe have no sin, we deceive ourselves."

IS VICTORY PROMISED US?

The question we are facing is this-- Can we obtain Victory over known,voluntary sin? Is any such hope ofvictory taught in the Bible? Is it everexperienced -- lived out -- by mentoday? If so, can ANY believer in JesusChrist have Victory over all known sin-- say, for one whole day -- or is suchVictory only for our spiritual leaders?

Surely these questions are often inmen's minds. We WANT such Victory andeven the Church of England teaches us topray daily, "Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keepus this day, WITHOUT SIN." "Grant thatthis day we fall into NO SIN." Our LordHimself taught us to pray, "Deliver usfrom evil" -- or the evil one -- i.e.,sin, or the author of sin. In the ChurchCatechism we teach our children that inthis prayer we are asking God to "keepus from all sin and wickedness." DoesChrist or any branch of His Church bidus ask for an impossibility? If theseprayers are not mockery, then aVictorious Life is possible. <9>

But come down to everyday life. Canwe think of any ONE SIN over whichVictory has never been won? We have seendrunkards turning to Christ, and IN AMOMENT getting absolute Victory overstrong drink. Such men often declare notonly that they have never fallen again,but that THE VERY DESIRE for alcohol hasbeen entirely taken away. This ismiraculous. So with other greatbesetting sins -- God has giveninstantaneous and complete Victory.

If then we can get Victory oversome deep-rooted, besetting sin, cannotour Savior make us Victorious over thesins we sometimes regard as "little"?Christian people, as a rule, i.e., inthe great majority of cases, are NOTdrunken, or vicious, or immoral.

But this can also be said of verymany worldly and irreligious people.Isn't it true that there is little tochoose between the average Christian andthe ordinary moral "worldly" man? So thelatter says, "What will it profit me tobecome a Christian?" And what can we sayin reply? What would the worldly mangain? And what would others benefit bythe change in him?

UNDER THE TYRANNY OF SIN

Do we see any signs of theVictorious Life in the majority ofprofessing Christians? In anyflourishing Church, how many of its

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members exhibit a glowing love of soulsand a burning zeal for Christ? We merelyask the question.

In how many do we see Victory overso-called RESPECTABLE sins? -- badtemper, irritability, pride, jealousy,backbiting, unlove, ANXIETY?

Now we ask in all humility, Isthere any remedy? Is there any hope ofgetting the Victorious Life? That <10>is, a life of habitual Victory over sins("small" as well as great) -- a life ofconstant and conscious fellowship withGod?

If such a hope can be found, itwill be in God's Holy Word. Is it there?

"Victory over known sin! Can I getit?" What a momentous question! If wecan get it for an hour -- or a day --then why not HABITUALLY? Dare we askevery reader to put aside all ideas ofhis own on such a question? Will youapproach it with an unprejudiced andunbiased mind? For the time being justshelve any preconceived ideas you mayhave on this subject. Forget all yourown failures -- and the faults of otherChristians. Yes -- and forget allTHEORIES of holiness. Simply allow God'swritten Word to speak for itself. Surelythis is not an unfair demand?

A PROMISE AND A COMMAND

What does the New Testament talkabout chiefly? By far the greatest partof it is devoted to telling Christianshow to live after they have found Christas their Savior, rather than how to GETSALVATION from the penalty of sin.

Before our Lord was born, the Angelof the Lord said of Him, "Thou shaltcall His name Jesus for He shall saveHis people FROM THEIR SINS" (Matthew1:21).

Quite early in His ministry, ChristHimself said to His disciples, "Be yetherefore perfect even as your Fatherwhich is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew5:48).

This must mean SOMETHING. TheSavior would never command animpossibility. Here He definitely bidsus possess some sort of "perfection" --in fact a perfection in SOME WAY likethat of God the Father.

It is very wonderful and at firstsight it seems impossible --incomprehensible. But THERE IS THECOMMAND. <11>

Peter, speaking by the Holy Spirit,gives a very similar exhortation: "ButLIKE as He which called you is holy, beye yourselves also holy in all manner ofliving; because it is written 'Ye shallbe holy, for I am holy'" (1_Peter 1:15).

We are then definitely commanded topossess some sort of "holiness" -- infact a holiness like that of JesusChrist.

The writer of the Epistle to theHebrews shows how important this is."Follow peace," says he, "with all men,and holiness, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN CAN SEE THE LORD" (Hebrews 12:14).

John tells us plainly that he iswriting his first Epistle so that itsreaders "may not sin" (1_John 2:1).

May we very humbly ask whether itis presumption on our part to inquireinto the meaning of these words?

WHERE PRESUMPTION LIES

It surely WOULD BE PRESUMPTION todoubt the possibility of our carryingout any command of Jesus Christ or theHoly Spirit? Ought not every sincerefollower of the Lord Jesus to try todiscover what these verses of Scripturemean?

Are you looking for the Return ofJesus Christ? Is that your hope? Well,more than 1,900 years ago, John said,"Everyone that hath this hope set onHim, purifieth himself, EVEN AS HE ISPURE" (1_John 3:3).

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St.John expects to find inChristians a purity somehow likeChrist's!

"Whosoever is begotten of God doethno sin... he cannot sin..." (1_John3:9).

We have not referred to Paul'sdeclarations on the same subject."Reckon ye yourselves to be dead unto<12> sin..." "sin shall NOT havedominion over you" (Romans 6:11 and 14).

He tells us how it is done. "Theshield of faith wherewith ye shall beable to quench ALL the fiery darts ofthe Evil one" (Ephesians 6:16).

Do not our hearts burn within us atthe very THOUGHT of such a life as isheld out here?

Now whatever we may think aboutthese words from Scripture -- whateverour prejudices, whatever our pastfailures -- however impossible it allseems -- we cannot deny the followingfacts. In the Bible -- God's Word: --

1. There is a perfection commanded,in some way like that of God the Father.

2. There is a holiness enjoinedlike that of God Himself.

3. There is a purity offered, likethat of Jesus Christ.

4. There is a POSSIBILITY shown ofresisting every attack of the evil one.

The life which such "perfection,"such holiness, such purity, and suchpower would produce would surely be aVictorious Life. Are we willing to studythe question further? We are absolutelycertain that God would not mock us bycommanding an impossible standard, or byoffering us something He is not able togive.

The question is NOT "Can _I_ live aVictorious Life?" (We all know what theanswer to that question is.) No! Thething which concerns me, is just this:

"Can Jesus Christ MAKE me holy -- KEEPme holy --GIVE me Victory?" If He can-- shall we not get it? And then, shallwe not cry out with St.Paul -- in allexultation and yet withal, in allhumility and adoration --

Thanks be unto God which giveth usthe VICTORY through our Lord JesusChrist (1_Corinthians 15:57).

CHAPTER THREE

GOD'S LOVE NEVER FAILETH

What is the Victorious Life? It isthe life of holiness, or the "perfect"life which is so often referred to byPaul in his Epistles.

Surely then the very first thingfor us to do is to find out just what iscommanded us, and promised us, in theNew Testament. Two very definite thingshave been already spoken of -- HOLINESSand PERFECTION. What do these wordsmean? And is "Holiness" the same thingas "Perfection?"

Now it is a very singular fact thatreally devoted -- yet DEFEATED --Christians gladly aim at "holiness," butare frightened of "perfection." "Thereis no such thing as 'perfection'" is acommon remark on the lips of Christianpeople. Our reply is, that our LordCOMMANDED it, whatever it is.

"PERFECTION" HERE AND NOW

"Perfection," said a Professor ofTheology, "is an unrealizable idealtowards which we progress through alleternity." Yet Christ demands some sortof 'perfection" HERE and NOW. If we arereally sincere we shall try to see whatthe Savior means. "Be ye therefore'perfect,'" said Christ.

"That's a bewildering command," wasthe comment made on this verse, by amodern preacher, "but when our Lordadds, 'as your heavenly Father isperfect' we are simply staggered, and indespair give up attempting <14> to

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obey!" Yet these added words are the keyto the solution of the difficulty! Forat once we can cut out all false ideasof "perfection."

HOW is our Heavenly Father"perfect"? Surely in everything. But Heis GOD and we are MEN. He does notcommand us to be 'perfect' as God. TheFATHER is "perfect" in absolutesinlessness; in Majesty, in Glory, inPower, in Wisdom. Such "perfection"cannot be attained by mortal man. Inwhat then are WE to be "perfect"? "Beye THEREFORE perfect." That word"therefore" evidently refers to what hasbeen said just before. What is that?Simply a command to be full of love.Godless men love their friends: thefollowers of Christ are to LOVE THEIRENEMIES as well. Our Lord is commandingperfect LOVE. This thought came to mewith overwhelming power. The VictoriousLife is simply a life of PERFECT LOVE.

OUR LORD'S "NEW COMMANDMENT"

Towards the end of His earthlylife, our Lord said, "A new commandmentI GIVE unto you, that ye LOVE oneanother; even AS _I_ HAVE LOVED YOU,that ye also love one another. By thisshall all men know that ye are Mydisciples, if ye have love one toanother" (John 13:34). There is thestandard and there is the command toreach it.

As Christ loved -- that is thestandard; and that is perfect love. Andthis is commanded US. And St. Paulreminds us that "love" is the only thingwhich can enable us to obey God. "Loveis the fulfilling of the Law." (Romans13:10).

"The point is, can an imperfect manor woman have 'perfect' love?" That wasthe opening sentence of an <15>address on this subject. But surely thatis not the way to approach thisquestion? It is the blessed Master Whocommands. It is not for me to cast eventhe shadow of a doubt on the possibilityof what He bids. But, do we not feelconstrained to cry out, like a seeker of

old, "How CAN these things be?" Is theresuch a thing as "perfect love?"

Assuredly there is. The Father'slove is "perfect." The love wherewithChrist loved us is perfect. Human loveis imperfect and always will be. Butdoes not the Bible say, "The love of Godhath been shed abroad in our hearts?"(Romans 5:5). Would you believe it, ifyou were told that this was the reasonwhy Jesus Christ revealed God theFather? Yet it is so. We have His ownwords for it.

Our Lord said, "I have made knownunto them Thy name, and will make itknown" -- that includes you and me --"that the LOVE wherewith Thou lovest Me,may be IN THEM, and I in them" (John17:26).

THE SECRET -- "PERFECT LOVE"

Here, then, is the secret of itall. "Perfect love" is surely possible,but only possible when Jesus ChristHimself -- God Himself Who is love --comes to dwell in our hearts.

St. John, the Apostle of love, toldus this long ago. "If we LOVE oneanother God abideth IN US, and His loveis perfected IN US" (1_John 4:12).

"We KNOW and have believed the lovewhich God hath IN US. God is love: andhe that abideth in love, abideth in God,and God abideth in him. Herein is lovemade PERFECT with us" (1_John 4:16-17).It is, therefore, as clear as day, thatif we desire "perfect love," we CAN<16> GET IT by having Jesus Christ --Who is love -- filling our whole being.Then, and then only, can we understandthat stupendous comparison of John:"because as He is, even so are WE inthis world" (ver.17).

No wonder St. Paul cried outexultantly -- defiantly? -- "Who shallseparate us from the love of God?"(Romans 8:39). No wonder he bursts outin triumphant faith, when he prays forthe Ephesians "that Christ may dwell INYOUR HEARTS by faith; to the end that ye

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being rooted and grounded in LOVE, maybe strong to apprehend with all thesaints, what is the breadth, and lengthand height and depth, and to know theLOVE OF CHRIST, which passeth knowledge,that ye may be filled unto all thefullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17).

Before we go on to ask, notdoubtingly, but in a spirit of joyousexpectation, "HOW can these things be?"may we just answer the questions whichare in the minds of some. "And IS loveALONE really enough?" "Does 'love'indeed banish sin from my life?" "Does'perfect love' mean 'holiness'?"

To answer such questions, we needonly just look at that wonderful 13thchapter of 1_Corinthians in order torealize what Divine Love can work in us.

"Love suffereth long" -- it drivesaway all impatience.

"Love is kind" -- it leaves roomfor no unkindness.

"Love envieth not" -- all jealousyis banished.

"Love vaunteth not itself" --boasting and self-assertion disappear.

"Is not puffed-up" -- pride findsno place in the heart.

"Does not behave itself unseemly"-- folly goes.

"Seeketh not its own" -- "self" isdead -- selfishness will be unknown.

"Is not provoked" -- anger andwrath will not be seen. <17>

"Taketh no account of evil" --brooding over so-called "wrongs" will beno more. Malice and all uncharitablenessare not found in the heart.

"Beareth all things" --complainings will never be heard.

"Hopeth all things" -- despair,anxiety, despondency go.

"LOVE NEVER FAILETH."

No wonder Paul adds, "When thatwhich is PERFECT is come..." What IS itthat is "Perfect?" -- why, just the loveof God -- shed abroad in our hearts.

If "perfect love" casts out thisgreat procession of sins, and fills ourentire being, we might well cry out inan ecstasy of thankfulness and delight,"To me to live is Christ" -- and Christis love. If we have not done so before,we must surely set ourselves the task offinding out how this great Possessioncan be secured.

How can we get this Perfect Love --and keep it?

CHAPTER FOUR

HOW SIN IS OVERCOME

SIN IS OVERCOME ONLY BY THEINDWELLING CHRIST.

We have now been led into a verydefinite position in Christianexperience. It cannot be doubted thatthe Bible commands and expects somekind of "perfection," some kind of"holiness," without which no man can seethe Lord.

But we long to see Him. We long toknow, not only about Him, but to knowHIM. This holiness cannot possibly bereached by man by his own efforts -- no,nor by a man merely "helped" by God."All our righteousnesses are as filthyrags" (Isaiah 64:6).

But we have seen that Jesus Christhas promised to come and make His abodein our hearts: bringing His own "perfectlove" and pure holiness into our verybeing.

When "HE is our LIFE," then weindeed know HIM. "And this is lifeeternal, that they might know Thee, theonly true God, and Jesus Christ WhomThou hast sent" (John 17:3). And Jesus

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Christ is "perfect love." And perfectlove casteth out, not only fear, but allsin.

All this we have seen -- perhapsfor many years. Now it is easy enough towrite such things, and -- in some sortof way -- believe such things. But wewant more than that. The question is,"How can I, a struggling sinner, thoughsaved by grace, get this 'perfect love'?How can I get victory over all knownsin, and live the Victorious Life?"<19>

WHAT GOD CAN DO

God gives great and open sinnersinstant victory over great and opensins, and rescues such men from theclutches of such sins. We want to knowhow WE can get instantaneous deliverancefrom little sins (so-called). The LovingSavior and Almighty Redeemer CAN do it,we know -- BUT how is it done?

This is the most momentous questionany Christian man can ask. MostChristians have made many and frequentattempts to get victory over sin: andmost of them have failed in the attempt.The great majority of believers reach acertain level in Christian experience,and then gradually slip back to lowerlevels. Why is this? Is it not probablybecause their method of attempt waswrong?

This is such an important matterthat we hope the reader will patientlyexamine the following criticisms. We say"patiently," because so much will besaid which cuts right across the usualadvice given to seekers aftersanctification. The writer knows fullwell what he is talking about. He hashimself sadly trodden all the pathsdescribed, and has tasted both theirjoys and their sorrows. And today as helooks back, he realizes why they failedto lead him into the Victorious Life.

THE POPULAR WAY

Fight your temptations. You haveaccepted Jesus Christ as your personal

Savior, yet you find your sinfulpassions still remain, and often breakout into actual sin. You want victoryover those temptations, for tempted wealways shall be here on earth. Very well-- make a victorious struggle (by God'shelp, or course) against these evilpassions and desires, and in this wayovercome them. <20>

This idea appeals to us, and seemsso good and wise. And God does indeedhelp us to conquer after a determinedfight -- if our will-power lasts out.The writer has tried it (who has not?),and has often at length gained avictory. But again, he has often triedit only to fail miserably after astruggle: because Satan is stronger thanman!

The popular way is a doubtful way!Where can you find anything in the Bibleto support us in the belief that we areto fight or to struggle with TEMPTATION?We are told to "flee" from sin, fromyouthful lusts, from idolatry, and suchlike. Are we ever told to fightTEMPTATION?

If so, where? It is true that St.Paul exhorts us to "fight the goodfight" -- hut he hastens to add "offaith." Now a "fight of faith" cannotbe a struggle. It is true that Jamessaid, "Resist the devil" (James 4:7).How? With your hands? Surely not. "Whomresist, steadfast in the faith" (1_Peter5:9).

We are to "STAND," not struggle."Having done all things, stand." Theshield of FAITH is able to quench allthe fiery darts of the evil one(Ephesians 6). "Faith does nothing;faith lets God do it all."

JESUS CHRIST HAS WON

the victory for us. "I live," says Paul,"yet not I, Christ LIVETH IN ME." "Yeare of God," says John, "and haveovercome them." How? Why? "Becausegreater is HE that is IN YOU, than hethat is in the world" (1_John 4:4). Sowe come back to the some theme: The

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secret of Victory is the Indwelling-Christ. Victory is in trusting, not intrying. "This is the Victory thatovercometh the world" -- and SIN --"even our faith" (1_John 5:4). <21>

A man who tries by strenuous effortto resist or struggle against sin tillit is frequently conquered, is said tobe "growing in grace." Yet all growthtakes place without effort. "No man bytaking thought can add one cubit to hisstature," said our Lord. And this istrue of our spiritual stature.

THEORY AND PRACTICE

How is growth secured? Air, foodand exercise insure growth when there islife. If our spiritual life is sustainedby the Holy Spirit, within and aroundus; if it is nourished by Jesus ChristHimself "the bread of God" (John 6:33),it will exercise itself in "good works,"and there will be "growth." There is awondrous "growth in grace" -- but thereis no growth into grace. Sin hindersthis growth, and STRUGGLING against sincannot help the growth.

Now, this is all theoretical. Howdoes it work out in practice? The writerheard a sermon recently on our Lord'scommand, "Be ye therefore perfect." Thepreacher was a man of holy and humbleheart. The gist of the address was thatperfection was a thing we were to aim atbut never reach. But we could get nearerand nearer to the goal. How? By tacklingone sin at a time, subdue it, suppressit. Then another sin was to beresolutely dealt with until at last,some day, all our sins would bemastered. We were told that a pianocould not be tuned all at once -- a noteat a time was taken.

Very well. Have you ever known sucha method to succeed? Sin is sin, and all"sins" have their root in SIN in theheart. Sin has been conquered by Christ.Are we to spend our time cutting offbranches, or are we to <22> destroythe root of the tree? If Jesus Christ isnot able to conquer any known sin in metoday, will He be stronger in five

months' -- or five years' -- time? Afterall is said and done, I can do nothingof myself in the matter. It is JesusChrist Himself Who gives the victory.All I can do is to look to Christ infaith and let HIM overcome for me.

