The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1894-12-14

oppose the doctrine really think it Is
taught In that way. We have never
read any scripture concerning this
second step Of faith in the christian ex-
perience, or 1.second benefit as Paul
calls it, which gives q PLAUSIBLE foun-
dation for such an idea.
Part of the third chapter of the first
John. beginning at the sixth verse, reads
as follows: GWhosOever abideth in him
sinneth not; whatsoever sinneth hath not
seen him, neither known him. Little
children, let no man deceive you: he
that dOeth righteousness is righteous, ev-
en- as he is righteous. He that committeth
sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth
from the beginning. For this purpose
the Son of God was manifested, that he
might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not
commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is
born of God.''
the above has no especial reference to
specification. but includes all who are
''born of God" as the words of this
scripture clearly indicate.
1t Is also certain that the expression
''cannOt sin,'' does not mean to declare
that those who are born of God cannot
backslide, because the Bible very
definitely refers to the danger of Chris
tians backsliding and words of en-
couragement to such abound, that they
may be again restored to the happy
estate from which they have fallen. In
the same letter to the children of the
heavenly kingdom John says in the first
verse of the second chapter my little
children, these things write unto you
that ye sin not. And If any man sin we
have an advocate with the father, Jesus
Christ the righteous
Therefore the letter, taken as whole,
teaches that no one who commits sin has
any right to lay claims to being born of
God at the same time. He must first
backslide before he can sin. The
moment christian decides to do what |
is sinful, or concludes to leave undone
that which God commands him to do, he |
backslides, and then he is not born of |
God. If such persons are sayed they
must do their first work of repentance
over again, if, indeed, they have not
committed the objectionable sin re-
ferred to in the tenth chapter of Hebrews
commencing at the Goth verse, as fol- !
lows: ''For if we sin wilfully, after
that we have received the knowledge of
the truth, there remaineth no more
sacrifice for sin, but certain fearful |
looking for of judgement and fiery in
dignation, which shall devour the ad-
By reading the preceding verses in the
same chapter we find this terrible pen
atty above quoted is for those who have |
entered ''into the holiest," or received |
the ''second benefit" spoken of by Paul. |
The same sentiment, in different words,
is found in Heb. 9Th beginning at 18th |
verse.
So that there is great reason that those !
who are sanctified should be very careful
not to wilfully commit sin.
But the christian burdens are so much |
lighter, and the yoke so much easier,
upon truly sanctified soul, and their |
against the tempter's de-
vices SO much greater, that it is perfectly |
just that they be held inexcusable for
a wilful sin.
But there is absolutely no hope for any
who profess to be christians and commit |
sin, except to do their first work over
again by repentance; after being born of |
God and then backsliding, the last state !
of tina, man is worse than the beginning. |
Second Peter, second chapter, beginning |
with the 10th verse reads "For if after |
they have escaped the pollutions of the |
world through the knowledge of the |
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are
again entangled therein, and overcome,
the latter end is worse with them than
at the beginning. For it had been better
for them not to have known the way of |
righteousness, than after they have
known it. to turn from
the holy commandment delivered unto
them.''
No one can continue to be true chris
tan, and keep alive with the new birth,
without sooner or later entering into
the second benefit of specification, or
cleansing, because the seventh verse of |
the second chapter of the first John says: |
''But if we walk in the light, as he is in |
the light, we have fellowship one with
another and the blood of Jesus Christ |
his Son CLEANsETH US from all sin.''
The preceding verse says; If we say
that we have fellowship with him and
walk in darkness We lie and do not the
truth"
Tn other words those christians who