Building Your House, Part II

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock." (1)

"We build on Christ by obeying His word. It is not he who merely enjoys righteousness, that is righteous, but he who does righteousness. Holiness is no rapture; it is the result of surrendering all to God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father. When the Children of Israel were camped on the borders of the Promised Land, it was not enough for them to have a knowledge of Canaan, or to sing the songs of Canaan. This alone would not bring them into possession of the vineyards and olive groves of the good land. They could make it theirs in truth only by occupation, by complying with the conditions, by exercising living faith in God, by appropriating His promises to themselves, while they obeyed His instruction.

"Religion consists in doing the words of Christ; not doing to earn God's favor, but because, all undeserving, we have received the gift of His love. Christ places the salvation of man, not upon profession merely, but upon faith that is made manifest in works of righteousness. Doing, not saying merely, is expected of the followers of Christ. It is through action that character is built. 'As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.' (2) Not those whose hearts are touched by the Spirit, not those who now and then yield to its power, but they that are led by the Spirit, are the sons of God.

"Do you desire to become a follower of Christ, yet know not how to begin? Are you in darkness and know not how to find the light? Follow the light you have. Set your heart to obey what you do know of the word of God. His power, His very life, dwells in His word. As you receive the word in faith, it will give you power to obey. As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come. You are building on God's word, and your character will be built after the similitude of the character of Christ.

"Christ, the true foundation, is the living stone; His life is imparted to all that are built upon Him. 'You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, (3) In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.' (4) The stones become one with the foundation; for a common life dwells in all. That building no tempest can overthrow; for 'That which shares the life of God, with Him surviveth all.' " (5)

1. Matthew 7:24.
2. Romans 8:14.
3. 1 Peter 2:5.
4. Ephesians 2:21.
5. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, pp., 149, 150.