AN ILLUSTRATION WITH A POINT

A pick-pocket once strolled into arescue mission -- so the story goes --and was converted. He saw in Christpardon for his sins and power againstthem. Rejoicing in a new life, he wenton his way planning for the future. "Inmy unregenerate days," said he tohimself, "I used to pick quite twentypockets a day. But now I am a Christianman, and I know that to pick pockets isto sin. So I must give it up --gradually, of course. Tomorrow I'll makea start and for the rest of this monthby striving and struggling against thissin, I'll cut it down to five a day --for I'm a Christian man now. By the endof the year by constant endeavor (andthe help of God) I hope to give uppicking pockets altogether."

Do you believe that story? Thewriter does not. But have we not allbeen guilty of this very thing in ourdealings with bad temper, pride,irritability, jealousy, unlove? Weexpect a pick-pocket, or a drunkard, ora gambler to give up his sin once forall -- the very moment of hisconversion. We tell him -- and tell himtruly -- that Christ is able to give himcomplete and instant victory. Is Godunable to give us a similar victory overwhat we deem to be lesser sins? He isable to make us "more than conquerors."<23>

Victory over sin is a gift of Godand not a growth. Paul recognized this.He did not say, "Thanks be unto God,which gives us a gradual victory," but"giveth us the victory through JesusChrist our Lord" (1_Corinthians 15:57).There is no such thing as a gradualvictory over sin -- although we maythink there is. God's gifts are perfect.The fact is, He gives us Jesus ChristHimself to dwell in our hearts by faith.

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And Jesus Christ keeps us. "He is ableto keep us from stumbling" (Jude 24)."We know that whosoever is born of Godsinneth not," says the Holy Spirit --and He gives the reason -- "for He thatis begotten of God (Jesus Christ)KEEPETH him, and that wicked onetoucheth him not" (1_John 5:18). Can wetrust Christ to do it?

An old colored man in America sawthis truth -- that is, the wonderfulpower of the indwelling Christ, and hislife became incarnate joy. "So, Sam,you've got the mastery of the devil,they tell me?" said a scoffing whiteman. "No, sah!" replied Sam, "But I'vegot de MASTER of de devil." And is notthis what we all want?

CHAPTER FIVE

NONE CAN IMITATE CHRIST

NOT THE IMITATION OF CHRIST BUT HISINDWELLING PRESENCE IS THE REAL SECRETOF CONSTANT TRIUMPH

Have we grasped the fact that theVictorious Life is not securedGRADUALLY, nor by effort and striving onour part? We know that a partialself-control can be obtained and ISobtained for a time by men who give nothought to pleasing God. An athlete will"flee youthful lusts" and to a greatdegree "keep himself unspotted from theworld" simply to gain Victory in theworld of sport. A business man or ashop-assistant will "control" his tempermerely to secure orders, or keep asituation. A society lady will remain"sweet" even if you ruin her smartestdress by upsetting your tea over it. AChristian man may "school" himself inthe same manner -- but this is notnecessarily the Victorious Life.

Do not misunderstand me. There IS afight -- and a strenuous fight --against a world of sin. But to fightagainst sin IN THE HEART is to mistrustChrist and is sure of failure in thelong run. What then CAN we do to getthis Victorious Life? Many of us have

tried the IMITATION OF CHRIST. We may call this

THE PROMISING WAY

because it looks so attractive andright; and so likely to succeed. Surelyit is a splendid thing to imitate <25>Christ. But can you do it? "Oh, well,"you reply, "I can try." As a matter offact, no one ever lived who imitatedChrist. It cannot be done. Nor are wetold to attempt it.

CHRIST OUR LIFE

One of the world's masterpieces ofreligious literature is called THEIMITATION OF CHRIST. Most of us know itwell. It is, indeed, a delightful book,and has helped countless thousands --but not to imitate Christ! John Newton,the blaspheming slave raider, was led toChrist by reading this book. Read itagain, for your soul's good, and youwill notice that from beginning to endthere is nothing about imitating Christ.It is full of helpful counsels andadvice, of meditations, and prayers andexhortations. The title well might beTHE APPROPRIATION OF CHRIST, or THEABSORPTION OF CHRIST.

Christ is to be more than anexample -- He is OUR LIFE. Someone hasgone so far as to have declared that the"idea of imitating Christ is a hoax ofthe devil"! And he is really right inhis strong assertion, For although noharm, but only good, can come fromattempting to imitate the Lord Jesus,failure is certain to be the result.Good is always the enemy of "best." Weknow how hopeless it is to try toimitate the holy men and women whosefriendship we value. How much moredifficult it would be to imitate Christ!

THE BIBLE ON IMITATORS

But we must not rely upon humanopinions. What does the Bible say aboutthis question? Has it ever struck youthat nowhere in the New Testament are wetold to be like Jesus Christ -- or tostrive to be like Him -- or to pray that

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we may be like Him? Is it not so? <26>This is very startling. The nearestapproach you get to such an idea isfound in Romans 8:29, "Whom He foreknewHe also fore-ordained to be conformed tothe image of His Son." In his wonderfulcommentary on the Epistle to the Romans,Dr. Moule, the late Bishop of Durham,says, "The Greek here is literally'conformed ones of the image' -- as iftheir similitude made them PART of whatthey resembled."

Paul also says, "Ye becameimitators of us, and of the Lord"(1_Thessalonians 1:6). But in what way?In the matter of being afflicted for theGospel's sake. The servant is not abovehis Lord. If the world persecutedChrist, it will persecute us.

The same idea is brought out in1_Peter 2:21. "For even hereunto were yecalled: because Christ also suffered foryou, leaving you an example that yeshould follow His steps" -- i.e., insuffering patiently (even though He wassinless) the contradiction of sinnersagainst Himself. "But," you ask, "doesnot St. Paul tell us to be 'imitators'of God?" Yes, but always and only inthis matter of showing a forgivingspirit. (See Ephesians 4:32 and 5:1.) Wemay and can and should imitate some actsof Jesus Christ -- but to imitate HIM isimpossible. And, moreover, when we thinkwe are "imitating" Him, it is in realityChrist Himself working IN US. One day weSHALL BE like Him -- but not by anyattempt at imitation on our part. "WhenHe shall appear we shall be LIKE Him forwe shall see Him as He is" (1_John3:2).

CHRIST IN OUR HEARTS

There would be little harm intrying to imitate Christ, if such anendeavor did not hide from us what ourLord really desires; and so keep us backfrom "life <27> more abundant." Hewants to come Himself into our lives, todwell in our hearts and live His life inus. What a wonderful thing this is! Weshould despair if Christ simply left usan example to "follow" or "imitate."

But He says He will come and dwellin our hearts by faith. Surely this ismuch better than having Christ as myhelper, or than getting "power" fromChrist. Paul sums up this greatprivilege in a sentence. "For," says he,"it is God which worketh IN YOU both towill and to work, for His good pleasure"(Philippians 2:13). The word means <workmightily, effectively." Remember it isnot an "influence" or a "spiritualforce" -- it is God Himself dwelling inthe heart of the believer.

We are sometimes urged to "possessour possessions," but we would ratherinvite all true believers to possesstheir POSSESSOR -- Jesus Christ Himself,"Who is all and in you all." In fact,the word "imitate" really means "a goinginto." In this sense there is imitationindeed: for we enter into Christ, andChrist enters into us. So that we cansay with Paul, "For me to live isChrist" (Philippians 1:21); "Christ Whois our life" (Colossians 3:4).

We must remember that Christ ISalready in the heart of every believer.But unless He has FULL possession, andFULL control, we cannot have Victory.

Forgive a homely illustration whichthe writer used in speaking to lads. Heasked the question, "Would you like toplay football as well as B---?" (acelebrated professional center-forward)."Yes, sir," "Well, it's quite simple --imitate him." "We can't do it, sir.""But if I could endow you with all thestrength of B---, would you not play aswell?" "No, sir, for we should stilllack his skill." "But suppose that withhis <28> strength I could also imparthis mind -- the mind which controls andguides his play and which gives him hisskill?" "Then we'd play as well as he,"they broke in. Now, that is just whatour Lord wishes to do for every one ofHis children. He does not say, "ImitateMe." But He does say, "Let Me come intoyour very being and think IN you goodthoughts; and work IN you, and enableyou to put those thoughts into deeds."

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"Ye shall be endued with power formon high." Yes, but that very Power isthe Holy Spirit of God Himself. "Whoshall be IN you," says Christ. So thatSt. Paul boldly says, "We have the mindof Christ" (1_Corinthians 2:16). But ifwe have the mind of Christ in us, and"Power from on high" to fulfill thepurposes of that mind, "Holiness"becomes, not second nature, but our verylife.

KNOWING AND DOING

You may be saying to yourself,"There is nothing new in this." No,indeed; but have you acted upon it? Foryears the writer read all these thingsin the Bible and believed them -- yes,and spoke about them in addresses. Thencame a day when he resolutely faced hisfailure to conquer so many "little" sins-- these sad betrayals of his Lord andSavior. Was there no "better thing" thanthis in store? Again he knelt andsurrendered himself fully to Christ andin simple faith claimed Jesus Christ ashis indwelling Savior. Then he rose fromhis knees and took it for granted thatthe Lord Jesus Christ was filling hisentire life. That is, he simply BELIEVEDGod's Word.

What a wonderful consciousness ofHis Presence was secured. Christ is nolonger simply One Who inhabitetheternity -- Someone to Whom to turn intimes of difficulty; <29> no longerSomeone Who comes to one's aid and helpsfrom without. He has come to make Hisabode in the whole heart -- taking fullpossession of my very being; body, souland spirit. So that the first thought inthe morning and the frequentrecollection during the day is justthis: "To me to live is Christ."

A little girl once heard suchteaching from God's Holy Word, andhurried home with joyful heart. Hermother, on entering the house, heard thechild's voice in the dining-room. "LordJesus," said she, "they tell me You arewilling to come and dwell in my heart.Forgive me all my sins. Make my heartclean. And now, Lord Jesus, come into

the WHOLE of my heart." Then the childstood up and looking up to heaven saidsimply, "He's IN."

Cleansing, Surrender; Faith.

It is as simple as that. Yet thevery "Power which raised Jesus Christfrom the dead" is involved in it(Ephesians 1:19-20). "Power from onhigh."

CHAPTER SIX

HOW TO ENTER IN

HOW TO BE WHOLLY POSSESSED BY CHRIST ANDTHUS ENTER INTO AND ENJOY THE LIFE OFHOLINESS

If, then, we are unable to becomeholy by struggling against our sins; andif we cannot imitate Christ so as tobecome like Him, what hope is left us?

Hope? The writer soon discoveredthat there was not only no hope, butmiserable failure in struggling andtrying to "imitate."

THE QUEST FOR GOD'S PRESENCE

But there came a bright star on hisspiritual horizon. It was hailed withall the joy of the wise men of old whenthey "saw the star." Surely thiswondrous light would lead him into thevery presence of the Lord -- and therehe would find victory? A little book wasgiven him by a fellow-worker. It wascalled, THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OFGOD, by Brother Lawrence. It made aprofound impression on his life.

Brother Lawrence found that booksof devotion and religious "exercises"did not help him -- but were ratherhindrances to his spiritual life, so heset himself to work to secure at alltimes a sense of God's presence. Heendeavored always to walk as in thepresence of God. The result was a

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communion with God so close anduninterrupted that set times of prayerwere not different <31> from othertimes. "The time of business," said he,"does not with me differ from the timeof prayer; and in the noise and clatterof my kitchen, while several persons areat the same time calling for differentthings, I POSSESS GOD in as greattranquility as if I were on my knees atthe Blessed Sacrament."

Now, is not that the spirit wewant? "In Thy presence is fullness ofjoy," says the Psalmist (Psalm 16:11).But is this the Victorious Life? Itcertainly seemed so to Brother Lawrence.

The booklet was inspiring. Neverbefore had the writer experienced such awonderful uplift of soul: such aninspiration for service.

Not only the knowledge that "Thou,God, seest me," but the habitualconsciousness, "I am now in the verypresence of God." The mind went back toZacharias in the Temple and the words ofthe Archangel, "I am Gabriel, that standin the presence of God" (Luke 1:19). Ah!that's the thought. His feet may treadthe temple courts, but he never forgetsthat he stands in the very presence ofGod. "Take heed," said the Lord JesusChrist, "that ye despise not one ofthese little ones ... for their angelsdo always BEHOLD THE FACE OF MY FATHERwhich is in heaven."

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

That, then, is the secret of theangels' service -- they are alwaysconscious of being in the presence ofGod. Was it not so with Elijah? When hesuddenly emerges from obscurity andsprings into our view he cries, "As theLord God of Israel liveth before Whom ISTAND!" (1_Kings 17:1; 18:5). When herefused "to stand" in the presence ofGod, he begged that he might die; and<32> God could not use him again tillhe "stood" once more in His presence."Go forth," said God to the despondentprophet, "and STAND upon the mount

before the Lord" (1_Kings 19:11). But hehid in the cave. Then came wind, andearthquake and fire -- but all in vain.They did not drive him forth from hishiding-place from God. After the firethere was a sound of gentle stillness(ver.12, RV, marg.). Did the prophetfear that God had deserted him? Had Goddeparted? Elijah wrapped his face in hismantle and went out and STOOD in theentering in of the cave. Once more he"stands" before God, and God could speakto him and use him.

Yes. All this is Scriptural. Oh,what resources of help and strength andcomfort lie in this thought, "I... standin the presence of God." When someunwelcome duty, some unpleasant task, orsome "big thing" had to be faced thewriter has again and again steadiedhimself, nerved himself by quietlyrepeating the words, "I... stand in thepresence of God."

WHAT OUR LORD DESIRES

We thank God with unfeignedgratitude for this help by the way. Butit is not the Victorious Life. A HEATHENmay use such help.

During the war a troopship wastorpedoed in the Mediterranean and wasfast sinking. A British soldier in greatterror hurried hither and thitherbewildered. A Hindu put his hand on theshoulder of the terrified man andpointing upward said, "Johnnie" (theirequivalent of Tommy); "God!" And thissteadied the lad. Helpful; but notsufficient. It may be the source ofstrength for angels, and for saintsBEFORE THE DAY OF PENTECOST. But we needsomething more than this. <33>

And the Lord Jesus has promised usthis "something more."

Is, then, the Way of the Presenceright or wrong? Surely it is right asfar as it goes. No one will ever knowwhat a help the writer found it. Afterall, we are "IN Christ" and to remindourselves of His presence around us --

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near us -- must be helpful.

THE CHRIST DWELLING WITHIN

But our Lord's great desire is thatwe shall realize His presence within us.He tried to get His disciples to believe(and to know) that the Father was in Himand He in the Father (John 10:38). ThatHe could do nothing of Himself -- butthat the Father was working in andthrough Him (John 5:19,30). And that inthe same way we are sent by Him. Thatwithout Christ we can do nothing -- butHe would come and dwell IN us and workin and through us. Christ Jesus saysthis with the utmost plainness.

"As Thou hast sent Me into theworld," says our Lord in His prayer,"even so have I also sent them" -- theapostles (John 17:18). "At that day,"(Pentecost) said CHrist, "Ye shall KNOWthat I am in My Father, and ye in Me,and I IN YOU" (John 14:20).

How can we get this Indwelling ofChrist? And how know we have Him andthus "know Him and the power of HisResurrection"? How did Brother Lawrenceget his blessing? How did he keep it? Hejust surrendered himself entirely toGod. Without such surrender one cannotreally practice the presence of God. "Iknow," said he, "that for the rightpractice of it, the heart must be emptyof all other things; because God willpossess the heart ALONE. And as Hecannot possess it alone <34> withoutemptying it of all besides, so neithercan He act there and do in it what hepleases unless it be left vacant toHim."

This was his Prayer: "My God, hereI am, all devoted to Thee. Lord, make meaccording to Thy heart."

And what was the result? He hadsuch a joy in God that for 30 years hissoul was so elated and exultant that hehad to repress his raptures so as tohinder them appearing outwardly.

"Were I a preacher," he used tosay, "I should above all other things

preach the practice of the presence ofGod: so necessary do I think it and soeasy too."

But one does not fully appropriatethat life merely by accepting Christ asthe Savior from the guilt of sin. Manysincere Christians are living defeatedlives. Their sinful passions -- yes, andsinful desires -- are not entirely gone.So there is failure, and such lives arelittle different from those of theworldlings around them.

There must be an entire surrenderof self -- a real yearning desire to befree from all known sin: a looking toJesus Christ by faith to destroy sin inus; and a taking of Christ to be ourwhole life -- literally our life.

"You will never have the VictoriousLife," said Wilbur Chapman, "until JesusChrist has all there is of you --never!" When He comes and takes entirepossession of our being, He brings theVictorious Life, and we can say, "Ilive, and yet no longer I, but Christliveth in me."

When He possesses us wholly, thenwe shall be holy. Are we willing to takethe step? Are we willing to putourselves unreservedly into His hands?

To do so is to secure Heaven onearth!

CHAPTER SEVEN

BURIED WITH CHRIST

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BAPTIZED INTO CHRISTJESUS

"One of the bitterest moments of mylife," said a missionary recently, "waswhen an earnest young Buddhist boy saidto me, 'I want to believe in Christ, butI have never seen Him in those whoprofess Him. How can I believe insomeone Whom I have not seen?'"

Would that lad have spoken in the

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same way had he known us? At all costswe must have the fullness of theindwelling Christ.

THE HOLY SPIRIT'S CHIEF WORK

The chief work of the Holy Spiritis to reveal Christ. How often we haveprayed, "O God fill us with Thy HolySpirit." We hear the prayer again andagain at prayer meetings with littleapparent result. Why is it? Is God toblame? Are WE to blame?

"He shall glorify ME," said Christ,"for He shall receive of Mine and showit unto you." So then it is the work ofthe Holy Spirit to see that Christ is"formed within" us (Galatians 4:19). Ifthen God answers our prayer and fills uswith His Holy Spirit, we shall indeed bewonderfully conscious of the indwellingChrist. So will others be!

Now let the writer confess that hehas often spoken about this doctrine andhas read the Gospel and Epistles <36>of St. John again and again withoutreally appropriating this indwelling ofChrist. The Lord Jesus has been withinthe heart for many years, "for if anyhave not the Spirit of Christ, he isnone of His" (Romans 8:9). But the LordJesus was not filling the WHOLE heart.There must be many believers in a likecondition. Many have told me by letterand lip how they have agonized for thisVictorious Life for 20, 30, even 40years, without getting it. "For years Ihave agonized for this," wrote aclergyman to me. "What a difference itwould make to my ministry! What ablessing it would prove to my people!Tell me how I can get it." How then canthis fullness of blessing be secured?Only by letting Jesus Christ do what allour strugglings and strivings havefailed to do.

We cannot overcome any sin byTRYING to do so. Christ only hasconquered sin. He conquered it not forHimself -- the devil had nothing in Him.He conquered it for you -- for me! Hedoesn't ask me to do what He has alreadydone. He DOES ask me to enter into His

victory. We cannot grow by trying togrow. We cannot grow in grace by tryingto grow in grace. It is all of Christ.How?

