The Fourth Principle

Q. But how mayest thou be made partaker of Christ and His benefits? A. A man of a contrite and humble spirit, by faith alone apprehending and applying Christ with all His merits unto himself, is justified before God and sanctified.Proof: 1. A man of a contrite and humble spirit “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isa. 57:15; “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” – Psa. 51:17. 2. By faith alone “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.” – Mark 5:36; “And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” – Num. 21:9; “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” – John 3:14,15. 3. Apprehending and applying Christ with all His merits unto himself “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” – John 1:12; “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” – John 6:35. 4. Is justified before God “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” – Rom. 4:3-7. 5. And sanctified “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” – Acts 15:9; “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” – 1 Cor. 1:30.