be definitely sought and
obtained.

In the apostle's commission we distinctly see that we are sanctified by
faith. Acts 26:18. We also see that Jesus suffered on the cross that he
might sanctify us with his own blood. This points us to the fact that we
must have faith in his blood. This grace is purchased for us, and now it
is for us to receive it. We also see that he has made provision in this
same purchase that we may be kept sanctified. This is upon the simple
condition of walking in the light as he is in the light. The result of
which is: his blood cleanseth us from all sin. These precious truths
will do us no good if we do not believe them. No heart can ever receive
the benefits of this inestimable purchase without faith. Faith is the
hand that reaches out and takes it. Jesus can do no more than he has
done to bring it to us. He holds it out to us, all perfect and complete,
and as we meet the conditions of consecration and faith it becomes ours.

The apostle teaches us in Rom. 6:11 to reckon ourselves "dead indeed
unto sin." This can be done only by faith. The reckoning of faith is a
very simple process; it is just believing God. Abraham believed God,
simply reckoned that what God said was true, and then God counted
something to Abraham. He counted it to him for righteousness.

This is the divine law of faith. When we believe it is so because God
says it, then God makes it so because we believe it. This law applies to
all the graces of the gospel alike. It is a sad fact that some
professing Christians do not believe we can be sanctified in this life.
Now, it is utterly impossible for such people to get it. They do not
believe. The blood of Christ cannot sanctify them in this condition. It
is not for them at all. It is only for them that believe, and of course
no one can believe for it in the scriptural sense without having met the
condition of scriptural consecration. Then the scriptural reckoning will
bring the scriptural and satisfactory result.

Let us illustrate with a simple mathematical reckoning. In a case of
addition we take two numbers and reckon them together before we get the
sum. It can never be obtained any other way. The two numbers are
entirely distinct and separate from each other until they are reckoned
together. It is the reckoning that produces the sum. This is exactly
true in the process of faith. The justified believer comes to God for
his inheritance of sanctification. He makes the absolute