ystems take no notice of the difference between the saved and the
unsaved, as they also make little of the future state. This is in
accordance with the fact that both of these truths are wholly dependent
upon regeneration; and that is the one truth these systems are
originated by Satan to resist.

The believer's position is set forth in at least seven positive
revelations, three of which concern his change from the darkness of
Satan to the light of God; two concern his relationship to the heavenly
sphere; and two concern his relationship to the Satanic order. A careful
study of these important passages will reveal the great reality of
Redemption.

The first Divine movement for the salvation of an individual, after the
prayer of intercession by the Spirit, is illumination by the Spirit.
This same work is also mentioned as the "convicting" or "convincing" of
the Spirit. In this part of the Divine undertaking, the blinding by
Satan is temporarily removed and the soul beholds, by Divine vision, the
Lord of glory and the way into eternal life through Him: but woe to the
soul thus favored, who repeatedly turns from that vision in rejection!
Of such it is written: "For it is impossible for those who were once
enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made
partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and
the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them
again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God
afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in
the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them
by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessings from God: but that which
beareth thorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose
end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of
you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak" (Heb.
6:4-9). Here there is pronounced a permanent return to the awful
blindness of Satan for the one who rejects the illumination of the
Spirit; but there is also offered an ever-widening of vision and glory
to the one who accepts the Lord as He is revealed by the Spirit, for he
then comes into possession of the "things that accompany salvation."

This illuminating work of the Spirit is mentioned by Paul in his words
to King Agrippa, wherein he describes his own commission to service. He
claimed to have been appointed by the Lord who spo