A DIVINE SECRET REVEALED

St. Paul says that there was agreat secret hidden from age to age, butwhich it pleased God to reveal to him.What is it? "Christ IN YOU the hope ofglory" (Colossians 1:27). "God waspleased to make known what is the richesof the glory of this mystery" -- that He"may present every man perfect in ChristJesus" (Colossians 1:28). Heathenreligions have tried to bring their godsdown to man -- with the passions andvices of humanity! Our <37> Lord cameHimself and lived as a man: Emmanuel,"God with us"! Isn't it a stupendousthought that the high and lofty One thatinhabits eternity, Whose Name is HOLY,should dwell not only in the high andholy place, but also "with him that isof a contrite and humble spirit -- torevive [give new life to] the humble"?(Isaiah 57:15). Christ came to take usinto Himself, and He Himself comes intous. He the Head; we His body. He theVine: we the branches. Thus His life isIN US.

This is the "overcoming life," thelife more abundant, the Victorious Life.How do Christians come to understand howto enter in? Many, like the writerhimself, found the "secret" entrancethrough careful and prayerful study ofRomans 6:3-11. "Are ye ignorant that allwe who are baptized into ChristJesus...?" What is it to be baptizedinto Christ Jesus? Again and again Paulreminds believers that they are "inChrist" -- that they have "put onChrist." When does this happen? It takesplace the moment a man, woman or childaccepts Jesus Christ as Savior. Waterbaptism is a rite ordained by Christwhich expresses baptism into JesusChrist.

WHEN CHRIST IS RECEIVED

This new life -- the life fromabove, the regenerate life -- is a

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miraculous life, and it is the result ofour being taken into Christ. The instantwe received Christ as Savior, we weremade part of Him. In Paul's day, a manwas apparently baptized immediately hebelieved in Christ. So Paul takesbaptism to illustrate or even prove thefact that a believer is taken intoChrist. We are made "members" of Christ-- a part of His body. So that Christ'slife becomes our life, and we can say,<38> "Christ Who is our life"(Colossians 3:4). Get hold of thistruth.

An old lady who, late in life,accepted Christ as her Savior, wasalways praising God and talking abouther Savior. One day a friend said, "Youseem pretty confident about this Saviorof yours! I wouldn't be too sure aboutit, if I were you. Suppose the Lordshould let you slip through Hisfingers?" "But," said the old lady,"I am one of his fingers." Now she wasperfectly right -- she was indeed amember of Christ. We dare not say such athing if it were not openly told us inScripture.

It is all too wonderful for words.I, a poor sinner saved by grace, havebeen made a member of the Lord JesusChrist Himself.

"I hope," said a critic of anaddress on this subject by the writer,"I hope the speaker is not making outthat we are all little gods!" Far fromit. But we do "make out" that we have agreat God living in us and making usmembers of Himself.

BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST

"Are ye ignorant that all we whowere baptized into Christ Jesus werebaptized into His death?" Are we"ignorant" as to what this means? Here,again, the writer must plead guilty offailing for years to grasp the import ofthese words.

"In Adam all die" -- yes, we areconscious enough of that -- "who is afigure of Him that was to come" (Romans

5:14). This surely means that we must insome way share the death of Christ?Every believer went to death with Christon the Cross. "I have been crucifiedwith Christ," says Paul. <39>

"We were buried, therefore, withHim through baptism into death" (Romans6:4). St. Paul is thinking of baptism byimmersion. This is a symbol of burial(which means A PREVIOUS DEATH). As thebeliever went right under the water, herealized that he was dead and buried.Dead as regards the old life -- dead tosin. Sin has no power over a dead man.No "dominion" over him. "For he that isdead is freed from sin. ... Reckon yeyourselves to be dead indeed unto sin...Sin shall not have dominion over you"(Romans 6:7).

But death could not "hold" Christ,nor can it hold us, if we are in Christ.After death and burial -- what? "Thatlike as Christ was raised from the deadthrough the glory of the Father, so wealso might walk in newness of life"(Romans 6:4). Jesus Christ did not raiseHimself: God raised Him. Over and overagain we are told this: God raised Himfrom the dead. And all the mighty powerwhich God exercised in raising Christfrom the dead is at our disposal. And tothink that we should for a momentimagine that our feeble struggles arealso needed!

St. Paul longed that believers inhis day should realize this. He praysfor them that "having the eyes of yourheart enlightened, ye may know what isthe hope of His calling, what the richesof the glory of His inheritance in thesaints, and what the exceeding greatnessof His POWER TO US-WARD who believe."What power? "According to the working ofthe strength of His might which Hewrought in Christ when He raised Himfrom the dead" (Ephesians 1:18). THATPOWER GOD OFFERS YOU.

A GIFT TO BE TAKEN

Isn't it wonderful? Can we graspit? Paul, seeing the stupendous natureof this gift, cries, "I count all <40>

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things but refuse, that I may gainChrist: ...that I may know Him, and thepower of His resurrection" (Philippians3:8,10). This mighty power in Christ isa gift to be "gained" by the removal ofall hindrances.

How can we "know Him and the powerof His resurrection"? Simply by beingburied with Christ -- being dead untosin. That is, not only claimingforgiveness of our sins, but by God'shelp renouncing the world, the flesh andthe devil -- by forsaking all sin -- andthen looking to God in faith to raise usup to walk in newness of life.

Try to understand what death andresurrection meant to our Lord. There Heis perfect God and perfect man nailed tothe Cross. The sins of the world cameupon Him. God cannot die, nor can Heremain in contact with sin. So theSpirit of God in the perfect man "Jesus"forsook that body of clay. He "yieldedup His spirit". And a dead MAN hangsupon the Cross. That perfect body isburied; and on the third day God raisedHim from the dead. What happened? TheSpirit of Christ came back into thatdead human body and Christ Jesus roseagain -- once more perfect God andperfect man.

That is what God wishes to do forevery man. When we can indeed "reckonourselves to be dead unto sin" and"buried with Him by baptism into death";then we can look to Christ TO PUT HISSPIRIT INTO US and to raise us up "towalk in newness of life." Then "ourlife" is no longer ours but is theChrist-Life. Not an imitation of Christ,but Christ Himself dwelling in ourhearts by faith. Then we can humbly saywith Paul, "I have been crucified withChrist, yet I live, and yet no longerI, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians2:20). <41>

What a glorious privilege! What atremendous responsibility! "It pleasedGod to reveal His Son IN me"! (Galatians1:16).

WHEN SELF IS DEAD

Is all this difficult tounderstand? It is all there on the pageof Scripture. But praise be to God, itis not necessary for us to understandHOW God works -- but just to believethat He will (and does) perform thiswork in us.

The question is just this: Am Iwilling to give up all known sin and toput myself absolutely at the disposal ofthe Savior? -- myself, my talents, mypossessions, my work, my future? Am Iwilling to surrender myself entirely toHim? Dr. Wilbur Chapman for some timehesitated to trust his future career toChrist, although he was then a notedmissioner. Dr. Meyer said, "Are youwilling to be made willing?" Dr. Chapmantold Christ he was WILLING TO BE MADEWILLING. At once every difficulty wasremoved. Yes, we must even surrender oursurrender to Christ. Our Lord did notcrucify Himself -- nor bury Himself --nor can we crucify ourselves. But whenwe have emptied ourselves of "self,"Christ will crucify us -- and will"raise us up to walk in newness oflife." The Cross for you and me is justI (self) crossed out.

The surrender must be absolute andentire. You remember the story of thegoddess who, wishing to make her childAchilles immortal, dipped him beneaththe waters of the river Styx. Shesucceeded with the exception of hisankles, by which she held him, thuspreventing the water from laving thatspot. His ankles were vulnerable andthere he became mortally wounded. Thatfable has a moral truth. <42>

There must be no part of us leftunsurrendered in our burial with Christthrough baptism unto death.

When Satan sees a man accept Christas his Savior, he tries his level bestto keep his hand upon some small part ofhim. He wants to have just a LITTLEcontrol over us, so that he can bringabout our downfall. He knows that if hecan prevent full surrender, he will alsoprevent a Victorious Life.

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HOW TO BE FILLED

A man "full of the Holy Spirit" isa mighty power -- which power almostvanishes when even a little of oursurrender is withdrawn. That power isalso impossible when a little of oursurrender to Christ is withheld. But ifwith "full and glad surrender" we yieldourselves to our blessed Master, He willcome and fill us wholly with His DivinePresence.

Can we trust our all to Him, sothat He may become "all in all" to us?"Jesus Christ is the Savior of ALL thelife as well as the Savior of everylife."

CHAPTER EIGHT

SURRENDER ALL TO CHRIST

WHAT "ABSOLUTELY SURRENDERED TO GOD"REALLY MEANS, AND THE RESULTS THATFOLLOW THIS ATTITUDE OF FAITH

We have again and again declaredthat before anyone can enter into theVictorious Life, two things arenecessary -- surrender and faith: man'spart and God's part.

First of all, we must be willing togive up all known sin and all self-willand surrender ourselves entirely intoGod's hands. Then we must in faith lookto God to sanctify us. So the entrancein may be summed up in two simplemottoes:

LET GO AND LET GOD

Now it is extraordinary howdifficult it is to make peopleunderstand what "surrender" is. And whenthey DO understand, it is still moredifficult to persuade them that it isfor their good!

The writer sent a business letterto a Christian friend a week ago and init put this question: "May I ask if youare entirely surrendered to Christ?" He

called round the following day. He hadjust taken offense because of theconduct of a fellow-Christian (who hadbeen both courteous and right -- butfirm).

Irritation, censure and divergencefrom the truth were all exhibited infive minutes. Then as he left the room,he turned and said in a surprised tone,"By the way, <44> what did you mean bythat hint in your letter that I am notentirely surrendered to God? I AMentirely surrendered to Him." It wasquite obvious that he knew little aboutsurrender. Yet he seemed perfectlysatisfied with himself.

WHAT SURRENDER MEANS

Many readers of this paper may beequally satisfied. But many, we know,are yearning for a victory they do notpossess, although they have sought itfor many years. Will you examine yoursurrender? What does it mean? If we wishto be entirely yielded up to Christ, wemust leave three things with Him: thePast, the Future and the Present.

This involves the surrender of SELF-- not merely of things. "Surrender yourvery selves unto God" (Romans 6:13,Weymouth). A cleric in the USA oncesaid, "Do you know that Campbell Morgancame to this country and preached onesermon that destroyed 40 years of mysermons? For 40 years I had beenpreaching on the duty of sacrifice --the denying things to ourselves; givingup this and that. We practiced it in ourfamily. We would give up butter one weekand try to use the money in some waythat God might bless. Another week wewould give up something else, and so on.Campbell Morgan said that what we neededto give up, was not things but SELF: andthat was the only thing we had not givenup in our home. We had given upeverything under the sun, but self. Wewere giving up so many things that wehad become proud of our humility!" Solet us look at self. Am I willing tosurrender it entirely to God, and just"Let go"? <45>

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THERE IS THE PAST

1. "But," you exclaim, "the past isdead and gone." Oh, no; far from it!"The sins of the past are forgiven, butoh, what a weight they are about ournecks!" said a worker for Christ. Thisought not to be. Are we willing to letthe past go?

A lady missionary who longed forVictory through Christ and confessed herdeep yearning for it, was justbroken-hearted over the matter. Why?"Because of the sins of the past," shereplied. "But God has forgiven your pastsins. They are blotted out. How can theyhinder you?" "But you do not know thesort of failures I have made!" shemoaned. "No -- the past is too awful."

When she had surrendered her past,the blessing came. There is a hymn whichruns, "When God forgives, He forgets.""For I will be merciful to theiriniquities and their sins will Iremember no more" (Hebrews 8:12; 10:17).Why, then, should _I_ remember my pastsins? Surely no good can possibly comeof it?

THINGS THAT MAR SERVICE

A momentary recollection of whatGod has saved us from may add to ourpraise of Him. But haven't we enough tobless and praise His glorious name for,even without such backward glances? Itis bad enough to have sinned in thepast: but it is surely a terrible thingto allow past sins to mar presentservice.

When you have forgiven your childsome wrong-doing, do you wish him togrieve over it -- to be miserable overit for days, weeks, months, years? Yetmany children of God are doing this.Self-examination has <46> its place,but to wreck the present by mourningover the past is sin.

Look at Simon Peter. He denied ourLord with oaths and curses. Our Lordforgave him, reinstated him, and usedhim. The one of the eleven who fell the

lowest was the very one chosen to bespokesman on the day of Pentecost. Nordid Peter allow his past fall to hamperhim, for he accuses the Jews of the verysin he had himself committed.

"You denied Him," he cried. "Youdenied the Holy and Righteous One" (Acts3:14). O let us thank God that the sinsof the past are blotted out, and let usnever grieve Him by spoiling the presentby reproaching ourselves for the sadpast. "Looking unto Jesus" must be ourattitude. "Forgetting the things thatare behind;... I press on toward theprize of the high calling of God inChrist Jesus" (Philippians 3:13).

THERE IS THE FUTURE

2. Are we willing to leave thatentirely in God's hands? Many peopleseem to think that God will takeadvantage of them! That if they agree toobey all God's wishes, God will makethem miserable. They cannot trust God tofill their lives with joy -- so theyseek their pleasures from the world, andsometimes from deliberate sin.

The Lord Jesus said to Hisdisciples, "These things have I spokenunto you that My joy might remain inyou, and that your joy might be full"(John 15:11). What things had He beenspeaking about? Why, just abiding inChrist and keeping His commandments. Hisjoy -- the very joy of God! <47>

Could we desire anything more thanthat -- better than that? Of course, ifHe dwells in us, and lives His life inus, we have His joy.

FROM TONIGHT, LORD

A wayward little boy climbed ontohis father's knees one evening and said,"Father, from tonight I'm going to doall you ask of me." How did the fatheract? Did he think to himself, "Now Ihave that boy in my power. Now I havethe chance of making his lifemiserable!" It is unthinkable. He drewthe laddie closer to him and silentlyvowed he would do everything in his

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power to make that boy happy.

Is a God of Love going to takeadvantage of us, if we surrender our allto Him? Will He deign to remain in ourdebt? Remember, God has not only thewill, but the power to make us supremelyhappy. There are our future plans. Doesnot God know what is best for us? Yethow unwilling believers often are totrust Him to do what is best.

When addressing a party ofmissionaries home on furlough lastsummer, the writer was struck by themiserable face of an elderly man. "Whyis he so miserable?" "Oh," replied thechairman, "he longs to return to Chinato die in harness, but the committeerefused to allow him to go back." Adevoted servant of God -- yet unwillingto leave his future in God's hands. Theresult was not fullness of joy -- butmisery. We might well pray, as one dearsaint did, "Oh, God! do not let anyonehere be afraid of Thee."

Are you afraid of God? Yes -- ifyou know of anything you are not willingto give up, should God show you that itwas His will you should do so. <48>

God knows, He loves, He cares; Nothing this truth can dim; He does the very best for those Who leave the choice to Him.

THEN THERE IS THE PRESENT

3. How will this be affected? Allunlove, bitterness, irritability, pride,jealousy, resentment, censoriousness --all must go, really go. An active ladyworker said to the writer, "That's easyenough for me, for I haven't an enemy inthe world!" The next day she waslimping. "I've fallen down," sheexplained. "I saw that horrid Miss K---coming along and I didn't want toacknowledge her, and in looking theother way, I slipped off the curb andfell in the gutter!"

Now we may be sure that if there isanyone against whom we harbor any ill-feeling or resentment, or "owe a grudge"

-- anyone to whom we could not showChristian love and kindliness -- we arenot living the Victorious Life. Dr.Schofield once said, "If you have a sinin your life which you cannot let go,bring it to Jesus and let Him kill it."It may be some habit which others regardas harmless.

"Whenever you talk of surrender,"said a man to the writer, "I alwaysthink of my pipe." Not a word had beensaid about smoking -- but the pipe went.Forgive this remark -- it is true or itwould not be recorded here: You willfind very few fully surrenderedChristians whose consciences allow themto smoke.

One word of warning: Do not allowany fear of the future to rob you ofpresent victory. "I've surrendered allto Christ," said a missionary at Keswicklast summer, "And I am so happy. But I'mfearful what will <49> happen when Iget home." Do you see, the future wasnot really surrendered.

Dr. A. T. Pierson in his lastaddress at Mildmay said, "Believe me asa dying man, no one ever obtained asmuch as he might have obtained fromGod." Why? Because God cannot give allHe would until we surrender all we have-- and are. If you find any difficultyin this matter -- then just surrenderyour surrender to the Lord Jesus.

NOW IS THE DAY OF VICTORY

The present is the time forVictory. Let your aim ever be to glorifythe Lord Jesus now. So many Christianslet present opportunities slip byunused, because their minds are fixedupon something they are going to doTOMORROW or next Sunday. School yourselfto live in the present. How can ChristJesus manifest forth His glory --Himself through me today -- now, thisvery moment?

Perhaps the secret of Victory inChrist lies just here. God gives neededgrace just when it is needed.

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"Have you dying grace?" a ladyasked Charles Spurgeon. "No, madam, andI do not want it now -- but praise God,I have living grace," was his reply.

Surrender. Let go. Then look toChrist in faith. Let GOD ---.

Ask the Lord Jesus Christ tocrucify you and to give you HisResurrection Life. In that delightfullittle book, THE CHRISTIAN'S SECRET OF AHAPPY LIFE, there is a chapter on

"HOW TO ENTER IN"

The way suggested is to pray, "LordJesus, I believe that Thou art able andwilling to deliver me from all <50>the care and unrest and sin of myChristian life. Thou didst die to set mefree, not only in the future, but hereand now. I believe that Thou artstronger than sin and canst keep me fromyielding to it. Lord, I am going totrust Thee to keep me. I have triedkeeping myself and have failedgrievously. I am also helpless. So now Iwill trust Thee. I give myself to Thee.I keep nothing back. ... And now I AMThine.

"I believe that THOU dost acceptthis poor, weak, foolish heart; and thatit has been taken possession of by Thee;and that Thou hast at this moment begunto work in me to will and to do of Thygood pleasure. I trust Thee utterly, Itrust Thee now."

But be careful to remember thatsurrender is not simply making a promiseto God to forsake sin and always to doHis will. That would be living under theLaw. Surrender is just turning over toGod all that we are and have, FOR HIM TODO WITH US whatever He wishes.Surrendered Christians are oftendefeated, because they think they cancarry out their good resolutions byGod's help. No! Just hand yourself overto God, and then trust Christ to do Hispart. "He is able to keep."

It is not our surrender that givesus the victory. It is not even our

faith! It is CHRIST HIMSELF -- theFaithful One.

Surrender and trust, and Christwill never fail you.

