"Prerequisites to Divine Fullness." "God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving to them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us, and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." Acts 15 v.8-9 The final essential element required for the enjoyment of full salvation is a complete and confident trust in the promises of God. He has given us words of promise, pertinent to heart holiness. 1. The Provision Presented. Writing to young Titus, the Apostle Paul made it perfectly clear: "Christ... gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2 v.14. The Hebrew epistle reaches the climax of heart cleansing grace when it speaks of Him who suffered, "outside the gate that He might sanctify the people with His own blood." Hebrews 13 v.12. The beloved John leaves no margin for impurity when he states, "The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin." 1John 1 v.7. It was Francis Ridley Havergal who made the comment, "If all doesn't mean all, then what does it mean?" These and many other New Testament passages present the riches of God's grace and the power of Jesus Christ to cleanse the heart from all sin. If the blood of our Saviour cannot effect a total purification of the moral nature of man, then it fails at the point where we need it most! 2. The Provision Accepted. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7 v.1. I have already spoken of the importance of hungering and thirsting after righteousness. Emphasis has been given to obedience in our previous message. Consecration has been presented as another vital prerequisite to the cleansing of the heart and the enduement of the Holy Spirit. But now there must be a definite step of faith. Mark the words from the pen of General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army: "What is the faith that sanctifies? It is that act of simple truth, which, on the authority of Christ's Word, says, "The blood of Jesus Christ does NOW cleanse me from all inward sin, and makes me pure in heart before Him, believing that He receives me, and that He will evermore keep me holy while I thus trust in Him." Dr. Asbury Lowry said, "Faith is to full salvation... the medium of communication... It is the touch of faith alone that brings the healing virtue out of Christ, by which the believer is made every whit whole." Yes we are sanctified by faith in Jesus Christ and the merits of His cleansing blood. Yes we are purified by faith and receive the gift of the Spirit's fullness. Yes we can be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit by laying hold on the promises of God. 2 Corinthians 7 v.1. "Standing on the promises I now can see Perfect present cleansing in the blood for me." Mrs. Phoebe Palmer has left on record that it was on this ground the battle was finally won. She says, "The foundation of my faith was the immutable Word... I was shut up to faith... naked faith in a naked promise. I then took the advanced ground of confession. I exclaimed, 'Through Thy grace alone I have been enabled to give myself wholly and forever to Thee. Thou hast given me Thy Word, assuring me that Thou dost receive. I BELIEVE THAT WORD...' I felt that I was but as a drop in the ocean of infinite love and Christ was all in all." Consider carefully the issues presented in these messages. Remember, it cost the Son of God everything to procure purity for you. This is His will for you now. Trust the Lord for a clean heart and a Spirit filled life! If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written for this Web Site by Rev. E. Stewart. Due to be updated: Sunday 13th August Archived Messages. 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (3) 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message