As
a matter of course, therefore, when sin is cast out, fear is cast out
with it. Now perfect love is the positive side of entire
sanctification; it implies the absence of inbred sin and the unmixed
love of God occupying the soul. Such love, therefore, most truly must
cast out fear.
The impenitent sinner neither fears nor loves God. The awakened sinner
fears him, but does not love Him. The justified believer both fears and
loves. Sometimes the fear is in the ascendant and sometimes the love.
The entirely sanctified believer loves with all his heart, and has no
tormenting fear. Praise the Lord.
And the beloved apostle instructs us also as to the method of obtaining
the blessing of perfect love. It is by the prayer of faith, and the
prayer of faith involves the idea of a preceding entire consecration.
"For," says John, "if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our
heart," which probably signifies that He also will condemn us, and,
therefore, we cannot utter a believing prayer for such a blessing as
entire sanctification while we are not wholly given up to the Lord, for
while that is our case, our heart will continue to condemn us.
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