CHAPTER NINE

REAL VICTORY AND FALSE -- REAL VICTORY AND ITS COUNTERFEIT

The Victorious Life is simply alife fully surrendered to God, withChrist dwelling within and in completecontrol -- a life in which the onlydesire is to bring glory to JesusChrist. It is the only truly happy life,yet Christians refuse to enter in, lesttheir lives should be made miserable!

THE JOY OF PERFECT TRUST

But is it a life filled with"crosses"? That is the idea that manyChristians have -- that where there isthe choice between things agreeable anddisagreeable, the unpleasant one must,of course, be chosen! Can we findanything of this in the Bible?

Paul is never tired of talkingabout the wonderful joy in his life."Rejoice evermore!" "In everything givethanks." Yet what hardship and bitterpersecution were his lot! If you loveGod and fully trust Him, the place inwhich you are is the happiest place inwhich you can possibly be; and the workyou are doing is the very best for you.Of course, God may move you elsewhere orgive you other work. That can be left toHim. But let Him be glorified in us NOW.

Crosses? Nowhere in the Bible do weread of crosses. Yet when our plans areupset, or the weather "spoils" our day,or sickness or bereavement alters ourprospects, we are apt to say sadly (orcheerfully), "Well, I suppose <52>this is my cross for today." It may notbe murmuring, but merely what we call"resignation." There should be no suchword as "resignation" in the vocabularyof the Christian. If God has completecontrol over us, nothing can happencontrary to His will. And is not His

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will the very best for us? Instead ofresignation there should be gladacceptance. The feeling of our heartsshould ever be, "I delight to do Thywill, O my God!" (Psalm 40:8). There canbe no such thing as disappointment inthe life of a man really living theVictorious Life. "My meat is to do thewill of Him that sent me," (John 4:34)said our Lord. Can we say the same?

When we are transformed by therenewing of our mind, we shall proveevery day that God's will is good andperfect; shall it not therefore beacceptable? (Romans 12:2.) How eagerly,how joyfully we should embrace it!Believers are nowhere called upon tobear crosses.

TAKING UP THE CROSS

We know, however, that Jesus Christsaid: "If any man would come after Me,let him deny himself and take up hiscross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24);"Whosoever does not bear his cross andcome after Me cannot be My disciple"(Luke 14:27). It is, then, our duty totake up the cross, but not to carrycrosses. There is one cross for everyone and for every day.

If you had seen a man in our Lord'sday carrying a cross, you would knowthat it meant death to someone --probably for the man himself. The crossis always a sign of death. Before anyonecan really follow Christ -- really be adisciple, that is, a learner -- he mustbe dead with Christ and risen with Him.That is what Paul <53> meant when hesaid, "I have been crucified withChrist: yet I live, yet no longer I, butChrist liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20).Someone has said, "It is one thing to besaved from the penalty of sin; it isanother thing to follow Christ."

Dr. Griffith Thomas says that someChristians are monstrosities. They areno more like Christ twenty years aftertheir conversion than they were whenthey began the Christian life. They arenot "learning" of Him. They have nottaken up the cross: have not been

crucified with Christ. "The taking up ofthe cross is the end of crosses and thebeginning of discipleship," said Mr. C.G. Trumbull.

Do let us get hold of this fact:that our Lord wishes us always to befull of joy -- always, everywhere, underall circumstances.

A gloomy, miserable-lookingChristian stood outside a mission. "Willyou come into our service tonight?" heasked of a passer-by. The stranger gavehim one swift glance, and replied (as hehurried off), "No, thank you! I'vetroubles enough of my own!" Are wesurprised?

A life of Victory is a life ofTrust; and must be always full of Joy.Such a life glorifies Christ.

WHAT REAL VICTORY MEANS

But let us be quite clear as towhat the Victorious Life is. For thedevil does all he can to entice us toaccept a counterfeit Victory -- that is,a "victory" which we think we aregetting ourselves by our own efforts.

Take the question of bad temper orirritability. Many Christians pridethemselves on the fact that theyexercise such self-control that theirtemper "never gets the better of them."By this they mean that they never SHOW<54> it. Now the Victorious Life isnot one which merely makes our outwardactions right. It is a life which givesvictory in the inner realm of the heart,so that our very desires are right. Towant to do wrongful things and torestrain from doing them is not realvictory. The wonderful thing is that Godtakes the "want to" out of our veryhearts, and we long only to do His will.

No doubt most of our readers haveheard the story of the old Quaker ladywho apparently never lost her temper.Under the most trying circumstances shewas quite unruffled. A friend oncecommented on this, and said to her, "Icannot for the life of me understand how

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you always keep so delightfully sweet.Why, if the things happened to me whichhappen to you, I should just boil overwith rage; but YOU never do." The oldQuaker lady quietly replied, "Perhaps Ido not boil over, my dear, but thou dostnot know what boiling is going oninside." Now that is not victory. Thereis no victory in keeping our sinfulfeelings from expressing themselves. Wemay do that simply because we areashamed to let others know how sinful weare. Moreover, it does not require thegrace of God to enable a man to hide histemper. A shop assistant in a draperyestablishment will do that all day long-- or he might lose his job. A businessman will do it to get an order. A"gentleman" will do it to avoid "badform." A Society lady does it for socialreasons. But this is not the VictoriousLife.

WHEN THE MIRACLE HAPPENS

An American speaker tells thefollowing story to illustrate realvictory. A lady missionary who hadsurrendered all to Christ but had neverlooked to Him for <55> completevictory, found her temper not improvedby the Tropics. She was much distressedabout her failures, and her strugglesagainst them seemed in vain. However, afriend showed her that there was victorythrough simple faith in Christ, and sheclaimed this victory as a gift from God.Writing to this friend some timeafterwards, she told of the wonderfulthing that had happened in her spirituallife. "I wanted to write to you atfirst, but I was afraid it would notlast," said she. "But it has lasted. Doyou know that for three months not onlyhave I not once slammed the door in theface of any of these stupid Indianservants that used to get on my nervesso, but I HAVE NOT EVEN WANTED TO -- notonce." Now that is victory.

We must recognize it as a miracle.No good resolutions, no will-power, canalter our likes and dislikes. But Godcan. He can take away from us all desireto do sinful things.

Bad temper is not the only sin ofChristian people, and many Christianshave the sweetest of dispositions. Thebest test of all is in the matter oflove. Do we love our "enemies" -- thosewho despitefully use us or persecute us?Do we nevertheless love them? "If youwant him to love you, you must knock himdown," said a worker to the writer,speaking about a friend. What is yourfirst feeling when men injure you oroppose you? Is it a spontaneousoutflowing of love towards them? Or dowe first find it necessary to shoot upan urgent, earnest prayer that we MAYlove them, and may not feel resentment?Do we eagerly welcome opposition,unkindness, rudeness, discourtesy (andsuchlike) towards us, as opportunitiesof showing that the love of Christ isfilling our hearts? It is in smallmatters that we are tested. <56>

UNDER THE LOVE OF CHRIST

How often we hear earnest Christianpeople saying, "I cannot love theunlovable." No; it is humanly impossiblefor human love to do this. We cannotmake ourselves love another. Human loveis kindled only by what it thinks islovable. The love of God -- Christ'slove -- embraces all and sees everyoneto be lovable. When Christ dwells richlyin our hearts, we shall love even ourenemies. There is victory when "the loveof God is shed abroad in our hearts"(Romans 5:5), to the expulsion of allunlove -- then and then only. There wehave a definition of real victory.

FACTS THAT HELP LOVE

At first such a thing seems beyondour highest hopes. Many regard it as animpossibility. So it is to man. But withGod this thing is possible. It is amiracle, and God works miracles everyday. Fellow-Christian, do not give upthe idea of living the Victorious Lifebecause it seems impossible to you. Justyield yourself to Christ, and trust Himto work in you both to will and to doHis good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

Many reply that their faith is not

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strong enough. Why, faith the size of agrain of mustard seed is enough if youwill exercise it. May we give you twoFACTS to help your love and faith?Remember that:

1. The Lord Jesus dearly loves allthose whom we might regard as unlovable:loves them every bit as much as He lovesus. Can we not see them with the eyes ofChrist?

"Do not be afraid of me, mum," saida filthy, wild-looking tramp to a ladywho crossed the road to avoid meetinghim. "Do not be afraid of me, mum. My<57> mother was a woman." "Do notrefuse to love me," the unlovable mightexclaim. "The Lord Jesus LOVES ME."

2. The most unlovable person -- themost loathsome and repulsive creature --becomes lovable even in OUR eyes whenthe love of God is shed abroad in HISheart. If you really want to love him,pray earnestly for him and try to savehis soul. If he is a Christian -- but"nastily saved," as the Lancashire manput it -- pray that he may get theVictorious Life; send him this book andcontinue in prayer. The writer has hadthe joy of pointing to Christ as theirSavior most revolting men and women, inwhom every vestige of beauty appeared tobe stamped out by drunkenness and vice.He has met them a week after, newcreatures in Christ Jesus. A miraculoustransformation has taken place in anincredibly short time. Is he -- she --unlovable in your eyes? Then just thinkwhat that one may become when the loveof God reaches him or her.

LIBERATING THE ANGEL

Michael Angelo lingered before arough block of marble so long that hiscompanion remonstrated. In reply,Michael Angelo said with enthusiasm,"There's an angel in that block and I'mgoing to liberate him!" Ah, whatunbounding love would manifest itself inus towards the most unlovable -- themost vile -- if only we saw what theymight become, and in our enthusiasm forsouls we cried out, "There's the image

of Christ -- marred, scarred, well-nighobliterated -- in that dear fellow, andI'm going to make that man conscious ofit."

A fable declares that a gallantprince kissed a serpent and it became alovely princess. Fact shows us that when<58> "kissed" by love, the vilest maybecome beautiful; the "serpent" become asaint.

"What are the outward and visiblesigns of the Victorious Life?" asked ayoung evangelist of the writer. Theanswer to that question would describereal victory. Briefly we would say:Everything contrary to love is expelledfrom the heart and life. Read theclosing words of Chapter Three, and youwill see what Divine LOVE can do -- orrather, what LOVE DOES in scores andhundreds of lives. It drives outimpatience, unkindness, jealousy, envy,boasting, self-assertion, pride, folly,selfishness, self-seeking, anger,irritability, bad temper, fretfulness,malice, uncharitable remarks,complaining, censoriousness, despair,anxiety, despondency, backbiting,repeating damaging information even ifit is true. ALL THESE WE CALLRESPECTABLE SINS -- or ever refuse toregard them as sins at all! God help us!So long as any of these -- even one ofthese -- remains, there is no victoryfor us. When a fully surrenderedChristian looks in simple faith toChrist and asks Him to fill the wholeheart, HE, CHRIST, who is love, "perfectlove," banishes every one of these vile"respectable" sins, which we have beenregarding as LITTLE sins, but which marour work and hinder our usefulness. Arewe willing to allow the Lord Jesus to dothis for us?

CHAPTER TEN

THIS LIFE IS A GIFT

THE VICTORIOUS LIFE IS ALL A GIFTRECEIVED IN FAITH AND IS NOT OBTAINED BY STRIVING AND STRUGGLING

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This victorious life is a GIFT andis not to be secured by any strugglingor striving on our part. It is not athing to be attained to by long andlaborious effort. It is not a thing wecan reach gradually by growing more andmore like Christ. This must be clearlyseen.

All life comes as a gift. Ourphysical life -- we just receive it. Ourspiritual life is "the gift of God"(Romans 6:23). The life "more abundant"is a gift. We cannot receive a giftGRADUALLY. There may be hesitation ordelay in taking it, there may be astruggle before we are willing toreceive it. But a gift is accepted notgradually, but in a moment. It isobtained not attained.

The Victorious Life, then, can bereceived by a definite act. There is, ofcourse, a "growth in grace" in the manwho is wholly sanctified -- a going onto perfection as his capacity increases.

But "this life is in His Son"(1_John 5:11). When we accept the Son asthe Lord of all our being, we receive(as a gift) the LIFE. It is somethingGod does for us -- IN US. There is,however, often a long struggle beforesurrender. Many a Christian has aterrific struggle before he is willingto yield himself wholly to Christ. <60>

But this is before the VictoriousLife begins. Victory begins only whenstruggling ceases. The moment yousurrender yourself entirely to Christand look to Him in faith to dwell inyour entire heart, that moment He comesand takes control of you.

TAKING CHRIST AT HIS WORD

This indwelling is quiteindependent of any feeling on your part.It is independent of any ideas of yourown as to how He should manifest Hispresence. You must just take Him at Hisword and rest upon that -- not upon anyfeeling. You may feel a wonderful thrillof joy. You may feel nothing unusual.Can you trust His promise?

Every Christian has to decidewhether he will be wholly consecrated toGod, or whether he will remain contentto live the Christian life on a lowlevel -- which is ALWAYS a powerlessone, and a perilous one.

THE CRISIS AND THE PROCESS

This DECISION FOR HOLINESS is acrisis in a Christian's life. With itcomes an instantaneous revelation of Godto him, that Christ can be all in all;that Christ can and does give Victoryover all known sin: not gradually butINSTANTANEOUSLY. "Having therefore thesepromises let us cleanse ourselves fromall defilement of the flesh and spiritperfecting holiness in the fear of theLord" (2_Corinthians 7:1). The tense inthe Greek shows that this is done atonce as a definite and decisive act.This is the CRISIS of sanctification.

But after this definite step ofwhole-hearted dedication of one's selfto God, there comes a life-long processof sanctification -- a going on fromstrength to strength, <61> from gloryto glory. A PROCESS under which thebeliever becomes more and more conformedto the life and character of Christ.

WHERE MANY BLUNDER

We have dwelt long on this pointbecause the mistake the writer made (andwhich many of his readers have probablymade) was to try to experience theprocess without first experiencing thecrisis of sanctification. There islittle -- if any -- growth in graceuntil we have claimed by surrender andfaith the "life that is Christ." Haveyou experienced the crisis? Have youobeyed the command, "Sanctify in yourhearts Christ as Lord"? (1_Peter 3:15.)Christ is in the heart of every believeras "JESUS" -- Savior. But is He indeedLord? It is not a question ofre-conversion, it is just a question ofrecognizing the indwelling Christ asMaster in His own house -- my heart.

Remember, however, that surrenderalone, that is, "decision," is not

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enough. That is only our part in givingup all hindrances to blessing. Ifsurrender sufficed, then we should makesanctification to be a mere act of theWILL. We are neither saved norsanctified by what we give up, but bywhat we receive. It is "the very God ofpeace Who sanctifies us wholly." Aftersurrendering ourselves, we must look toChrist to crucify us and to raise usfrom the death to sin to live theresurrection life.

Let go -- surrender: then "let God"do His part. But God will not allow anyeffort or struggle on your part to helpHim. Salvation is entirely a gift ofGod: entirely of grace. <62>

Now salvation is a threefold work:Past, Present and Future. Justification,sanctification and glorification.

ETERNAL LIFE A GIFT

And it is all by faith. You cannotearn, or get, any part of it by your ownefforts or struggles. "For by grace haveye been saved through faith; and thatnot of yourselves; it is the gift ofGod: not of works, that no man shouldglory" (Ephesians 2:8-9. See Romans11:6). Paul goes even further than this."Ye are severed from Christ, ye whowould be justified by the law" (i.e.,effort) (Galatians 5:4). When a manaccepts Christ as a Savior from thepenalty of sin, he learns that Christ'sforgiveness is absolutely and entirelythrough faith. Sorrow for sin, goodresolutions, and tears, often accompanyrepentance. But repentance does not savea man. We have to leave that to Christ.Justification is entirely the work ofChrist; and faith in Him secures thissalvation. We can do nothing whatever togain or merit it. We accept it as agift.

When Christ shall come again, weshall be glorified. This is the futureof salvation. In this work ofglorification, we know we can doabsolutely nothing. It is all of Christ.

LIFE MORE ABUNDANT -- A GIFT

What about the present? That is,our sanctification (which is first acrisis and then a process). We havecalled this the Victorious Life.

When we claim it by faith, there isthe crisis. When we live it day by day,there is the process.

Our Blessed Savior justified us,and will glorify us by His own powerentirely. Does He need or demand <63>our help in the matter ofsanctification? How much will ourstruggling and striving or agonizingavail against the devil? Absolutelynothing. He is far stronger than we are.Does Christ, the Almighty Savior, needmy struggles to assist Him? Remember,our weakness will never be made strong.A dear Christian lady in an address onthis subject said, "IS not the Christianlife a long struggle? But thank God Hegives us power to struggle!" Exactly thereverse is true. While we struggle, Hecannot help us as He would, we limit andrestrain His power.

The Victorious Life is simplysalvation in the present; and allsalvation is entirely of grace --entirely of Christ -- a GIFT. "Astherefore ye received Christ Jesus theLord, SO walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6).How did we receive Him? By simple faith.How are we to walk in Him; that is, livea Victorious Life? By simple FAITH. "Ifwe live by the Spirit (i.e., eternallife is ours as a gift by the power ofthe Spirit), by the Spirit let us alsowalk" (Galatians 5:25). Do get hold ofthis truth: we may not, cannot in thesmallest degree, share with Christ thework of accomplishing any part of oursalvation. Yet so many of us imaginethat in the matter of sanctification wemust "paddle our own canoe."

TRUST, NOT STRUGGLE

Blaze it out in letters of fire,that Christ can, and will, save us fromthe power of sin every day and everyhour without struggling, striving andagonizing. If you struggle, you do nottrust.

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Have not most of us learned fromour own experience how useless ourstruggles are? Some besetting sin getsthe better of us. How we struggleagainst it! How we <64> agonize inprayer over it -- even "standing on thepromises of God" as we think. Yet we getup from our knees only to fall again andagain into sin! Christ's promises cannotgive us power. Even faith cannot saveus. Only Jesus Christ can do it.

Are we willing to look to Him andtrust Him to conquer our sin for us? Hehas conquered sin and Satan. HE -- theConqueror -- is willing to come andfill our hearts and be OUR LIFE. "Sinshall NOT have dominion over you," saysGod's Word (Romans 6:14). We may be"more than conquerors" -- not bystruggling, but entirely "through HIMthat loved us" (Romans 8:37). What doesit mean? Not only that the besetting sinwill be conquered -- but the very DESIREto sin will be taken away.

Only Christ can do this. It is awonderful MIRACLE. Some of us haveproved this.

A well-known character in Londonhas recently passed to the life beyondthe grave. He was a notorious drunkard,but marvelously saved by Christ. Forweeks after his conversion he had anintense desire to drink coming upon himwith almost overwhelming power. Hefought and struggled against thetemptation. Although an untutored man,he felt that God had a better way thanthis. Kneeling in a field in NorthLondon, he cried out, "O God, can't youmake a better job of me than this?" AndGod at once took away all desire todrink and the craving never returned.

