Perfect Sanctification and Perfect Justification

[KenH]

The believer has a perfect sanctification, as well as a perfect justification, in his Lord and Saviour. In his approaches to a throne of grace, he looks beyond both guilt and graces in himself, pleading the salvation of Jesus only. Christ crucified is the source of peace, acceptance, and humble boldness; also of inward fruits and heart holiness. Sin cannot be mortified, but by looking to him who hung upon the cross for its atonement; and beholding the glory of God in the face, person, and undertaking of Jesus, is the only thing that transforms the soul into the same image. Christ is the tree of life, both root and branch; the temple, the altar, and the sacrifice; the giver and the gift; the all in all of a believer's dependence. Christ, thus apprehended, is the cause of holiness, in the bud, blossom, and fruit. Christ is a cordial in times of fainting; a door of hope in times of trouble and temptation; a healer of spiritual sickness; a setter of bones, when broken by wilful sin or aggravated backsliding; an altar, sanctifying every gift that is offered upon it; a fountain, watering his own graces in the heart: the spring of all happiness and peace, purity and holiness, here and for evermore. Our sanctification in Christ is thus complete.

- excerpt from William Mason's The Believer's Pocket Companion: Or, Putting on Christ the One Thing Needful