What does EGW write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Sünde überwinden durch energische Anstrengungen oder durch den Geist?"
Answer
The overcoming of sin requires an inseparable cooperation between divine power and human effort. While only God's grace is able to cleanse the heart, man is called to employ every ability in the battle against the self and temptation. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, human striving is futile, yet God saves no one in inactivity.
Cooperation of God and Man
»The work of obtaining salvation is a partnership, a joint operation. It requires cooperation between God and the repentant sinner. This is necessary for the formation of proper principles in character. Man should make serious efforts to overcome what hinders him from attaining perfection. Yet he is wholly dependent on God for success.«
Against Human Inactivity
»Man has been assigned a share in this great battle for eternal life; he must respond to the work of the Holy Spirit. It will require a fight to break through the powers of darkness, and the Spirit works within him to accomplish this. Yet man is not a passive being who can be saved in laziness. He is called to tense every muscle and employ every ability in the fight for immortality; but it is God who grants the effectiveness.«
Dependence on Christ
»Many have the notion that they must do a part of the work on their own. They have trusted Christ for the forgiveness of sins, but now try to live rightly through their own efforts. Yet every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “Without me you can do nothing.” Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness – all depend on our fellowship with Christ.«
A Lifelong Battle
»Wrong cannot be atoned for by a few weak, irregular efforts, nor can character reforms be carried out that way. Sanctification is not the work of a day or a year, but of an entire life. The battle for victory over the self, for holiness and heaven is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity there can be no progress in the divine life.«
The Role of the Holy Spirit
»Sin must be crucified. A complete moral renewal must be effected by the Holy Spirit. We must have God’s love with a living, lasting faith. ... Every sincere and earnest seeker will receive a share of the divine nature. ... As he looks, he is transformed and enabled to reflect the image of his Redeemer.«
Victory over One’s Own Heart
»The victory we achieve over our own evil hearts and the temptations of Satan will cost us great effort, constant vigilance, and persistent prayer; and we will then not only reap the reward, which is the gift of eternal life, but also increase our happiness on earth.«
🔍 Related Searches
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