The saintly Bishop Moule confessedin an address to confirmation candidatesthat a severe and terrible temptationassailed him in the street. He added, "Istopped dead and said quickly, 'HolySpirit, come it.' Then I said to myself,'The evil spirit, who is strong, ishere. <65> But I have the Holy Spirit,Who is Almighty, and I can leave Him to

deal with the temptation.'"

Christ does not give us power apartfrom Himself. "All power is given untoME" said Christ. "And lo! I am WITH YOUall the days" (Matthew 28:18,20).

"For if while we were yet enemieswe were reconciled to God through thedeath of His Son, much more beingreconciled shall we BE SAVED BY HISLIFE" (Romans 5:10) --i.e., by theliving Christ living in us. He will keepus safe from the power of sin, if wewill let Him. Christ can do this. Hewill do it. He does it in every lifethat trusts Him to do it.

SELF-EFFORT MEANS FAILURE

We have proved by our ownexperience that we cannot be good byself-effort. Stop trying to be good.Stop struggling, and let the Savior dothe great work for you. He came "to saveHis people from their sins" (Matthew1:21). We can reckon on Him. "Thepromise is to him that worketh not, butbelieveth" (Romans 4:5). "It is GOD thatworketh in you both to will and to do"(Philippians 2:13).

"My God shall supply all your needaccording to His riches in glory inChrist Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). DearChristian, is your most urgent NEED justdeliverance from this awful sin? How youhave struggled and agonized! Yet thesupply is IN YOU!

"Ah," you cry, "but you do not knowhow weak I am." No -- but we thank Godfor your weakness. "My grace issufficient for you -- for My POWER ismade perfect in weakness" (2_Corinthians12:9). Your weakness, which has beenyour lament, shall be your highestglory.

"Most gladly therefore will I gloryin my weakness, <66> that the power ofChrist may cover me" (2_Corinthians12:9). We can be kept ONLY "by the powerof God through faith" (1_Peter 1:5)."Thanks be unto God which giveth us theVictory through our Lord Jesus Christ"

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(1_Corinthians 15:57).

PRESSING TOWARDS THE GOAL

Does this mean, then, that we needdo nothing but sit down and sing psalms?Far, far from it! We have been speakingonly of the matter of our own personalsalvation -- past, present, future. ALLof this must be accepted as a gift. Butwhen Christ comes into the heart, Hecomes with power. "Ye shall be enduedwith power [Greek: DYNAMIS, like"dynamite" or "dynamo"] from on high"(Luke 24:49). Power is a thing whichmakes itself felt. "Woe is unto me if Ipreach not the Gospel!" (1_Corinthians9:16) says Paul, whose teaching we havegiven above.

"We cannot but speak the thingswhich we saw and heard" (Acts 4:20).Struggling and agonizing play no part inour personal salvation. They merelyhinder and hamper it. But we are in themidst of a wicked generation. The devilis strongly entrenched in the lives ofmen and women around us. They encouragetemptation and welcome it. They findtheir greatest enjoyment in sin. They donot want to conquer sin. So Paul, whodeclares that salvation is all of faith,also warns us that we have a fight towage, a race to win, a wrestling toengage in. "The God of peace shallbruise Satan" says Paul: but it is_under_OUR_FEET_ (Romans 16:20). Theenemy's Conqueror working in you willmake the struggle short and decisive. HeWho made peace FOR you, works peace INyou. All our powers of body, soul andmind are to be brought to bear upon thisgreat task. In this "race" <67> Paulpresses on towards "the goal for theprize of the upward calling of God inChrist Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). WhatIS this prize? Certainly not forgivenessof sin, or power over temptation, or thegift of eternal life. The "runner" hasalready laid aside "every weight andsin" (Hebrews 12:1), or he would not bein the race at all. No! The "prize" isnot eternal life -- that is a gift. Therace, the fight, the wrestling (againstthe rulers of the darkness of this world-- Ephesians 6:12) is what we experience

when we are fellow-workers with Christ,who came to destroy the works of thedevil. (See Galatians 5:19-21 for someof them.) Never forget that even in allthis outward activity, it is fruitfulonly as Christ inspires IT and empowersUS.

OUR LORD'S EXAMPLE

Our Lord Himself "strove" in thisway. He it was Who resisted unto blood,striving against sin (Hebrews 12:4). ButHE had not to struggle against anyinward desire or any temptation to sin.HE did not find it hard to be good.

To sum up -- there may be fierceconflicts in a Christian man's heartbefore he is willing to surrenderhimself entirely to Christ. And there ISa great conflict to be waged against thedevil, in our efforts to snatch othersout of his bondage. But the VictoriousLife, as it concerns our own souls, inone free from all struggle. "He is ableto keep."

When the writer was a boy, he spentmuch time walking on stilts. He gainedconsiderable freedom in their use. Butalthough he "walked" it requiredconstant effort, and sometimes struggle,to keep from falling. A little thingbrought collapse. Contact with anyone<68> usually meant a fall. That is apicture of the "walk" of many aChristian. Effort, struggle, slowprogress, constant falls and new starts,and an almost total inability to helpanyone else. It is an unnatural "walk."Claim the Victorious Life -- Victorythrough the Indwelling Christ -- and theChristian walk will be found as easy as"walking on our feet."

Some shell-shocked soldiers withnormal limbs believe that they areunable to walk -- and they cannot. Theskillful physician makes them BELIEVEthey can walk -- and they do. The powerof Christ to "walk by faith" is at ourdisposal. Can we not trust Him?

A little girl of 13 was asked whatdifference the Victorious Life meant to

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her in times of temptation. After alittle pause she replied, "Before I sawthis truth, I used to argue with thetempter, and he usually got the betterof me. But now, when he knocks at thedoor of my heart, I say, 'Lord Jesus,will you answer the door for me?' Andwhen Satan sees the Lord Jesus within,he says, 'I'm sorry; I think I've cometo the wrong house' -- and he flees."

HOW THE VICTORY COMES

And what is true of our Victoryover temptation through Christ alone isalso true of the warfare we wage withthe "works of the devil" around us. Itis Christ -- and not we ourselves -- Whowins the Victory.

"What do you consider the mostdangerous heresy of today?" was aquestion asked of the Editor of theSUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES. He passed byChristian Science, spiritism, highercriticism and other "isms," and gavethis answer: "The most dangerous heresyis the emphasis <69> that is beinggiven by professing Christians on WHATWE DO FOR GOD, instead of on WHAT GODDOES FOR US."

In our work for the Master let usremember that it is not we who are doingHis work, but HE Who is working throughus.

This being so, every Christian whois living the Victorious Life will bemuch in prayer and in communion with Godover the pages of His Holy Word.

Before we bring this chapter to aclose we ought just to ask what effectthe Victorious Life in us will have onothers. So far, we have been dealingwith ourselves. If we stopped there, weshould still exclaim, "It's worthhaving." But we are saved to serve. Andevery one of the many letters sent tothe writer asking for help has come fromChristians; from men and women trying towork for Christ, yet not equipped forservice.

Dr. Temple, the new Bishop of

Manchester, said at his enthronement, afew weeks ago, "Remember that theconverting power of the Church does notdepend chiefly on the eloquence of itspreachers, or the perfectness of itsorganization. It depends on the degreein which men see in the lives ofChristians the evidence of the power ofthe love of Christ." That is it. Andwhen men see that "the love of Christshed abroad in our hearts" has suchpower that it has killed those sins inus which were so distressing to ourfriends, then they begin to think.

LOVE, THE CONQUEROR

No one is beyond the reach of love.The power of Divine Love is infinite. Inthe days of the American war, therelived at Ephrata, a plain Baptistminister, Peter Miller, who enjoyed thefriendship of Washington. There alsodwelt in that town one Michael Wittman,<70> an evil-minded man who did all inhis power to abuse and oppose thatminister. But Michael Wittman wasinvolved in treason and was arrested,and sentenced to death. The old preacherstarted out on foot and walked the wholeseventy miles to Philadelphia that hemight plead for that man's life! He wasadmitted into Washington's presence andbegged the life of the traitor. "No,Peter," said Washington, "I cannot grantyou the life of your friend." "Myfriend!" exclaimed the preacher, "he isthe bitterest enemy I have!" "What?"cried Washington. "You have walkedseventy miles to save the life of anenemy? That puts the matter in adifferent light. I will grant thepardon." And he did. And Peter Millertook Michael Wittman from the veryshadow of death, back to his own home inEphrata -- but he went no longer as anenemy but as a friend. And so it came topass that LOVE brought a reviler fromthe foot of the gallows to the foot ofthe cross.

Christian worker, listen! Are yougetting the success you would like tosee in your work for Christ? Are yougetting ANY apparent success? If not, isit not worthwhile -- for your own sake,

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for your work's sake, for the Savior'ssake, for lost sinners' sake -- to enterthe life of Victory?

Surrender: Faith: Taking: Praisingthe Giver.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

NOT SINLESS PERFECTION

HOW THE DEVIL USES THE BOGEY OF "SINLESSPERFECTION" TO SCARE AWAY MANY SINCERESOULS FROM SEEKING A LIFE OF HOLINESS

Have we really grasped the factthat the Victorious Life is a gift fromGod? We may think of it as "the fullnessof the Holy Spirit," or we may think ofit as Jesus Christ dwelling in theheart. Personally, the writer finds thegreatest help from the fact of theindwelling Christ, and the consciousnessof this indwelling.

After all, the Holy Spirit's chiefwork is to take of the things of Christ,and show them to us.

HOW TO GET A GIFT

But however we may regard it, theVictorious Life is a gift. "If ye beingevil know how to give good gifts to yourchildren, how much more shall yourHeavenly Father give the Holy Spirit tothem that ask Him?"

"If thou knewest the gift of God,"said our Lord to a sinful woman, "andWho it is that saith to thee, 'Give Meto drink,' thou wouldest have asked ofHim and He would have given thee livingwater" (John 4:10).

Now what must I do to secure agift? Just take it. If a gift is offeredme for the asking, will it please thegiver if, instead of taking the gift, Ispend long weeks, or months, or yearsbegging and praying and agonizing forit? <72>

Would it give pleasure to a fatherand mother if their children sat up allnight agonizing in prayer for theChristmas gift they had promised to givethem?

If they did such a thing, their"agonizing" would have absolutelynothing to do with their receiving thegifts. One could well imagine thedistressed father telling his childrenthat if they didn't cease theirpetitions and get to bed and trust him,they should get no gifts at all!

Jesus Christ is the great ChristmasDay Gift. "Thanks be unto God for Hisunspeakable gift" (2_Corinthians 9:15).That gift is ours. Someone has said,"Our Lord wants our lives on earth to beone long Christmas Day of receiving Hisgift of Himself as our victory."

We do not need to "agonize" aboutit; we do not need to work for it.Provided we are wholly surrendered toGod, we have simply to "receive,""take" the Gift of Christ Himself.

But did not Jesus Christ tell Hisdisciples "to tarry in Jerusalem until[they were] endued with power from onhigh"? Yes, He did. "Wait," said He,"for the promise of the Father." But that was BEFORE Pentecost.

READY FOR OUR ACCEPTANCE

We never hear of the disciplesafter Pentecost telling believers to"wait" for this gift. In fact, we readin the 10th chapter of the Acts that thegift of the Holy Spirit fell upon "allthem that heard the word," whileSt.Peter was yet speaking to thehousehold of Cornelius, although none ofthem was yet baptized. The Holy Spiritwas given to Gentiles without delay, onsimple faith in Jesus Christ. There isno need today to wait at all. If wefulfill the conditions, we can claim thegift. <73>

The earliest disciples did not atfirst appreciate the value and necessity

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of this gift. Our Lord seems to havetold "more than 500 brethren" to "tarryye in the city, until ye be clothed withpower from on high." Yet only 120 obeyedthe command, and consequently only 120received the gifts on the day ofPentecost -- the gift meant for all.

Let us today make no mistake aboutthis. Our Lord is longing to fill everybeliever with His Holy Spirit. Christ isdesirous of dwelling in our entirehearts by faith. Not until we havesurrendered our wills to Him and haveyielded our bodies to Him as well as oursouls can He fill us with Himself.

This is what St. Paul means when heprays "that He would grant you to bestrengthened by His Spirit with powerpenetrating to your inmost being"(Ephesians 3:16, Weymouth). "That yemay be filled unto all the fulness ofGod" (Eph. 3:19), "till we all attainunto the measure... of the fullness ofChrist" (4:13), "the fullness of Himthat filleth all in all" (1:23).

CHRIST IN HIS FULLNESS

It is very wonderful that He shouldbe willing to come. But it is a gloriousthing that He should be willing to takeabsolute responsibility in our lives,because He cannot make a mistake, and Hecannot fail.

It seems incredible that anybeliever should refuse such a gift.Again we urge you -- receive Him in Hisfullness by faith. Do not wait for orexpect any "thrill," any "ecstasy." Youmay feel one, and you may not. But takeChrist at His word, and believe that Hehas come into your heart to be yourlife. Then rely upon Him to supply allyour need. <74>

"Behold, I stand at the door andknock; if any man hear My voice and openthe door, I will come in to him"(Revelation 3:20).

Bear in mind that Christ is alreadyin the heart of every believer -- evenin the heart of one who is only

following afar off. But in so many casesHe is not filling the WHOLE heart. Hehas only partial possession; He has notcomplete control. There are oftenchambers of the heart which are shutagainst Him. And not only closed, butwith a lodger within, and that lodger aburglar waiting his time to gainentrance to other rooms within. "If anyman... open the door."

We Christians sometimes sing:

O Jesus, Thou art standing Outside the fast closed door, In lowly patience waiting To pass the threshold o'er: Shame on us, CHRISTIAN brothers, His name and sign who bear: Oh, shame -- thrice shame upon us, To keep Him standing there.

And with the great majority of believersthis is true of some part of the heart.

But it isn't so much the "shame" asthe utter folly of it. For we know thatHe wishes to gain access to the whole ofour hearts simply to bring richestblessing.

Paul implores the Roman Christians,"Yield yourselves unto God." He himselfdid so, and "heard His voice," with noclosed door between -- wordsunutterable; he felt joy unspeakable andfull of glory, and in the fullness ofhis heart he cries, "Thanks be unto Godfor His unspeakable gift." <75>

TEMPTATION AND FAILURE

"Is it possible to lose theVictorious Life?" is a question oftenasked. Indeed, it is possible.Temptation will certainly come, andfailure may occur. A great Christianleader of men told the writer, a fewdays ago, how he had sometimestemporarily lost the victory. "But,"said he, "whenever I've failed, it hasalways been through the sin ofworrying." Yet there NEED be no failure.We have a perfect Savior. When we lookback upon a break in this wonderfulcommunion with Christ, we shall always

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have to confess that the failure neednot have occurred.

SINLESS PERFECTION?

There are many saintly souls whoopenly declare that they never sin. Theyclaim sinless perfection. They alsoclaim that St. John teaches such athing.

"We know that whosoever is begottenof God sinneth not, but He that wasbegotten of God (i.e., Jesus Christ)keepeth him, and the evil one touchethhim not" (1_John 5:18). "Whosoever isbegotten of God doeth no sin, becauseHis seed (Jesus Christ ) abideth in Him,and he cannot sin, because he isbegotten of God" (1_John 3:9).

These statements refer not tosingle acts of sin, but to habitual sin.The tense used in the Greek does notimply that he cannot commit one definiteact of sin, but that he cannot continuesinning; he cannot make a practice ofsinning, or frequently repeat acts ofsin; it is not his habit to sin. John ishere speaking of known and voluntarysins, not of sins of infirmity or thefalling short of the glory of God. <76>

TENDENCY OR POSSIBILITY

Any man can sin. Any man can tell alie. But we know what we mean when wesay "An honest man cannot lie." We donot accuse George Washington of untruthwhen he declared "I cannot tell a lie!"

Every sin is against a good man'snature. We say the "wood cannot sink."this is true. The tendency of wood isalways to float. Yet there is always thepossibility of its sinking. The hand ofa child may submerge it; when soddenwith water it will lie on the bottom.When the child releases it, it floatsagain. When a man is living thevictorious life -- a life maintained andactually lived for him by the indwellingChrist -- there is no tendency to sin.He desires always to do those thingswhich are pleasing to God. But there isalways the awful possibility of his

sinning. He may become absorbed in the"world;" he may allow temptation to gainentrance and the hand of Satan upon himmay drag him down. So long, however, asa man is fully surrendered to Christ andin full communion with Him, he cannotsin. But such a life is a moment bymoment victory through a moment bymoment faith. At any time he canpartially withdraw his surrender orbreak his communion.

IN THE FATHER'S HANDS

A railway coach attached to amoving locomotive cannot stop. But atany moment the coupling may break and astoppage ensue. Let us, however, repeatthe statement that no man need commitany known and voluntary sin. "He is ableto keep (guard) that which I havecommitted unto Him." The marginalreading is, "He is able to guard thatwhich He hath committed unto me"(2_Timothy 1:12). <77>

Both statements are true -- praisebe to God. "He is able to keep you fromstumbling" (Jude 24).

Moreover our Lord Himself says ofHis followers, "No man shall snatch themout of My hand" ... "And no one is ableto snatch them out of the Father's hand"(John 10:28-29). And it is evident thatour Savior has made every provision forguarding us lest we snatch ourselves outof His hand. The victory over sin whichis secured from faith in Christ is,however, a moment by moment victory, andwe must ever be "looking unto Jesus, theBeginner and Finisher of our faith"(Hebrews 12:2).

But thanks be to God, it isn't our"looking unto Jesus" that gives us thevictory, but "His looking unto us."Peter could see the Lord despitefullyused, and whilst looking at Him couldcurse and deny that he knew Him. Butwhen our Savior "turned and looked uponPeter", no further denial was possible.Not our faith, but His faithfulness, isour safeguard.

The indwelling Christ is more than

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equal to all emergencies. So long as wetrust Him fully and obey His smallestbehest -- so long shall we continue invictory. Why then should a man evercommit any voluntary sin? And why are wesurprised when a fully sanctifiedChristian man tells us he never sinsknowingly?

THE CAUSE OF FAILURE

The reason why even fullyconsecrated Christians are sometimes"overtaken in a fault" is because themajority of believers are not fullysurrendered to the will of God. It wouldbe safe to say that most Christiansthink very little of such sins as pride,anger, irritability, impatience,jealousy, self-seeking, un-love andsuchlike. It is, therefore, such an easything for a man living the <78>Victorious Life to fall into any ofthese sins; so many of his fellow-Christians do so unblushingly. Andshould he fall probably no one is in theleast surprised at it! Moreover, no onebut a wholly sanctified man can reprovesuch a one, or he will get the reply,"Physician, heal thyself," or even bereferred to the "beam" and the "mote."In fact, only a "spiritual" man can helphim. As St. Paul says, "If a man beovertaken in a fault, ye which arespiritual restore such a one" (Galatians6:1).

Yet how easy it is to live the lifeof victory when in the company of whollysanctified men and women! Oh, that therewere many more such!

