第55章 因恩典而变化
§1
第55章 因恩典而变化
§2
Chap. 55 - Transformed by Grace
§3
使徒约翰的生活显明了真正成圣的例证。在他多年与基督亲密交往的经验中，曾屡次受到救主的警告与训诫；而他也领受了这些责备。当神圣之主的品德向约翰彰显时，他就看出自己的缺点，并因这启示而自卑了。他天天看到耶稣的温柔和仁爱，聆听他谦卑与忍耐的教训，都与他自己暴躁的精神大不相同。他的心天天为基督所吸引，直到他因爱他的夫子而将自我忘记了。他在上帝儿子的日常生活上所看到的权能与温慈，威严与柔和，力量与忍耐，令他满心敬佩羡慕。他将他那怨愤和具有野心的性情都驯服于基督塑造的能力，并且上帝也造成了他品格的变化。[1]{AA 557.1 }
§4
In the life of the disciple John true sanctification is exemplified. During the years of his close association with Christ, he was often warned and cautioned by the Saviour; and these reproofs he accepted. As the character of the Divine One was manifested to him, John saw his own deficiencies, and was humbled by the revelation. Day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. Day by day his heart was drawn out to Christ, until he lost sight of self in love for his Master. The power and tenderness, the majesty and meekness, the strength and patience, that he saw in the daily life of the Son of God, filled his soul with admiration. He yielded his resentful, ambitious temper to the molding power of Christ, and divine love wrought in him a transformation of character. {AA 557.1 }[1]
§5
那与在约翰生活上所造就的成圣之工有很明显差别的，乃是和他同作门徒的犹大的经验。犹大也像他的同伴一样，承认自己是基督的门徒，但是他只具有敬虔的外貌。他对于基督品德的优美并非毫无感觉；每当他听聆救主的话语，他便深为感服；可惜他却不愿自卑己心或承认己罪。他既抗拒这神圣的感化，也就羞辱了他所自称敬爱的夫子。约翰认真地与自己的过错抗争；但犹大则违背良心而屈从试探，更加心安理得地固守恶习。基督所教导的真理实践既与他的欲望和企图大相悬殊，他也无法使自己放弃自己的意见，以便领受从天上来的智慧。他不但没有行在光中，反而甘愿在黑暗里走。他仍怀藏恶念、贪欲、报复的心，以及邪恶乖戾的思想，直至撒但完全控制了他。[2]{AA 557.2 }
§6
In striking contrast to the sanctification worked out in the life of John is the experience of his fellow disciple, Judas. Like his associate, Judas professed to be a disciple of Christ, but he possessed only a form of godliness. He was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ; and often, as he listened to the Saviours words, conviction came to him, but he would not humble his heart or confess his sins. By resisting the divine influence he dishonored the Master whom he professed to love. John warred earnestly against his faults; but Judas violated his conscience and yielded to temptation, fastening upon himself more securely his habits of evil. The practice of the truths that Christ taught was at variance with his desires and purposes, and he could not bring himself to yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from heaven. Instead of walking in the light, he chose to walk in darkness. Evil desires, covetousness, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished until Satan gained full control of him. {AA 557.2 }[2]
§7
约翰和犹大代表一般自称是跟从基督的人。这两个门徒拥有同样的机会，可以学习并效法那神圣的模范。都与耶稣有亲密的来往，并有特权聆听他的教训。二人各都具有品格上严重的缺陷；各都得以接近那改变品格的神圣恩典。但一个却以谦卑的心效学耶稣的样式；而另一个则显明自己并不是“行道”的，而只是“单单听道。”一个是天天治死自我，战胜罪恶，于是便因真理而成圣；另一个则抗拒恩典的变化之能，放纵自私的欲望，终于受了撒但的捆绑。[3]{AA 558.1 }
§8
John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christs followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan. {AA 558.1 }[3]
§9
在约翰的生活中所看到的这种品格上的改变，乃是与基督相交的必然结果。一个人可能在品格上有显著的缺点，但当他成为基督的忠实门徒时，上帝恩典的能力就必使他改变，使他成圣。他既得以看见主的荣光，好像从镜子里返照，就必有所改变，荣上加荣，直至与他所崇敬之主相似。[4]{AA 559.1 }
§10
Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies him. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed from glory to glory, until he is like Him whom he adores. {AA 559.1 }[4]
§11
约翰乃是一位圣洁的教师，所以他在写给教会的书信中为基督徒的行为立下了毫无错误的规律。他写道：“凡向他有这指望的，就洁净自己，像他洁净一样。”“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行。”（约一3:3；2:6）他教训人说基督徒必须保持内心及生活的纯洁。他决不应以空口是承认基督徒为满足。上帝在他的范围内既是圣洁的，照样，堕落的人也当因信基督而在自己的范围内追求圣洁。[5]{AA 559.2 }
§12
John was a teacher of holiness, and in his letters to the church he laid down unerring rules for the conduct of Christians. Every man that hath this hope in him, he wrote, purifieth himself, even as He is pure. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. 1 John 3:3; 2:6. He taught that the Christian must be pure in heart and life. Never should he be satisfied with an empty profession. As God is holy in His sphere, so fallen man, through faith in Christ, is to be holy in his sphere. {AA 559.2 }[5]
§13
使徒保罗写道：“上帝的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁。”（帖前4:3）上帝在他子民身上所施的一切作为，都以教会成圣为目的。他从起初就拣选了他们，叫他们成为圣洁。他赐下他的儿子为他们舍命，叫他们因顺从真理而得以成为圣洁，脱离自己一切卑贱的行为。上帝所要他们作的乃是一种个人的工作，一种个人的献身。那些承认自己相信上帝的人唯有与他的形象相似，并受他圣灵的管束，才能归荣耀与他。然后，他们作救主的见证人，才可以宣扬上帝的恩典为他们所成就的事。[6]{AA 559.3 }
§14
This is the will of God, the apostle Paul wrote, even your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3. The sanctification of the church is Gods object in all His dealings with His people. He has chosen them from eternity, that they might be holy. He gave His Son to die for them, that they might be sanctified through obedience to the truth, divested of all the littleness of self. From them He requires a personal work, a personal surrender. God can be honored by those who profess to believe in Him, only as they are conformed to His image and controlled by His Spirit. Then, as witnesses for the Saviour, they may make known what divine grace has done for them. {AA 559.3 }[6]
§15
真正的成圣乃在于实践爱的原则。“上帝就是爱；住在爱里面的，就是住在上帝里面，上帝也住在他里面。”（约一4:16）那有基督住在心中之人的生活，必定显示出实际的敬虔。品格必成为纯洁、高尚、尊贵、光荣的。纯正的道理必与公义的作为协调；天上的训词必与圣洁的行为结合。[7]{AA 560.1 }
§16
True sanctification comes through the working out of the principle of love. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16. The life of him in whose heart Christ abides, will reveal practical godliness. The character will be purified, elevated, ennobled, and glorified. Pure doctrine will blend with works of righteousness; heavenly precepts will mingle with holy practices. {AA 560.1 }[7]
§17
凡想要获得成圣之福的人必须先认识自我牺牲的意义。基督的十字架乃是中心的柱石，那“极重无比永远的荣耀”全系于此。基督说：“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架，来跟从我。”（林后4:17；太16:24）那显明我们爱上帝的，乃是我们对于同胞之爱所发出的馨香之气。那使心灵得享安息的，乃是在服务上所表现的忍耐。那增进以色列幸福的，乃是由于谦卑、殷勤、忠诚的辛劳。上帝必支持并坚固那甘愿效法基督而行的人。[8]{AA 560.2 }
§18
Those who would gain the blessing of sanctification must first learn the meaning of self-sacrifice. The cross of Christ is the central pillar on which hangs the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. If any man will come after Me, Christ says, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 2 Corinthians 4:17; Matthew 16:24. It is the fragrance of our love for our fellow men that reveals our love for God. It is patience in service that brings rest to the soul. It is through humble, diligent, faithful toil that the welfare of Israel is promoted. God upholds and strengthens the one who is willing to follow in Christs way. {AA 560.2 }[8]
