of a righteous character, and enables him to discern the defects in his
own.

The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. While it
promises life to the obedient, it declares that death is the portion of
the transgressor. The gospel of Christ alone can free him from the
condemnation or the defilement of sin. He must exercise repentance toward
God, whose law has been transgressed; and faith in Christ, his atoning
sacrifice. Thus he obtains "remission of sins that are past," and becomes
a partaker of the divine nature. He is a child of God, having received the
spirit of adoption, whereby he cries, "Abba, Father!"

Is he now free to transgress God's law? Says Paul: "Do we then make void
the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." "How shall
we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" And John declares,
"This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His
commandments are not grievous."(790) In the new birth the heart is brought
into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When
this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death
unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to
obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the
new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun. Then "the
righteousness of the law" will "be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit."(791) And the language of the soul will be,
"O how love I Thy law! it is my meditation all the day."(792)

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul."(793) Without the
law, men have no just conception of the purity and holiness of God, or of
their own guilt and uncleanness. They have no true conviction of sin, and
feel no need of repentance. Not seeing their lost condition as violators
of God's law, they do not realize their need of the atoning blood of
Christ. The hope of salvation is accepted without a radical change of
heart or reformation of life. Thus superficial conversions abound, and
multitudes are joined to the church who have never been united to Christ.

Erroneous theories of sanctification, also, springing from neglect or
rejection of the divine law, have a prominent place in the religious
movements of the day. These theories are both false in doctrine and
dangerous in practical results; and the fact that they are so generally
finding favor, renders it doubly essenti