Why are we surprised when a mansays he has reached a state of "sinlessperfection"? Well, as a rule it isperfectly obvious to anyone but himselfthat he has not reached such an ideal.Sooner or later he is "overtaken in afault." A saintly Christian man wasrecently arguing this point at a bigluncheon party, and he claimed "sinlessperfection" for himself. A fellow guestquietly said, whether in sincerity oras a test I know not, "Forgive me forsaying so, but I was thinking you were alittle greedy over your food!" "I've

never yet been accused of greed overanything," flashed out the reply, "norwill I allow YOU to accuse me!" Thewarmth with which the retort was maderaised a smile on the faces of all whoheard it; practice and profession soevidently disagreed.

This little story proves both thestatements made above. The "sinlesslyperfect" man is sometimes irritable andangry, and when he is "overtaken in afault" the average Christian is bothamused and pleased! <79>

SINS OR "INFIRMITIES"

The writer has had the privilege ofmeeting believers who claim "sinlessperfection." He sat at a table with oneat every meal for a week. To be quitefrank he must acknowledge that he saw nooutward trace of any sin. But this dearchild of God took the writer to task ina kindly way for not preaching sinlessperfection. This led to a long chat onthe subject. My critic declared that aviolent temper had been completelyeradicated by the Lord Jesus. But heconfessed to occasional feelings ofimpatience, irritability, and un-love."These, however, I regard as INFIRMITIESand not as sins," said he.

My experience is that when men whoprofess sinless perfection are tackledabout it, they always maintain that"little" things which WE call sins areonly infirmities. Brothers, take yourinfirmities to Christ, and let the"strength of Christ rest upon you"(2_Corinthians 12:9).

Sometimes, alas! great harm is doneto the cause of Christ by men professing"sinless perfection," and boasting aboutit, even while allowing things in theirlives which give the lie to theirprofession.

One such came to a friend of thewriter to consult him on a businessquestion. It was such an obvious case ofsharp practice, if not of downrightdishonesty, that my friend said insurprise, "How does such an act fit in

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with your profession of sinlessperfection?" "Oh, business isbusiness," came the impatient reply."And I will have nothing to do with thispiece of business, then," answered myfriend.

We have dealt at length on thispoint because the devil uses the bogeyof "sinless perfection" to scare awaymany sincere souls from seeking a lifeof holiness. <80>

Our position is just this: So longas a fully surrendered believer simplytrusts the Lord Jesus to keep him and toconquer his temptations for him, he neednot commit willful sin. It is, therefore,quite legitimate and right and fittingthat we should pray every morning,"Grant that this day we fall into nosin." "Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep usthis day without sin." And Christ isable to keep us even from stumbling(Jude 24, RV). And He does keep us justso long as we trust Him to do so.

Yet at any moment we may fall intosin. It is a moment by moment victory.Many who read this will gladly confessto have experienced this freedom fromknown sin for five minutes, for tenminutes, for an hour, and for a muchlonger time. But we shall all sadlyconfess that at times we willfullyharbor a sinful thought and sometimeseven commit knowingly some sinful act,falling under some sudden temptation. Aswe look back upon it, we are confidentthat we need not have sinned. It was"our own most grievous fault." Moreover,we find that the majority of such slipsare due to unchristian acts or words ofother believers. They are more often dueto the low level of spiritual life infellow-Christians than to the oppositionof the world.

Do not condemn us, but claimvictory for yourself and so raise thestandard around us.

Claim victory for yourself, andshow us by practical demonstration whata glorious life can be lived by one whois wholly Christ's.

CHAPTER TWELVE

THE PERILS OF THIS LIFE -- SOME OF THEPERILS THAT BESET A LIFE OF HOLINESS ANDHOW THEY MAY BE MET AND CONQUERED

The Victorious Life is notsomething which is obtained once for all-- a summit reached from which nothingcan dislodge us. This victory is securedfrom moment to moment by a moment-by-moment faith. There is constant victoryfor the believer so long as he trustsChrist entirely -- and only so long.

The moment that simple faith islost, that moment the victory over sinis broken. That is why our Lord seems tosum up "sin" in the one word "unbelief.""The Holy Spirit when He is come shallconvict the world of sin... of sin,because they believe not on Me" (John16:8). And this is why St. John says,"This is the victory that overcometh theworld, even our FAITH (1_John 5:4).

Since, then, there is no such thingas a once-for-all victory, it is evidentthat this life is beset with perils, andwe must be constantly on our guard. Or,to be strictly accurate, we must everallow "the peace of God to guard ourhearts." An earnest laboring man used toinsist upon quoting that verse as "Apiece of God shall guard your hearts" --and his idea was right. For it is theindwelling Christ, the Son of God, Whodoes this for us. <82>

THE ABIDING CHRIST

What are some of the dangers thatbeset a life of holiness? To beforewarned is to be forearmed. Nor needwe fear to face any danger. "For in allthese things we are more than conquerorsthrough Him that loved us" (Romans8:37).

There is, first of all --

1. SELF-EFFORT.

In the first flush of joy at

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realizing the possibility of such a lifeof victory, there is a tendency toattempt to hug our possession -- to makea continuous and conscious effort tocling to it. A feeling that if we do notstrenuously concentrate our thoughtsupon the indwelling Christ, we shalllose Him. Perhaps this comes fromregarding the Victorious Life as ablessing -- a possession we can forfeitor lose. Satan always tries to get us toregard it as such. It may slip from ourgrasp. No. It is a Person, not a"thing." It is the Lord Jesus ChristHimself, Who comes not so much for us topossess Him, but that He may possess us.He cannot slip from our grasp. He holdsus. He has promised, "I will never leavethee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).That is why the writer likes to dwellupon the abiding Christ rather than the"fullness of the Spirit."

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word. Once His gifts I wanted. Now the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

He keeps us -- it is not we whokeep Him, and "He is able to keep." Ofcourse, we must allow the Lord <83>Jesus to be "the home of our thoughts."But "looking unto Jesus" in faith andlove does not mean strenuous effort toretain Him -- a willing guest. Our"look" of faith is not with strainedeyes, but with a restful gaze.

IN THE PLACE OF SAFETY

"Abide in Me," says our Lord. Justrest peacefully in Him so far as yourlife of victory is concerned. At everyalarm, at every approach of temptation,just "hide in Him," the Rock of Ages,just as the coney takes cover in hisrock of defence. "Consider the lilies ofthe field, how they grow" -- not byself-effort, toiling or striving. Theyjust abide in the sunshine and drink inits life. "Which of you by being anxiouscan add one cubit to his stature?" asks

our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount. Andin His mind was something more thanphysical stature.

It is not our faith but Hisfaithfulness that maintains theVictorious Life. "Trust in the Lord,"and then "do good; so shalt thou dwellin the land and verily thou shalt befed" (Psalm 37:3).

We may remark in passing that evenin our conflict with evil around us ourtrust must be entirely in Him, and notin our own power and effort. Howremarkably this is brought out in ourLord's instructions to His Apostles."Behold, I send you forth as sheepamidst wolves," says He. Now how does Heproceed? "Be ye therefore armed to theteeth?" NEVER. "Be ye therefore harmlessas doves" (Matthew 10:16). Why? BecauseHE is our defence and our shield.

2. NO FREEDOM FROM TEMPTATION.

The Victorious Life is not anuntempted life. Only ONE Man has everlived an unbroken Victorious Life, andthat was our Lord Himself. And "He wastempted <84> in all points like as weare, yet without sin." The sinlessangels were tempted, and some fell. Adamand Eve in their sinless state weretempted, and also fell. So let us not besurprised when the devil tempts us. Hewill do all in his power to drag usdown, because the Victorious Life is theonly one that really counts. Every childof God will be tempted, but we can"count it all joy," for we are told thatthe shield of faith is "able to quenchALL the fiery darts of the evil one"(Ephesians 6:16).

A CONSTANT ATTITUDE OF FAITH

3. IF WE FALL.

There is always the possibility ofsinning, and there is the provision forit. "'If the anointed priest shall sinso as to bring guilt on the people, thenlet him offer for his sin...' (Leviticus4:3). Doesn't this prove that sin isinevitable?" asked an inquirer. Surely

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not. Every ship that sails is providedwith a supply of lifeboats, lest thereshould be a shipwreck or a collision.

This does not imply that it is thecaptain's intention to wreck his ship;nor does it mean that therefore everyship must be wrecked.

So, then, it is possible for bothpriest and people to sin.

The Victorious Life is secured byan act of faith: and it is onlymaintained by a constant attitude offaith. Suppose, then, there is amomentary failure and we fall into somesin. What then? Why, Satan immediatelytries to follow up his victory by tryingto persuade us that there is no suchthing as the Victorious Life; or that ifthere is, then we never had theblessing; or if we had -- well, it isgone forever: we've lost it. And ourfellow-Christians who have never seenthe only way of victory will gladly backhim up in his assertions. Even devout<85> and earnest believers will assureus that such teaching is a dangerousheresy.

Do not listen either to Satan orthem. We have seen that the Bible isfull of Victorious Life teaching. This"dangerous heresy" was taught byChrist, and shows itself again and againin St. Paul's Epistles and those of St.John.

Remember that God gave us theVictorious Life after many, many falls.Will He then withhold it forever becauseof one more fall? Surely not!

SATAN'S WHISPERINGS

But if Satan fails in dissuadingyou from again attempting to live a lifeof victory, he will try to delay yourrecovery. He will whisper that aftersuch a grievous failure you must lie lowfor a while; it will take a long timefor you to get back again into the lifeof victory; there must be an arduousclimb, a tedious and humbling process ofrecovery. What answer will you give him?

Now we have conclusively shown thatno striving or struggling on our partwill ever bring us victory in the firstplace.

It must, therefore, be obvious thatsuch effort and struggling will neverreinstate us! If we fall into any sin,our Savior wishes us at once to turn toHim in faith for forgiveness.

Instant forgiveness and instantrestoration. Even in the Old Testamentdispensation this was so. "I have sinnedagainst the Lord," said the penitentking David. "The Lord also hath put awaythy sin," replied the prophet Nathanimmediately (2_Samuel 11, 12).

"If we confess our sins, He isfaithful and just to forgive us oursins, and to cleanse us from allunrighteousness" (1_John 1:9). Yourfall does not weaken Christ. "He is(still) able to keep." HE has notfailed. Nor will He fail you. And onceyou are forgiven, turn your thoughtsaway from that sin and try never tothink of it again. "One thing I do,"said Paul, "forgetting the things [hemight well have said "sins"] that arebehind ... I press on toward the goal"(Philippians 3:13).

A HINDRANCE TO HOLINESS

This is not minimizing or under-rating the sin. No one has such a horrorof sin as he who is living theVictorious Life. Nor does it meancomplacency under defeat.

But we feel strongly that therecollection of past sins is one of thegreatest hindrances to present holinessand usefulness. Such recollectionweakens our confidence, prevents ourusefulness, and reminds us of the"pleasures of sin": so there followfeeble witness, fruitless work, andfresh falling into sin.

Moreover, remorse, or agony offeeling, or self-condemnation, cannot doaught to heal the wound. The atoningblood of Christ is sufficient for that.

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In fact, so sufficient -- if one may usesuch an expression -- that after thegift of the Holy Spirit at PentecostChristians are nowhere told to pray forthe forgiveness of their sins. Thecommand is simply to confess them toGod, and their forgiveness is assured.

The reason is obvious. When theHoly Spirit of Christ dwells in theheart, sin is abhorrent, and a longingfor forgiveness always accompaniesconfession.

4. DO NOT PRESUME.

"The truth about the indwellingChrist, or rather the consciousness ofHis indwelling, gives you such wonderfulconfidence," said a venerable cleric tothe writer, <87> "that the danger isthat you get TOO confident." We see hispoint. But we cannot be too confident!What this man of God meant is this:There is a danger of relying upon pastvictory to keep us safe in the present.We may have -- and Christ desires us tohave -- a long period of unbrokenvictory.

But the longer the period, thesafer and stronger we are apt to FEELourselves to be. Paul knew the dangerfull well, "Let him that thinketh hestandeth take heed lest he fall"(1_Corinthians 10:12). We must bear inmind that OUR weakness is never madestrong. "Our sufficiency is from God."We are NEVER sufficient of ourselves toaccount anything as from ourselves(2_Corinthians 3:5).

It is "All of Christ" and always ofChrist.

"It is God that worketh in you bothto will and to do" (Philippians 2:13).As Mr. C. G. Trumbull puts it, in his_Perils of the Victorious Life_:

"Christ and Christ alone is ourvictory. Ten years of unbroken recorddoes not add a particle to the strengthof our Lord Jesus Christ; it does notincrease the sufficiency of His grace,for that sufficiency is infinite. The

assurance of our continuance in victoryis not our good record, but the grace ofour Lord. Our continued record invictory adds nothing to our assurance ofvictory."

THE NECESSITY OF OBEDIENCE

Moreover our victory for any lengthof time does not weaken Satan. HE isjust as powerful and active andspiteful, and just waits hisopportunity. And HIS opportunity is anyover-confidence or spiritual pride inus.

5. DISOBEY NOT OUR LORD'S COMMAND.

A radiantly happy couple wished tospeak to me after an address on theindwelling Christ. "We have known <88>and experienced the truth of theVictorious Life for many months now,"said the husband, "and it has completelyrevolutionized our lives. All this timewe have been staying away from theLord's Table. We never go to the HolyCommunion now. But are we right inkeeping away?" "What is your REASON forabsenting yourselves?" I asked. "BecausePaul tells us there is no further needof the Holy Communion when once Christhas come to dwell in the heart," was theastonishing reply. With much curiositythe writer asked for the reference tosuch a command. And this was the answer:"Paul said, 'As oft as ye eat this breadand drink this cup ye proclaim theLord's death TILL HE COME'(1_Corinthians 11:26). Well, now that heHAS come to abide IN us, we haverefrained from partaking of the HolyCommunion." That godly man and womanwere delighted to learn that those words"Till He come" evidently refer to theSecond Coming of our Lord. Paul himselfwas then living and preaching theVictorious Life, but he still partook ofthe Holy Communion. "We ALL partake ofthe one bread," says he (1_Cor.10:17).We must never disobey any command of ourLord.

Yet how gracious our Lord is! Thedear people mentioned above were

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radiantly happy and were bringing forth"the fruit of the Spirit," although theywere disobeying God. They "did itignorantly," but not in unbelief, andthe Savior graciously blessed them andin due time showed them the "betterway."

INDWELT BY THE HOLY TRINITY

The writer has met advancedChurchmen of the Anglo-Catholic school-- holy and humble men of God -- whohave been thrilled by talks on theVictorious Life, but who have expresseda fear that such teaching would <89>"do away with the need of theSacrament." No such fear need everdisturb their minds.

This teaching is entirelyScriptural, as we have shown.

Space forbids us to enter fullyinto the relationship between theindwelling of Christ through the HolySpirit and our Lord's definitedeclaration, "Except ye eat the flesh ofthe Son of Man and drink His blood, yehave not life in yourselves" (John6:53).

Let us remind ourselves that allthe Persons of the Trinity dwell in us.Christ said, "If a man love Me he willkeep My word: and My Father will lovehim, and WE will come unto him, and makeour abode with him" (John 14:23). Weknow that the Holy Spirit dwells in us"that He may abide with you for ever"(14:16).

It may be that God the Father, Godthe Son, and God the Holy Spirit"sanctify us wholly" -- soul, body andspirit.

But we do believe that no victoryever admits of disobedience to any ofour Lord's commands. And when He says"Do this" we must obey. If we love Himwe shall keep His commandments.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

OTHER PERILS

SOME MORE OF THE PERILS THAT BESET THEPATH OF THE TRUE SEEKER AFTER HOLINESS

There are other perils in the pathof holiness in addition to those alreadydealt with. Let us look at them.

WHERE MANY BLUNDER

6. DO NOT ASSUME INFALLIBILITY.

We can picture many of our readerssmiling at such a ridiculous counsel.But this is a real danger! There is sucha joy in unbroken communion with ourLord, and often such a consciousness ofpower -- not our power, but that of theindwelling Christ -- that there is adanger of our supposing that we alwaysknow God's will in any matter -- that weare always right.

The writer once had occasion tolive with four consecrated men of God --all of them far more experienced in holyliving than himself. One of them was,indeed, deeply taught of God and used tospend long hours in prayer. But in ourdeliberations he always quietly assumedthat he had the mind of Christ, and thatany proposal which conflicted with hisideas must necessarily be wrong; andthis, even if four of us felt ledanother way to that suggested by him.Not infrequently, subsequent eventsshowed that we were right and he waswrong. <91>

One morning our leader quietly andkindly remarked, "My dear----, some ofus think that we also are led to God."Do not misunderstand me. The referencehere is not to an obstinate, dogmatic,self-opinionated man who wished to havehis own way. Our friend in question washoly, humble, and unselfish to a degree-- but was "infallible." He alwaysassumed that he was absolutely guided byGod in all his proposals. The best of usis not a little deaf spiritually, and we

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do not always catch God's message; justas a deaf person does not always catchthe right message through a telephone.There must be a perfect "doing of God'swill" before there is a perfect "knowingof the doctrine" (John 7:17).

Let us recognize that we arefallible. We may be mistaken. This doesnot mean that the majority is alwaysright. Ten men once said, "We are notable to go up against the people, forthey are stronger than we." While onlytwo men urged, "Let us go up at once andpossess it: for we are well able toovercome it" (Numbers 13:30). The peoplesided with the ten and years of miseryand rebellion ensued, because the twowere right and had the mind of God.

THE WORLD AND ITS CLAIMS

7. DO NOT IGNORE THIS WORLD.

A consecrated man of God lives in ahouse called "Torthorwold." Hisneighbors say that is what he lives for:"T'other world." But all who know himare aware that he leads a most strenuouslife trying to make this world and itsinhabitants better. We live in twoworlds at the same time and have a dutyto each.

"Do you think it is wrong of me toplay marbles with my little boy offour?" asked a white-haired saintly<92> father. We wonder what answer ourreaders would give.

How it would delight the heart ofSatan if he could persuade all whollysanctified people that all pleasureswere sinful! Dear man of God, by allmeans play marbles -- if you are nottempted to cheat!

We are living not only a spirituallife, but a bodily life, and whether welike it or not, a very large part of ourtime and interests is taken up withthings which concern the body. Moreover,we are placed in communities. God nevermeant man to live alone. God made twostatements about the first man, Adam,right at the beginning of his existence.

The first was that he was "verygood." The next remark was this, "it isnot good that the man should be alone"(Genesis 2:18). Every man is born into afamily -- every man has his humanrelationships. Each of us is to showlove to all men. All the little socialamenities of life are points of contactwith those around us. Love manifestsitself in deeds, and we must be human aswell as "divine." We can only show ourlove to God by deeds of love to ourfellow-men. By all means romp with thelittle ones and play with the big ones!