§19
成圣并不是一时、一刻、一天的工作，而是一生的工作。这也不是得自感情的一时焕发奔放，而是经常向罪死，经常为基督而活的结果。微薄而间断的努力决不能纠正过错，也无法造成品格的改善。唯有借赖恒切的努力，辛苦的锻炼，与坚决的斗争，我们方能得胜。我们今日不知道明日的斗争将是何等的艰巨。只要撒但仍然称霸，我们就必须攻克己身，制胜那缠累的罪；只要我们一息尚存，就决无停息之处，决无一处是我们可以抵达而敢于侈言：我已经完全达到了。原来成圣乃是终身顺从的结果。[9]{AA 560.3 }
§20
Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly living for Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor reformations wrought in the character by feeble, intermittent efforts. It is only by long, persevering effort, sore discipline, and stern conflict, that we shall overcome. We know not one day how strong will be our conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point which we can reach and say, I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience. {AA 560.3 }[9]
§21
众使徒和先知中从无一人自称是没有罪的。凡曾过着与上帝最亲近之生活的人，凡宁愿牺牲性命而不肯故意犯一件错行的人，凡曾蒙上帝赋以神圣亮光与能力的人，都承认他们的本性是有罪的。他们既不靠肉体，也不声称自己为义，而完全仰赖基督的义。[10]{AA 561.1 }
§22
None of the apostles and prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived the nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God has honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. {AA 561.1 }[10]
§23
凡仰望基督的人都必如此。我们愈益就近耶稣，就愈益辨识他圣德的纯洁，愈益看出罪的非常邪恶，我们也就愈益不想高抬自己了。心灵就必不断地渴慕上帝，也必作经常、恳切、而痛心的认罪，并在他面前自卑己心。我们在基督徒的经验上每前进一步，我们的悔改就必加深一步。我们应当知道唯有在基督里面，我们才得以满足，也当以使徒如下的自白作为我们的自白：“我也知道，在我里头，就是肉体之中，没有良善。”“我断不以别的夸口，只夸我们主耶稣基督的十字架：因这十字架，就我而论，世界已经钉在十字架上；就世界而论，我已经钉在十字架上。”（罗7:18；加6:14）[11]{AA 561.2 }
§24
So will it be with all who behold Christ. The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves. There will be a continual reaching out of the soul after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the heart before Him. At every advance step in our Christian experience our repentance will deepen. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone and shall make the apostles confession our own: I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Romans 7:18; Galatians 6:14. {AA 561.2 }[11]
§25
但愿职司记录的天使写下上帝子民作圣洁之挣扎及斗争的历史；且让天使记录他们的祈祷和眼泪；但千万不要从人的口中发出“我是无罪的，我是圣洁的”这种声明而玷辱了上帝。因为成圣之人的口决不至发出这种僭越自恃的话。[12]{AA 561.3 }
§26
Let the recording angels write the history of the holy struggles and conflicts of the people of God; let them record their prayers and tears; but let not God be dishonored by the declaration from human lips, I am sinless; I am holy. Sanctified lips will never give utterance to such presumptuous words. {AA 561.3 }[12]
§27
使徒保罗曾被提到第三层天上去过，也曾见过并听过人不可说的事，然而他那毫不矜夸的声明却是：“这不是说，我已经得着了，已经完全了；我乃是竭力追求。”（腓3:12）且让天上的使者记录保罗为真道打那美好的仗所得的胜利吧。且让天庭为他稳步奔走天程，并因他仰望奖赏以至丢弃万事看作粪土而欢喜快乐吧。天使固然乐意述说他的胜利，但保罗却并不矜夸自己的成就。保罗的这种态度，也正是每一基督徒在天路上奋勇前进，并努力追求永生冠冕时所应持有的态度。[13]{AA 562.1 }
§28
