Of God the Holy Ghost.
Acts, xv. 9; 2 Cor. iii. 18.
3. It is the action of the believer.
Heb. xii. 1; 1 John, iii. 3.
I have seen God’s work in holiness described as the same as God’s work in the pardon of sin. But there is this essential difference: Forgiveness is an act of God in His own mind alone; holiness is a work of God in the mind of man, controlling and directing all the activities of the mind. Forgiveness is, therefore, altogether external to man, and must be received in trust alone; but holiness is a power and principle of human action, and therefore is developed in human activities. The distinction may be illustrated by repentance and forgiveness. Both are the gifts of our exalted Saviour. (Acts, v. 31.) But God forgives, and man repents.
4. It commences with a new creation in Christ Jesus.
2 Cor. v. 17; Eph. ii. 10.
5. It is the result of acceptance with God, and of the realization of His mercy.
1 John, iii. 2, 3; Rom. xii. 1.
6. The principle which God employs to produce it is faith.