HAPPY AND "HUMAN"

Men living the Victorious Life arethe happiest and "humanest" of people,overflowing with the joy of the Lord --bubbling over with innocent fun andmirth. We are here to make this world ahappier world. "The joy of the Lord isyour strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). We areto "rejoice evermore," and that means weare to begin now, here on earth.

A mother sat searching her Bible,trying to probe the secrets of a life ofholiness. She spent so much time seekingspiritual help that the duties of herhousehold <93> became irksome and wereeither hurried through or neglected. The"homeliness" of the home was gone. Oneday, as she was deep in study, herlittle girl toddled up to her side witha broken doll. "Mummy, please mend dollyfor me." With an impatient gesture, themother brushed the little one aside."I've more important things to do thantrouble about dolly!" The little oneturned sadly away, and the mothercontinued her search for holiness.

But the search was a fruitless one,and the mother closed her book with asigh, and sought the little child. Shewas lying on the hearthrug clutching herdarling doll, and with the tears stillwet on her pretty face. The mother'sheart was smitten. God spoke to her thenand there. Tenderly stooping over thelittle one, she woke her with herkisses. Then taking her into her arms,she breathed a prayer to God for

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forgiveness. She saw that holiness couldnot thrive on neglected duties. Herdevotion to her Lord was henceforth seenin her care of the household, and shoneout even in mending broken toys! Homebecame home again. And the very page ofScripture was lighted up with a freshglory.

Yes, and victory shone in themother's radiant face.

THE CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

We believe that the Lord Jesus, Whowatched the children at their play, andthe fishermen and farmers at their work,Who worked Himself and yet made time tobe present at a wedding feast, wishes usto take a real and lively interest inall the concerns of life -- our own andthose of our friends. He has given us acapacity for pleasure, and He longs tosee us enjoy His gift of life. <94>

He has given us a physical framewhich needs food, and work, exercise,and relaxation. He wishes us to enjoyour meals, our work, and our recreation.The marvelous realm of nature, thewonderful infinitude of space peopledwith suns, the cadence of music and thecolor of sky and sea and landscape arefor our enjoyment.

All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all

for our pleasure as well as for Hisglory.

The world is so full of a number of things I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings.

says the child's poet. God expects Hischildren to be careful about their dressand manners. Surely, He desires us to beattractive Christians? The King'sbusiness requires haste, but it neverrequires discourtesy or lack of properattentiveness to our fellows.

IS RELIGION MISERY?

The writer met a godly major on avoyage to India. He had been convertedfrom a life of dissolution, and was nowever engrossed in his Bible. He avoidedevery kind of amusement -- even deckquoits. Writing to me from a publicschool in England, a son of the dearmajor said, "I AM SO glad you have metmy father. Do try to convert him to theChurch of England, his religion makeshim so miserable."

No wonder the high-spirited ladfound little happiness in his father'scompany, and was a little shy of"religion."

GOD'S religion never yet made a manmiserable! Nor does the Lord Jesusdelight in misery! Did not the <95>Savior say, "These things have I spokenunto you that My joy might remain inyou, and that your joy might be full"?(John 15:11) There is a RIGHT way of"making the most of both worlds."

NOT TRUSTING TO THRILLS

8. DO NOT RELY ON THRILLS.

It often happens that when abeliever enters upon a life of victoryover voluntary sin that he experiences ajoy, and an ecstasy and a thrill whichmake him feel as if he were treading onair. But this is not always the case,and we must not suppose that an absenceof thrills is a proof that Christ hasnot come in His fullness.

God wants us to trust Him and HisWord, and not to rely upon feelings. Hewould save us from the peril of testingour victory, or testing His indwelling,by any preconceived notions of ours asto HOW His presence shall be felt ormanifested. Think less of the victory,less of the blessing, and more of theBlesser.

You remember Spurgeon's apt remark,which is worth repeating just here. "Ilooked at Jesus, and the dove of peaceflew into my heart. I looked at the dove

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of peace, and she flew away."

Do not then be examining or testingyour victory. Maintain a simple andconstant trust in Christ -- HE cannotfail.

It is really better to enter intothe Victorious Life by simple faithunaccompanied by ecstasy or thrill.

For when the thrill subsides, andlife seems humdrum and commonplace, wemay be tempted to think that the victoryhas vanished with the thrill! Fact --faith -- feeling: that is the order.

9. DO NOT BE SURPRISED IF OTHERSFAIL TO SEE OUR VICTORY. <96>

Only One Man ever lived a sinlesslife -- a really Victorious Life allthrough -- and that is the Man ChristJesus.

But the leaders of religion in Hisdays on earth were so blinded that theyfailed to see the Victorious Life inHim. They called Him a "wine-bibber."

"We know that this man is asinner," said they of Christ. So we mustnot be surprised if men fail torecognize the Victorious Life in us.

We must be very humble, and whenothers thwart us or oppose us, and denyour sincerity or orthodoxy, no spirit ofun-love or root of bitterness must comein; no holier-than-thou feeling must beentertained for a moment -- or ourvictory is broken.

We are certain to be misunderstood,and our greatest opponents will be notthe world, but the Church!

The devil has sown tares in thefield of the Church, and only GodHimself knows what is tares and what iswheat. It is from these -- the childrenof the wicked one in the Church -- thatthe greatest opposition is to beexpected. [Our Lord never calls mereunbelievers "children of the devil," butonly "religious" unbelievers (see

Matthew 13:25,38; 23:15; John 8:38-44).It is an awful thought, but must benoted.] The servant is not greater thanhis Lord. If Christ received oppositionfrom "religious" people, so shall we.

But every such act of opposition isan opportunity for us to show, not byour lip, but by our life, the Christ-life; to prove that there IS victorythrough the Lord Jesus Christ.

And even if some oppose andcriticize and condemn, many around us,seeing our victory through Christ, willbe glad thereof and rejoice; becausethey will see the <97> mighty power ofGod -- mighty to the overthrowing ofstrongholds.

THE MOMENT OF VICTORY

10. NOW -- NOT TOMORROW.

May we remind our readers of a verysimple fact, and yet one so oftenforgotten. It is this: The only time youcan live the Victorious Life is Now.

The only way to have Victorythrough Christ is to get it Now -- atthis very moment. This life is notmerely one for emergencies. So many dearpeople are waiting for futureopportunities to manifest the indwellingChrist.

They wait for a prayer meeting, oran open-air, or for a conversation withanother congenial spirit.

But Now is the only moment ofvictory.

God is Light as well as Love. Andour Lord said, "LET your light shine" --not MAKE it shine as occasion arises.LET IT shine always, everywhere.

When you spring out of bed each dayand say joyously to yourself and yourGod, "To me to live is Christ," make upyour mind to manifest something of theglory of Christ to everyone you meetthat day. Keep a watch over yourself.

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Let the people in the home see thelight -- the victory. Let your fellow-workers in the office or yard, in theshop or the ship, the factory or theschool, see that Christ is dwelling inyour heart. Why should not thetradesman, the postmen, the bus-conductors detect your secret? Beepistles of Christ, "known and read ofall men" (2_Corinthians 3:2).

A dear friend of the writer's -- acultured man brought literally to thegutter through drink -- was converted<98> at a tramps' mission. The dayfollowing, he boarded a tram. Theconductor was mystified, for thepassenger's clothes told of beggary,while his face reflected heaven! "Why,mate," he exclaimed, "you look as ifsomeone's died and left you a fortune!""You are right there," came the quickreply. "Jesus Christ has died for me andhas given me His riches in glory.""Well, he might dress you better," wasthe sneer -- and HE DID.

Shall not even strangers be attracted by our joy?

IN COMMUNION WITH CHRIST

But do not wait for the future. Letvictory be yours NOW.

Just live in such communion withChrist that He can always show forth Hisglory through you.

"Unto me was this grace given, topreach unto the Gentiles theunsearchable riches of Christ, to makeALL MEN see what is the mystery whichfrom all ages hath been hid in God ...that NOW might be made known through theChurch [i.e., through you and me] themanifold wisdom of God" (Ephesians3:9-10).

Yes -- and His wondrous life andineffable glory.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"HIGHEST" CRITICISM

THE HIGHEST CRITICISM THAT PREVENTS MANY CHRISTIANS FROM BELIEVING AND ACCEPTINGTHEIR RICH HERITAGE IN CHRIST

The most extraordinary thing aboutthe Victorious Life is that although itis so clearly taught in Scripture, yetit is so frequently unrecognized byBible students. Many who have athorough knowledge of their Bibles knownothing of this truth experimentally.The writer himself had been a carefulstudent of the Scriptures for many yearsbefore the glory of this life lighted uphis soul. Again and again clergy haveconfessed, "We do not preach this truthbecause we do not know itexperimentally."

How is it that we are so slow ofheart to understand? Probably the bestway to put the case is to describe atsome length the inner experiences of twomen who had long been devoted to theservice of God. Hudson Taylor, then amissionary in China, was one of thesemen. He has left in a letter to hissister a record of his search forholiness and his total inability to seehow to get it, although the way lies soclearly on the page of Scripture. Thisis his confession:

HUDSON TAYLOR'S CONFESSION

"I prayed, fasted, agonized,strove, made resolutions, read the Biblemore diligently, sought more time forretirement and meditation -- but allwithout effect. <100> Every day --almost every hour -- the consciousnessof sin oppressed me. Then came thequestion: 'Is there no rescue? Must itbe this to the end -- constant conflict,and instead of Victory, too oftendefeat?' I hated myself, I hated my sin,and yet I gained no strength against it.I felt I was a child of God, but how torise to my privileges as a child I wasutterly powerless to see. I thought thatholiness, practical holiness, was to be

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gradually attained by a diligent use ofthe means of grace. I felt there wasnothing I so much desired in the world,nothing I so much needed. When my agonyof soul was at its height, a sentence ina latter was used to remove the scalesfrom my eyes, and the Spirit of Godrevealed the truth of our oneness withJesus."

What was this letter? What was thesentence? The letter runs: "By faith achannel is formed by which Christ'sfullness plenteously flows down. Thebarren branch becomes a portion of thefruitful stem. He is most holy who hasmost of Christ within. It is defectivefaith which clogs the feet and causesmany a fall. Abiding -- not strugglingor striving: looking off to Him;trusting Him for present power; trustingHim to subdue all inward corruption;resting in the conscious joy of acomplete salvation; a salvation from allsin: willing that He should be trulysupreme. That is NOT NEW, YET IT IS NEWTO ME. I seem to have got to the edgeonly, but to the edge of a sea that isboundless. Christ literally ALL seems tome now the power --the only power-- forservice; the only ground for unchangingjoy. Now, then, is this faith increased?Only by thinking of all that JESUS isand all that He is for us: His life, Hisdeath, His work, HIMSELF, as revealed tous in His Word, to be the subject of ourconstant thoughts. NOT A <101>STRIVING TO HAVE FAITH, or to increaseour faith, BUT A LOOKING OFF TO THEFAITHFUL ONE seems all we need -- aresting in the Loved One entirely fortime and eternity. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TOME ANYTHING NEW -- only formerlymisapprehended."

FROM FAILURE TO TRIUMPH

That was the letter, and thesentence which arrested Hudson Taylor'sattention was the last one -- "Not astriving to have faith, but a lookingoff to the Faithful One seems all weneed."

We have quoted these letters atlength, partly because they sum up all

we have been trying to teach in thesepages; but chiefly because both thesemen of God confess that such teaching isNOT NEW, yet both have failed toapprehend it, although they were simplyyearning for a life of Victory.

As the writer looks back on hispast life, nothing so surprises him asthe fact that he failed to see, orgrasp, or apprehend this Victorious Lifeteaching, although it is not new,although it is so plainly taught inScripture.

Why is this? Why do so many devoutscholars fail to claim, or even seek, alife of Victory? We cannot help feelingthat it is because many read the Biblecritically --yes, and devoutly andreverently-- but without really claimingthe illumination of the Holy Spirit.Many scholars will indignantly denythis. But we feel that it is so. We donot accuse anyone of deliberatelyrejecting the help of the Holy Spirit --but of deceiving themselves, or at leastof being deceived.

Even the saintly Bishop Mouleconfessed that although he was Principalof a Theological College, he not onlyfailed to grasp the meaning of thisteaching, but was <102> confident thatit was wrong -- unscriptural -- untilthe light dawned. Many of our readerswill remember how Bishop Moule came tosee these truths when on a visit toScotland. And all the world knows howfull of it his books are.

UNDER THE SPIRIT'S POWER

The writer would like to suggestthe following as an explanation of someof our blindness. Paul says, "The letterkilleth: it is the Spirit that givethlife" (2_Corinthians 3:6). Unless thenthe Holy Spirit illuminates the Word, itis not life-giving and no VictoriousLife can result. Our Lord once said,"Man shall not live by bread alone, butby every word that proceedeth out of themouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Not byevery word that proceeded. The word isin the present tense, "proceedeth." Now

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the word is always proceeding. That isto say, the Holy Spirit takes the"letter that killeth" and brings it homewith power and life to the hearts ofthose who rely upon Him to do so.

The disciples had heard many thingsthey could not understand -- hardsayings -- but Christ said, "When He,the Spirit of truth is come, He shallguide you into all the truth; for Heshall not speak from Himself, but whatthings soever He shall bear, these shallHe speak" (John 16:13). Now we live bythe same written word which the Lord ISSPEAKING to us through the Holy Spirit-- the word which, through the Spirit,is still "proceeding" out of the mouthof God.

The Holy Spirit is called in theNicene Creed "The Lord and Giver ofLife." it is He Who gives us theVictorious Life. But He does it byrevealing to us the WORD OF GOD -- notonly the meaning of the written <103>word, but by giving us the indwellingChrist -- The "Word." Christ is born inus, as it were, and lives in us "by theoperation of the Holy Spirit."

One is often asked the question:"Is the Victorious Life the same thingas the fullness of the Holy Spirit?"Well, what is the work of the HolySpirit? He comes in all His fullness notto speak for Himself, but to reveal theLord Jesus Christ, and to lead us intoall truth. "He shall glorify Me," saysChrist, "for He shall take of Mine andshall declare it unto you."

WHERE SO MANY FAIL

"There is nothing new in all this!"is the impatient, well-nigh querulouscomment so often made concerning thisteaching. But the very tone of voicebetrays an unwillingness to attempt toreally assimilate this ancient teaching.

The real trouble is that so manypeople who deplore higher criticism,themselves indulge in what we venture tocall Highest criticism. They mustacknowledge that this Victorious Life is

scriptural, but they openly declare thatit is impossible. They do not deny thetruth of the Word of God, but theytacitly believe that it is unworkable.Oh, if we could only just take Christ atHis word! If we only had a simplechildlike faith in God!

If our faith were but more simple We should take Him at His word;And our lives would be all sunshine In the glory of the Lord.

Let us explain what we mean byhighest criticism. We mean absolutelyrefusing to believe that it is possibleto obey all God's commands. Now the joywhich is <104> inseparable from theVictorious Life is from just taking Godat His word.

Take such a definite command asPhilippians 4:6, "In nothing beanxious." Do we obey it? Do we believeit is God's will that we should neverhave an anxious thought? Many Christianpeople must sadly confess that theirexperience is that they are anxiousabout everything. The writer a few yearsback consulted an eminent physician, whoexpressed an opinion -- wrongly, asevents proved -- that the heart wasoverstrained and that a long rest wasimperative. Anxiety was clearly noted bythe doctor, for he said, "May I make aremark about you clergy? Many peopleconsult me, but I find that you leadersof religion are JUST AS ANXIOUS aboutyour bodies as men who profess noreligion at all." What a rebuke! Thewriter stood condemned -- and feltcondemned; but his anxiety stillremained! Why? Simply because he did notknow the secret of the indwellingChrist.

SURE OF THREE THINGS

He was not acting up to what heprofessed to believe. He had oftenquoted to others the God-given command,"Cast thy burden upon the Lord and Heshall sustain THEE" (Psalm 55:22)."Casting ALL your ANXIETY upon Him, forHe careth for you" (1_Peter 5:7). Yethere he was, anxious and troubled over

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his physical condition, when God's veryplain and definite command is "Innothing be anxious."

There was clearly something wrongwith the spiritual life. What was it?Not blind unbelief, but blank unbelief!<105>

"We may be quite sure of threethings," says Francis Ridley Havergal."First, that whatever our Lord commandsus, He really means us to do. "Secondly, that whatever Hecommands us is 'for our good always.' "And thirdly, that whatever Hecommands, He is able and willing toenable us to do, for 'all God's biddingsare enablings.'"

Now is there any reason for theslightest anxiety in one whollysurrendered to God? Dare we ever doubtHis love or His ability to provide forus? Why, if a believer only obeys thisone command of God, "In nothing beanxious," he finds heaven begun on earthbelow. But it is impossible for ME tokeep that command.

So Christ just comes to dwell in myheart, to live His life in me, and to dowhat I myself cannot do.

Said the sparrow to the robin: "I should really like to know Why these anxious human beings Rush about and worry so." Said the robin to the sparrow: "Friend, I think that it must be That they have no Heavenly Father Such as cares for you and me."

Now we DO know our Heavenly Father,Who gave us His own SON. "Shall He notalso with Him freely give us allthings?" (Romans 8:32). Then why beanxious?

If you really desire the VictoriousLife, you must "Cast -- 'roll off' theword means -- all your anxiety uponHim." For if you keep any of your worry,there is something wrong with yourspiritual life and you cannot enjoy thelife more abundant; for you fail to

trust God. <106>

Now Christ, living in you, canalone give you miraculous power to obeyHis command, "In nothing be anxious."

DO WE BELIEVE GOD'S WORD?

We were speaking a little time backabout the possibility of freedom fromsinning. There are two very definitestatements in Scripture which show thatChristians need not commit known sins.One is in Ephesians 6:16, "Taking theshield of faith, wherewith ye shall beable to quench all the fiery darts ofthe evil one." The other is this: "Godis faithful, Who will not suffer you tobe tempted above that we are able; butwill with the temptation make also theway of escape, that ye may be able toendure it" (1_Corinthians 10:13).

These are really very wonderfulstatements. What a glorious possibilityis here held out to us! For thisincludes the great root sin of unbelief.Every sorrow comes through sin -- everyworry comes through sin. And there is apossible Victory over every sin throughJesus Christ our Lord.

The question is, do we believeGod's Word or do we not? The usualup-and-down experience of the Christianis not God's plan for him. If we reallybelieve that the indwelling Christ cando this thing for us, then let us trustHim to do it.

There is another comforting FACTgiven in the Bible. God says, "My graceis sufficient for thee" (2_Corinthians12:9). This is not a promise; it is aFACT -- an unchangeable, unmoving fact.The writer made this remark at ameeting, and a lady came up to himimmediately afterwards and said, "Butyou left out the condition." "Whatcondition?" "Why, there must be faith<107> before God's grace can besufficient," said she. But, dear reader,whether you have faith or whether youhave not, does not and cannot alter aFACT! "God's grace is sufficient foryou," whether you believe it or not.

