January 11

Read: Titus 2:11-14

For the saving grace of God hath appeared to all men, instructing us that, having renounced ungodliness and all worldly desires, we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly in the present world (Titus 2:11-12, Wesley’s translation).

Holiness In This Life

There are many sincere Christians who admire the ideal of a Spirit-filled life. They believe that every Christian should aspire to it. But their faith is not strong enough to claim it as a possibility for this life. If this be our mood, let us consider the appeal of a man who left a holiness testimony in the mid-twentieth century.

“If any man question whether it is possible to attain to such a state of holiness in this world, let him remember that this is our world of probation, and that here the blood of Jesus was shed and here the Holy Spirit is poured out. Here all the conditions are possible and here all the propitiation of Christ and all the efficiency of the Holy Spirit are available.

“What merit can the future have that we do not have now? We have the blood of Jesus. What more of merit can saints in heaven have? What power to renovate spirit can they have in heaven that we do not have here? We have the Holy Spirit, the infinite refining fire, what can they have in heaven that can be more efficient?

“The world is sinful! That is true, but ‘greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.’ Our own natures are depraved! True, but ‘the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ We are too unworthy and weak! True, but ‘The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world'” (J. B. Chapman).

Saviour, to Thee my soul looks up, My present Saviour, Thou! In all the confidence of hope, I claim the blessing now.

— Wesley’s Hymns