The master deception of Satan!

(Arthur Pink, "The Doctrine of Sanctification" 1937)

"I am the LORD your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy." Leviticus 11:44

We do greatly deceive ourselves, if we imagine that we are drawing nearer to Heaven - while only following those courses which lead to Hell.

We are woefully deluded, if we suppose that we are journeying towards glory - and yet are living in sin.

Christ died to procure holiness - not to secure an indulgence for sin.

To live in known and allowed sin, and yet expect to be saved by Christ - is the master deception of Satan!

My reader, a faith which does not transform character and reform conduct, is worthless.

Saving faith is only proved to be genuine by bearing the blossoms of experimental godliness and the fruits of personal piety.

Great multitudes of ignorant people who live under the Gospel, harden their hearts in sin and ruin their souls forever, by trusting on Christ for such an 'imaginary salvation' as consists not at all in holiness - but only in forgiveness of sin and deliverance from everlasting torments. They would be free from the punishments due to sin - but they love their lusts so well that they hate holiness and do not desire to be saved from the service of sin. If they do not desire to be made holy and righteous in their hearts and lives - then they do not heartily desire true salvation.