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How can we have our souls saved?
By having them sanctified. Only the "pure in heart shall see God." Get your souls inlaid and enamelled with holiness. 1 Pet 1:16. It is not enough that "we cease to do evil;" which is all the evidence some have to show, and lose heaven by short shooting; but we must be inwardly sanctified. Not only the "unclean spirit" must go out—but we must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Eph 5:19. This holiness must needs be, if you consider God is to dwell with you here, and you are to dwell with him hereafter.
God is to dwell with you here. He takes up the soul for his own lodging. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts." Eph 3:17. Therefore the soul must be consecrated. A king's palace must be kept clean, especially his presence chamber. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 6:19. The soul is the holy of holies; how holy should it be!
You are to dwell with God. Heaven is a holy place. "An inheritance undefiled." 1 Pet 1:4. And how can you dwell with God until you are sanctified? We do not put wine into a musty vessel; and God will not put the new wine of glory into a sinful heart. Oh, then, as you love your souls, and would have them saved eternally, endeavour after holiness! By this means you will have a fitness for the kingdom of heaven—and your souls will be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus!
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