Chapter 4: An Inference Drawn from the Proposition

CHAPTER 4. An Inference drawn from the Proposition.

From all that has been said, see how hard a thing it is to be a Christian. Were it only to put on the mantle of profession, it were easy, even Satan can transform himself into an Angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14. But a man must deny himself; this self-emptying, or self-annihilation is the Strait Gate through which a Christian must enter into the Kingdom of God. He is to deny not only those things which are without him, his worldly profits; but which are within him, his sins, nay, his righteousness. Self is an Idol, and it is hard to sacrifice this Idol; but this must be done. Either Carnal Self must be denied, or Natural Self damned.

CHAPTER 4. A Lesson Drawn from the Proposition.

From everything that has been said, see how hard it is to be a true Christian. If it were only a matter of putting on the outward appearance of faith, it would be easy -- even Satan can disguise himself as an Angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14. But a person must deny himself. This self-emptying, this self-surrender, is the Narrow Gate through which a Christian must enter the Kingdom of God. He must deny not only what is outside him -- his worldly profits -- but also what is inside him -- his sins, and even his own righteousness. Self is an Idol, and it is hard to sacrifice this idol. But it must be done. Either sinful self must be denied, or the whole self will be damned.