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There was always "bread enough and tospare" in the Father's house, even whenthe prodigal was in a far countrydesiring to be fed upon the husks theswine did eat! Always enough and tospare: he had only to go and share it.

God's grace is always sufficient.God Himself has declared it to be so.When sudden temptation comes upon youunawares, do you stop to pray fordeliverance from it -- or do you look toChrist for victory over it? Someone hassaid, "When tempted, do not begin to ask'HOW can I get out of it?', but 'WHATcan I get out of it?' "The peace ofGod, which passeth all understanding,shall guard your hearts and YOURTHOUGHTS in Christ Jesus" (Philippians4:7 RV). The Lord Jesus is dwelling inthe heart to banish even the thought ofevil before it can become sin.

If you are troubled with evilthoughts, claim this promise -- that theindwelling Christ can indeed guard our"thoughts."

It was this verse, "My grace issufficient for thee," which led thatveteran Christian warrior, Preb.Webb-Peploe, into the Victorious Life.After the crushing sorrow of losing abeloved child, he tried to prepare asermon with this as his text. But hecould not "cast his burden upon theLord." Rising to his feet he cried outto God in his agony, "Oh, God, it is nottrue. I do not find Thy Grace sufficientfor me in this heavy sorrow that hasbefallen me. But, oh, MAKE itsufficient." <108>

A GREAT EXPERIENCE

Falling on his knees, he repeatedthis prayer. Then through his tears hesaw over the mantelpiece an illuminatedtextacard, "My grace is sufficient." Ina flash he saw his mistake! "What a foolI am," he cried. "How dare I ask God toMAKE what is! I will get up and trustHim." And he did trust Him. We all knowwhat the entrance into the VictoriousLife meant for Webb-Peploe, and throughhim, for the whole world! So also Paul,

who knew that God's grace wassufficient, could promise this: "My Godshall fulfill every need of yoursaccording to HIS RICHES IN GLORY (what atreasury!) IN CHRIST JESUS (what aSavior!)" (Philippians 4:19).

Fellow-Christian, can you conceiveany greater promise?

This supply is moment by moment.The manna just fell day by day. As onedear saint has said, "God gave me agreat fortune -- placed thousands andmillions to my credit. But gave me acheque-book with this one condition,'You never can draw more than you needat the time.'"

We have to learn to take from Himour spiritual life every second.

Just one other command -- asbinding as "thou shalt not steal." It isthis. "Rejoice in the Lord." Have youthought out what these words mean? It isnot a call to rejoice in our onenesswith Him; or in the means of grace givenus; or His work in us; or in ourfellowship with Him. We are not biddenso much to rejoice in what He is to us,or what He is working in us, but just torejoice in HIM in HIM HIMSELF -- torejoice in what He is and has inHimself. <109>

Do you not see what a wonderfulcause of rejoicing this is? If our joyconsists in His giving us victory oversin, our joy goes if we are overtaken ina fault. If our joy rests upon His workin and through us, we may not always beconscious of just what He isaccomplishing, and we may be exalted orcast down unduly.

But if our joy is in HIM and whatHE is, that cannot change or fluctuate,and we can always abound in joy. Rejoicein the Lord: "Jesus Christ, Whom havingnot seen ye love; in Whom, though now yesee Him not, yet believing, ye rejoicegreatly with joy unspeakable and full ofglory" (1_Peter 1:8); "He that gloriethlet him glory in the Lord"(1_Corinthians 1:31); "O magnify the

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LORD with me!" Think often of Him. LetHis wondrous glory be the theme of yourthoughts and your songs. Ever recollectthat it is HE -- This glorious One --Who dwells in your heart by faith. Andif He is supreme, then you can say, "Ilive, yet not I, but Christ liveth inme," and joyfully add, TO ME TO LIVE ISCHRIST.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

DAYS OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

FROM THE GLOOM AND DISAPPOINTMENT OF THEWILDERNESS EXPERIENCE TO THE GLORY ANDABUNDANCE OF THE PROMISED LAND

There is only one thing now to beconsidered, and that is the sort of lifeGod expects His children to live.

FOR OUR ADMONITION

Before we look at that ideal -- aPOSSIBLE ideal -- we must just give aglance at the wonderful object-lessongiven us in the redemption of God'speople, Israel. Paul tells us that theexperiences of the children of Israel,in their deliverance from Egypt andtheir journey to the Promised Land, andare "examples," or types, and that theyare written for our admonition(1_Corinthians 10:11). They are full ofinstruction. God means us to study thefailures and failings of His chosenpeople, and to take warning lest we alsosuffer for having an evil heart ofunbelief.

Egypt is a type of the world --Sin. Canaan, the land of promise, is atype of Sanctification -- the VictoriousLife here below.

No Egyptian taskmaster was evermore merciless and cruel than sin is.The Israelites could not savethemselves. The more they struggled toget free, the harder their burdensbecame. So likewise the sinner cannotsave himself. His struggles and efforts

avail nothing. Salvation is all ofgrace. <111>

Then came God's deliverance throughthe shedding of blood. That PassoverLamb was a type of Christ. "Christ ourPassover is sacrificed for us"(1_Corinthians 5:7). The lamb was slainand the blood shed. That wassubstitution. "That lamb dies instead ofme," a Jew might have truly said.

Yet that blood SHED saved no one.To effect salvation, it must besprinkled upon the door-posts and uponthe lintel. That is to say, there mustbe an individual claiming and acceptanceof that substitutionary sacrifice. Onlythe blood SPRINKLED saved anyone."Christ died for the ungodly." But if Iam not to die for my sins, I must acceptChrist's death in my stead. "As many asreceived Him, to them gave He the rightto become the sons of God" (John 1:12).

THE RED SEA. -- Then came thatmiraculous passage through the Red Sea,which Paul likens unto baptism. "Ourfathers were baptized into Moses in thecloud and in the sea" (1_Corinthians10:2), although neither the waters ofthe sea nor the cloud touched them, andnot until the passage of the Jordan didthey become fully sanctified.

What did the Red Sea accomplish forthe Israelites? Before they crossed itthey were redeemed by the shed bloodappropriated, but were still living andmoving amongst their foes.

TWO ASPECTS OF CHRIST'S DEATH

They were subjected to a mercilesspursuit and a determined attempt to dragthem back into bondage. When once theyhad passed through the sea, however,they were delivered from all dominion,all control of their foes. They neveragain had trouble from them or conflictwith them. Their oppressors lay DEAD onthe seashore. <112>

What does this mean for us?Remember that there are two aspects ofChrist's death. He died for our sins. He

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died for us -- substitution. But thenPaul tells us that we are also to diewith Him. "I have been crucified WITHCHRIST" (Galatians 2:20); "Reckon yeyourselves to be dead indeed unto sin"(Romans 6:11). The Israelites in bondagewere delivered by the blood shed andsprinkled. But they are pursued bycertain of their foes. These foes areslain at the Red Sea, but theythemselves escape and are free. Egyptstands for the world of sin. Christfound us in "Egypt," and by His death inour stead delivered us from the penaltyof sin. But even after our conversionsome of these sins followed us andharassed us -- temper, pride, jealousy,lust, worry, avarice -- causingdiscomfiture and misery, andoccasionally temporary defeat. Where isthere any escape, any real victory? Onlythrough the Red Sea -- baptism, or whatbaptism implies; i.e., a death to sinand a rising again to righteousness.That is a crucifixion with Christ, so asto be able to "reckon ourselves deadindeed unto sin."

WHERE MANY CHRISTIANS FAIL

The Egyptians were seen DEAD uponthe seashore. An Israelite might havegone back and have recognized his oldtaskmaster lying there. "There he isDEAD: he will never trouble me anymore." Another might have said, "Yes,and there is my taskmaster; no more willhe oppress me!"

Now it is just as true that when weenter into death with Christ we are deadto sin. We can, indeed, reckon ourselves"dead indeed unto sin" (Romans 6:11) --to temper, pride, jealousy, avarice,lust. Hitherto such sins have been ourtaskmasters. <113>

But notice that Paul does not say,"Sin is dead unto you." Those pursuingEgyptians were slain, but Egypt -- sin-- as a nation was still in evidence."My personal sins I may count as 'slain'but SIN back of them all is very muchalive," says one.

The reason why many Christians are

constantly falling into sin is becausethey try to obey only one-half of Paul'sinjunctions. "Neither yield ye yourmembers as instruments ofunrighteousness unto sin," says St.Paul. Many attempt to act up to that.But he also says, "but yield yourselvesunto God, as those alive from the dead"(Romans 6:13). That was what Christ'sdeath meant to our Lord Himself. Hesubmitted His will absolutely unto God."Lo, I come to do Thy will" (Hebrews10:9), "I do always those things thatplease Him," said our Lord (John 8:29).When, and so long as there is theunconditional surrender of my life toGod, then "sin has NO dominion over me"(Romans 6:14).

DELIVERANCE FROM SIN

The Pass-over means deliverancefrom the PENALTY of SIN.

The Pass-through (the Red Sea)means deliverance from the POWER of sin.

But even in the wilderness thosechildren of God needed to learn that inGod and in Him alone they had ALWAYS ALLsufficiency in ALL things (2_Corinthians9:8).

BITTER WATERS

After the children of Israel weredelivered from both the bondage andpower of the Egyptians, they arrive --thirsty and weary -- at Marah, thebitter waters. These are at once madesweet by the WOOD thrown in. So it isstill: the WOOD -- the Cross -- that is,the CHRIST of the <114> cross -- takesthe bitterness out of everything thatwould be otherwise galling.

But these pilgrims go on fromstrength to strength. From the bitterwaters of Marah -- that need to besweetened -- they pass on to the sweetand plenteous waters of Elim, and thenon to that miraculous water which flowedout of the Rock -- and "that rock wasChrist" (1_Corinthians 10:4); and thatwater a type of the Blessed Spirit.

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MANNA

And food was provided as well asdrink. Manna -- bread from heaven. Againwe are taken to the cross. For Christ isour Bread from heaven -- His Body brokenon the cross is indeed the "bread ofGod... which cometh down from heaven andgiveth life unto the world" (John 6:33).

So those pilgrims were led and fedentirely by God. The water -- a type ofthe Holy Spirit -- did not GIVE life; itonly sustained it. The Manna -- a typeof the "Bread of life" -- did not GIVElife, it only maintained it. The HolySpirit, however, is "the Lord and GIVERof life." Jesus Christ is the Bread ofLife -- Who GIVES life, as well assustains it.

Yet with all their manifoldprivileges and blessings, the childrenof Israel "provoked God in thewilderness." Think of it! They weremiraculously delivered; miraculouslyled; miraculously fed; miraculouslypreserved from sickness -- for "therewas not one feeble person amongst theirtribes" (Psalm 105:37). Yet there weremurmurings and disobedience. Their liveswere not full of joy and victory. <115>

AT THE CRISIS OF LIFE

But THAT was God's ideal for them-- an ideal only possible IN THEPROMISED LAND.

THE CRISIS OF LIFE

So they came to Kadesh-Barnea --and there lay the land of promise beforethem; typical of the Victorious Lifewhich we have outlined before the eyesof our readers.

As we read the story we expect tolearn they rushed forward with joy intheir hearts and songs on their lips --vying with each other as to who shouldbe the first to enter in. Moses calledthe people together. "Ye are come to themountain which the Lord our God dothGIVE unto us. Behold the Lord thy Godhath set the land before thee; go up and

possess it, as the Lord God of thyfathers hath said unto thee; fear not,neither be discouraged" (Deuteronomy1:20,21). Then the amazing thinghappened: the people refused to go! "Letus first send men before us and theyshall search out the land!" said they.

And Moses assented. Those peopleCOULD NOT TRUST GOD. We all know theresult. The spies return with awonderful story and wonderful fruit. Twoof their number -- the two surely whocarried that bunch of grapes? -- said,"Let us go up AT ONCE and possess it,for we are well able to overcome it."But the other ten cried, "We are notable to go up against the people, forthey are stronger than we! (Numbers13:31). Again the faithful two spoke up."If the Lord delight in us then HE willbring us into the land and GIVE IT TOus. Only rebel not ye against the Lord,neither fear ye the people of the land;for they are bread for us: their defenceis <116> departed from them; and theLord is with us: fear them not."

THE WILDERNESS WANDERINGS

But the people sided with the tenand refused to obey the living God:refused to enter the land to which GODhad led them, and which GOD had promisedto GIVE them. And God never gave themanother chance. Not one of those peopleover twenty years of age, except Joshuaand Caleb, ever saw the land again.

Now what does it all mean? For themit was a time of crisis. Behind them wasEgypt, that gave them garlic, and leeks,and onions -- and bondage. Before themwas the promised land with milk andhoney and luscious fruits -- andFREEDOM. Which shall they choose? ThankGod, they did not go back to Egypt(sin)! But, alas! they refused to enterthe land of promise, where there wasrest and communion with God. So theywandered for forty years in thewilderness, amid snares and noisomepestilences, and the destruction thatwasteth at noonday.

What is there of "example" in all

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this? The Promised Land is theVictorious Life. We have tried in thesearticles to lead our readers right up toits borders, and we have "looked in."Have we entered in? This is God's willfor everyone who is trusting Him asSavior. He wishes us to enter now, andto abide there forever. The difficultiesof such a life, free from known sin,seem gigantic and insuperable. They arelike the people occupying Canaan,"Nations greater and mightier thanthyself" (Deuteronomy 9:1).

We believe that God's command to usis, "Go up and possess it: fear not,neither be discouraged" (Deuteronomy1:21). Many believers declare theVictorious Life to <117> beimpossible: to be beyond them. "We areunable to enter in," they cry. Now Godcalls us to live this life in HisSTRENGTH, and not in our own. "If theLord delight in us then will He bring usinto the land." It means an absolutesurrender of all we have and are, and asimple faith in Christ's ability to doall He has promised. Our Lord bids us goin and possess it. For, remember that"God's omnipotence is at our disposalfor KEEPING as well as for service."

WHAT THE EXPERIENCE MEANT

The life of most Christians issimply a wilderness experience which isfar removed from the rest and joy of thePromised Land.

The wilderness experience means:

1. RESTLESSNESS.

No settled home -- no abiding-place-- no possessions. At any moment theyhad to move on, should the cloud liftfrom off the tabernacle. It meansdiscontent and murmuring against God andHis providential dealings with us;murmurings against the leaders whom Godhas chosen; murmurings against our lotwhich WE have chosen (for the wildernesswanderings are really rebellion againstGod, and contrary to His wishes). Itmeans, sometimes, a longing to be backin Egypt -- a life of sin; and sometimes

a going back.

2. IT MEANS FRUITLESSNESS.

The children of Israel fought inthe wilderness, but they gained nothingby their fighting except the right to goon their way unhindered. They gained nopossessions. That is the ordinary lifeof every Christian who has not claimedthe Victorious Life. It is a life madeup of "not doing things." He does notdance, or play cards, or attendtheatres; he, perhaps, does not even<118> drink or smoke. But his Christianlife consists of not doing wrongful orharmful things. The FRUIT of thePromised Land -- the fruit of the Spirit-- is not there: love, joy, peace. Thereis no growth in grace, and little --ifany-- "fruit" in service. What SEEMINGresults there are do not last. In themain, it is only of the one living theVictorious Life in whom Christ's desireis fulfilled -- that His "fruit shouldabide" (John 15:16). Many Christianshave renounced the pleasures of sin --but not sin itself. They have notentered the Promised Land where true joyis found. This alone is lamentable. Butthe saddest part of their failure isthis:

THEY KEEP OTHERS OUT

Joshua and Caleb had a right toenter in. So had Moses. Yet the two wereshut out for forty years because of theunwillingness of others to enter in! AndMoses soon forfeited the right to enterin at all!

Oh, that Joshua and Caleb hadrefused to go with the majority! Hadthey but boldly marched in -- they twoonly -- we believe that God would havehonored their faith, and have conqueredtheir foes before them. Yes, andthousands would have followed in theirsteps. GOD CAN DO SUCH THINGS.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer knewthat (1_Samuel 14:6). Moreover Godoffered to do it for Moses alone. "Letme alone, that I may destroy them...;and I will make of THEE a nation

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mightier and greater than they"(Deuteronomy 9:14).

FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER

We have put before YOU the land ofpromise -- the Victorious Life which Godcan give you. Christian -- are youwilling to enter in? Remember fourthings: <119>

1. God has promised some betterthing for us than a wilderness life offailure and discontent and doubt. Heoffers victory over known sin, and theenjoyment of wonderful communion withHim.

2. Our struggling and strivingCANNOT give us that which God only cangive.

3. We may and should bring our sins-- the sins of Christian people -- ourdoubts, our fears, our anxieties, ourdefeats, our weaknesses to Him, andtrust the Lord Jesus to kill them; andthen claim by faith Victory throughChrist.

4. Then we can confidently say, "Inow by faith TAKE the life of Victory,with all its rest and joy andfruitfulness.

"If ye be WILLING and obedient yeshall eat the good of the land."

***

Take another good look at that "land" -- that LIFE -- if you still hold back.

1. IT IS A LIFE OF PERFECT REST."COME unto Me... I will give you rest.Take My yoke upon you and LEARN OF ME--be My disciple-- and ye shall findREST to your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).All unrest dishonors Christ.

2. IT IS A LIFE OF PERFECT PEACE."Peace I leave with you; My peace I giveunto you" (John 14:27). To experienceanything but peace -- even underopposition, oppression, loss,bereavement, or perplexity -- is to

dishonor Christ and His Word. <120>

VICTORY FOLLOWS OBEDIENCE

3. IT IS A LIFE OF POWER. "Yeshall receive power" (Acts 1:8). If wedo not POSSESS power, we are dishonoringChrist. We are not waiting for God; GODIS WAITING FOR US.

4. IT IS A FRUITFUL LIFE. "I can doall things through Christ Whostrengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Alife of failure is dishonoring toChrist.

5. IT IS A LIFE LIVED BY THE CHRISTDWELLING IN US, and therefore a life ofperfect JOY.

In the wilderness, God led Hispeople -- disobedient, rebellious,murmuring people -- by a pillar of cloudand fire.

No sooner had they entered the landof promise than the Lord Jesus ChristHimself appeared to Joshua, not as onefighting for him, but as the VictoriousLeader winning Victory so long as thepeople obeyed Him.

"Art thou for us or for ouradversaries?" asks Joshua.

"Nay, but as captain of the host ofthe Lord am I NOW come" (Joshua5:13-14). He was unable to come before.He could not come in this manner so longas the people wandered in the wilderness.

So with us. Christ will guide us --as with a cloud -- even when our livesare but a wilderness experience.

But when we are fully surrenderedto Him, He fills our hearts with Hispresence and takes complete control, andwins all our Victories for us -- He, thecaptain of the host of the Lord.

Such a life is a Victorious Life --a life of constant miracle.

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