" This is what they are
careful _not to say_. It is a clear evidence that the Spirit which
guided Peter is not guiding them. I assert it to be a fact that
everything that is claimed to be effected by a personal indwelling of
the Spirit is as clearly accomplished by the Spirit acting through the
word of God.
I do not wish to rest content with asserting that statement, but I wish
to prove it. What are the things that might be accomplished by a direct
personal indwelling of the Spirit in us?
1. He might give us faith.
But through the Word he does that. "So belief cometh of hearing, and
hearing by the _word of Christ_" (Rom. 10:17).
2. He might enable us to enjoy a new birth.
But through the Word he does that. "Having been begotten again, not of
corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the _word of God_, which
liveth and abideth" (1 Pet. 1:23).
3. He might give us light.
But through the Word he does that. "The entrance of thy word giveth
light" (Ps. 119:130).
4. He might give us wisdom.
But through the Word he does that. "But abide thou in the things which
thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast
learned them; and that from a babe thou hast known the _sacred writings_
which are able to _make thee wise_ unto salvation through faith which is
in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim.
Pages:
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104