Wesley Corpus

8: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil;’ the works of the devil, without any limitation or restriction; but all sin is the work of the devil. Parallel to which is the assertion of St. Paul: “Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it might be holy and without blemish.’ (Eph. v. 25-27.) “And to the same effect is his assertion in the eighth of the Romans, verses 3, 4: “God sent his Son, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.” “Q. Does the New Testament afford any farther ground for expecting to be saved from all sin? “A. Undoubtedly it does; both in those prayers and com mands, which are equivalent to the strongest assertions. “Q. What prayers do you mean? “A. Prayers for entire sanctification; which, were there no such thing, would be mere mockery of God. Such in particular are, (1.) “Deliver us from evil.” Now, when this is done, when we are delivered from all evil, there can be no sin remaining. (2.) “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.” (John xvii. 20-23.) (3) “I bow my knees unto the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would grant you, that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth know ledge; that ye may be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Eph. iii. 14, &c.) (4) ‘The very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I pray God, your whole spirit, soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. v. 23.) “Q. What command is there to the same effect? “A.