The apostle Paul had been caught up to the third heaven and had seen and heard things that could not be uttered, and yet his unassuming statement is: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after. Philippians 3:12. Let the angels of heaven write of Pauls victories in fighting the good fight of faith. Let heaven rejoice in his steadfast tread heavenward, and that, keeping the prize in view, he counts every other consideration dross. Angels rejoice to tell his triumphs, but Paul makes no boast of his attainments. The attitude of Paul is the attitude that every follower of Christ should take as he urges his way onward in the strife for the immortal crown. {AA 562.1 }[13]
§29
那些有意想自夸圣洁的人，务要对着上帝律法的镜子察看。当他们看到律法广泛的要求，并明了律法所有辨明内心的思想和意向的工作时，他们就不至自夸无罪了。约翰并不将自己和他的弟兄们分开，他说：“我们若说自己无罪，便是自欺，真理不在我们心里了。”“我们若说自己没有犯过罪，便是以上帝为说谎的，他的道也不在我们心里了。”“我们若认自己的罪，上帝是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义。”（约一1:8,10,9）[14]{AA 562.2 }
§30
Let those who feel inclined to make a high profession of holiness look into the mirror of Gods law. As they see its far-reaching claims, and understand its work as a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, they will not boast of sinlessness. If we, says John, not separating himself from his brethren, say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8, 10, 9. {AA 562.2 }[14]
§31
有一些人自命圣洁，声称自己是完全属于主的，并以为自己有权承受上帝的应许，可是他们却不肯顺从他的诫命。这些违犯律法的人声称有权承受凡应许给上帝儿女的一切事物；但这是他们片面的僭越自恃，因为约翰告诉我们说：真正爱上帝的心必定在顺从他一切诫命上表现出来。仅仅相信真理的理论，自称信仰基督，相信耶稣不是骗子，而且相信《圣经》的宗教并不是乖巧捏造的虚言，还是不够的。约翰写道：“人若说我认识他，却不遵守他的诫命，便是说谎的，真理也不在他心里了。凡遵守主道的，爱上帝的心在他里面实在是完全的，从此我们知道我们是在主里面。”“遵守上帝命令的，就住在上帝里面；上帝也住在他里面。”（约一2:4-5；3:24）[15]{AA 562.3 }
§32
There are those who profess holiness, who declare that they are wholly the Lords, who claim a right to the promises of God, while refusing to render obedience to His commandments. These transgressors of the law claim everything that is promised to the children of God; but this is presumption on their part, for John tells us that true love for God will be revealed in obedience to all His commandments. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth, to make a profession of faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is no impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, John wrote, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. 1 John 2:4, 5; 3:24. {AA 562.3 }[15]
§33
约翰并没有教导人说，救恩是要用顺从赚来的；而是说，顺从乃是信与爱的果实。他说：“你们知道主曾显现，是要除掉人的罪；在他并没有罪。凡住在他里面的，就不犯罪；凡犯罪的，是未曾看见他，也未曾认识他。”（约一3:5-6）我们若住在基督里面，上帝的爱若住在我们心中，我们的情感，我们的思想，我们的行动就都必符合上帝的旨意了。成圣的心是与上帝律法的训词协调的。[16]{AA 563.1 }
§34
John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love. Ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins, he said, and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. 1 John 3:5, 6. If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in the heart, our feelings, our thoughts, our actions, will be in harmony with the will of God. The sanctified heart is in harmony with the precepts of Gods law. {AA 563.1 }[16]
§35
有许多人虽然努力要顺从上帝的诫命，却得不到多少平安或喜乐。他们在经验上的这种缺憾，乃是没有操练信心的结果。他们好像是行在“旷野干旱之处，无人居住的碱地。”（耶17:6）当他们可以多要求的时候，他们却要求得太少了；因为上帝的应许原是没有限制的。这样的人并没有正确地表现那由于顺从真理而来的成圣。主唯愿他所有的儿女全都幸福、平安、与顺从。信徒可以借着操练信心而拥有这些福分。借着信心，品格上的每一缺点都可补救，每一玷污都可洁净，每一过错都可纠正，每一优点都可发展。[17]{AA 563.2 }
§36
