in The Gospel Messenger (1885)
THE GIVING OF ETERNAL LIFE to the sinner man who is thus quickened, regenerated and vitally united to Christ is the work of Christ or God. The Spirit of Eternal Life makes the heart good, for the reception of the good seed that brought forth fruit was that that fell in the good and honest heart. Therefore the good seed, has nothing to do in making the heart good, but it has much to do as to the fruits which redound to the praise and glory of God.
The Spirit quickens and sheds abroad love in the enlightened heart, which gives a knowledge of self and opposition to sin which leads to repentance through a sincere desire for holiness, and the Spirit gives the understanding which leads to the belief in Christ. Therefore it is the gift of Eternal Life that saves and the feelings, desires, repentance, faith and good works are the evidences of salvation. |