There are many who, though striving to obey Gods commandments, have little peace or joy. This lack in their experience is the result of a failure to exercise faith. They walk as it were in a salt land, a parched wilderness. They claim little, when they might claim much; for there is no limit to the promises of God. Such ones do not correctly represent the sanctification that comes through obedience to the truth. The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Through the exercise of faith the believer comes into possession of these blessings. Through faith, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed. {AA 563.2 }[17]
§37
祷告乃是上天所命定在与罪恶斗争、以及在发展基督徒品格上获致成功的方法。那应答信心之祷告的神圣感化力，必在求恳者的心灵中成就他一切所要求的。无论是为了赦罪，为了圣灵，为了基督化的性情，为了智慧和力量以从事他的工作，为了任何他所应许的恩赐，我们都可以要求；而且应许乃是：“你们求就必得着。”[18]{AA 564.1 }
§38
Prayer is heavens ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, Ye shall receive. {AA 564.1 }[18]
§39
摩西看到那要作为上帝荣耀之居所的奇妙建筑物的样式，乃是在他与上帝同在的山上。我们应当在与上帝同在的山上与主交往的密室中默想他为人类所定的光荣理想。历代以来，上帝曾经由与上天交通的媒介，借着将恩典的道理逐渐向他儿女们的心意展开，而成就了他为他们的旨意。有表明他传授真理之方式的话说：“他出现确如晨光。”（何6:3）那自行置身于上帝能予以启导之处的人就必有所长进，好像从黎明的朦胧曙光变成正午的灿烂辉煌一般。”[19]{AA 564.2 }
§40
It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of that wonderful building that was to be the abiding place of His glory. It is in the mount with God--in the secret place of communion--that we are to contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. In all ages, through the medium of communion with heaven, God has worked out His purpose for His children, by unfolding gradually to their minds the doctrines of grace. His manner of imparting truth is illustrated in the words, His going forth is prepared as the morning. Hosea 6:3. He who places himself where God can enlighten him, advances, as it were, from the partial obscurity of dawn to the full radiance of noonday. {AA 564.2 }[19]
§41
真正成圣的意义就是完全的爱，完全的顺从，完全的符合上帝的旨意。我们必须借着顺从真理而成圣归与上帝。我们的良心必须洗净，除去以前犯罪的行为，侍奉那永生的上帝。（见来9:14）我们固然仍未完全；但我们却有特权从自我及罪恶的缠累中打开一条出路，进到完全的地步。伟大的可能性，高尚而圣洁的成就，乃是人人力所能及的。[20]{AA 565.1 }
§42
True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God. We are to be sanctified to God through obedience to the truth. Our conscience must be purged from dead works to serve the living God. We are not yet perfect; but it is our privilege to cut away from the entanglements of self and sin, and advance to perfection. Great possibilities, high and holy attainments, are placed within the reach of all. {AA 565.1 }[20]
§43
现今世界上许多人之所以在超凡入圣的生活上没有多大进展的原因，乃是因为他们把自己所愿意去作的事解为上帝的旨意。他们一方面随从自己的私欲，同时还自信他们是符合上帝旨意的。这些人不与自我斗争。另有一些人则在与自己爱宴乐好安逸的私欲奋斗中曾经获得一时的成功。他们固然认真诚恳，但终究对于长期的努力、天天的冒死、与无尽的烦扰感到厌倦了。安逸悠闲似乎动人心目，而自我死亡则令人厌恶；于是他们便闭上自己昏昏欲睡的眼睛，非但不抗拒试探，反而落在试探的权势之下了。[21]{AA 565.2 }
§44
The reason many in this age of the world make no greater advancement in the divine life is because they interpret the will of God to be just what they will to do. While following their own desires, they flatter themselves that they are conforming to Gods will. These have no conflicts with self. There are others who for a time are successful in the struggle against their selfish desire for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest, but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil. Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting it. {AA 565.2 }[21]
§45
《圣经》中所明载的指示并未留下与罪恶妥协的余地。上帝的儿子已经显现，为要吸引万人归向他自己。他来并不是要镇抚世人而听任其醉生梦死，乃是要指出一条人人必须行走、而最后达到上帝圣城之门的窄路。他的儿女必须循行他所引领的道路；不论牺牲任何安逸或自私的放纵，不论付出任何辛劳或痛苦的代价，他们都必须坚持经常与自我进行战斗。[22]{AA 565.3 }
§46
The directions laid down in the word of God leave no room for compromise with evil. The Son of God was manifested that He might draw all men unto Himself. He came not to lull the world to sleep, but to point out the narrow path in which all must travel who reach at last the gates of the City of God. His children must follow where He has led the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or suffering, they must maintain a constant battle with self. {AA 565.3 }[22]
§47
世人所能归与上帝的最大赞美，乃是献身成为他所能借以施展作为的工具。时间迅速消逝，永不复返。我们切不可扣留那原属于上帝之物。我们切不可拒绝不将那奉献了固然无功可夸，不奉献则必招致败亡之物献给他。他既要你整个的心，就当献给他；无论就创造或就救赎而言，这都是他的。他要你的才智，就当献给他；因为这原是他的。他要你的金钱，也当献给他，因为这也是他的。“你们不是自己的人，因为你们是重价买来的。”（林前6:19-20）上帝要人以出自成圣之心的敬拜来侍奉他，这样的心是由于操练那生发仁爱之信心而作了准备的。他在我们面前提示一个最崇高的理想，那就是完全。他要我们在此世绝对而完全地代表他，正如他在上帝面前代表我们一般。[23]{AA 566.1 }
§48
The greatest praise that men can bring to God is to become consecrated channels through whom He can work. Time is rapidly passing into eternity. Let us not keep back from God that which is His own. Let us not refuse Him that which, though it cannot be given with merit, cannot be denied without ruin. He asks for a whole heart; give it to Him; it is His, both by creation and by redemption. He asks for your intellect; give it to Him; it is His. He asks for your money; give it to Him; it is His. Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. God requires the homage of a sanctified soul, which has prepared itself, by the exercise of the faith that works by love, to serve Him. He holds up before us the highest ideal, even perfection. He asks us to be absolutely and completely for Him in this world as He is for us in the presence of God. {AA 566.1 }[23]
§49
那有关于你的“上帝的旨意”就是要你“成为圣洁。”（帖前4:3）这也是你的意愿么？你的罪在你面前或许像高山一般，但你若能存心谦卑，承认你的罪，倚靠那被钉而又复活之救主的功劳，他必赦免，并且洗净你一切的不义。上帝要你完全顺从他的律法。这律法就是他言语的回声，向你说：务要更加圣洁。是啊，仍然更加圣洁；务要渴慕基督恩典的丰盛。你的心务要充满对他公义的热烈渴望。《圣经》说公义的果效必是平安、公义的效验必是平稳，直到永远。[24]{AA 566.2 }
§50
This is the will of God concerning you, even your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3. Is it your will also? Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. God demands of you entire conformity to His law. This law is the echo of His voice saying to you, Holier, yes, holier still. Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness, the work of which Gods word declares is peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever. {AA 566.2 }[24]
§51
当你的心灵渴慕上帝时，你必要发现基督那测不透的丰富多而又多。当你默想这些丰富时，你就必能获得它们，也必能表显救主牺牲的功德，他公义的保障，他智慧的丰盛，于是他的能力必要将你“没有玷污，无可指摘”地呈献在上帝面前。（彼后3:14）[25]{AA 567.1 }
§52
As your soul yearns after God, you will find more and still more of the unsearchable riches of His grace. As you contemplate these riches you will come into possession of them and will reveal the merits of the Saviours sacrifice, the protection of His righteousness, the fullness of His wisdom, and His power to present you before the Father without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:14. {AA 567.1 }[25]