Brother Lambert, thank you for your quick answer.
I fully agree with you in that our faith should increase continually. Active faith is important in the establishing, in the maintaining and for the growth of the christian life.
But what you say here, I don't fully agree with: "Now, if she says our faith must increase, then that must mean we still have some unbelief. And since "whatsoever is not of faith is sin," (Romans 14:23) then she is implying that we still have sin in our hearts, since she says our faith must increase."
I will try to explain why I see it differently by using two quotes from Ellen G. White.
A good illustration of sanctification is the parable of the seed. It says that there is "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear". How shall we understand this parable about christian growth?
Since we are in the sanctuary thread, I want to remind us of the 7-branched candle stick of gold in the holy place. On it, was written the same parable as Jesus taught, just with a different plant. The almond plant.
While the laver in the courtyard symbolizes cleansing from sin, the candle stick symbolizes the christian life as a growing process.
Let us look how the SOP understood this parable: "He who gave this parable created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that govern its growth. And the truths which the parable teaches were made a living reality in His own life. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the Majesty of heaven, The King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother's care. In childhood He did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child and not of a man, honouring His parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at every stage of his development He was perfect, with the simple natural grace of a sinless life."
"The germination of the seed represents the beginning of the spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase. We shall become strong to bear responsibility, and our maturity will be in proportion to our privileges" (COL 62, 63, 82).
In connection with these two statements, let us look again to see what sanctification really is:
"Sanctification is a state of holiness, without and within, being holy and without reserve the Lord's, not in form, but in truth. Every impurity of thought, every lustful passion, seperates the soul from God; for he can never put his robe of righteousness upon a sinner, to hide his deformity" (OHC 214).
"Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly living for Christ. Wrongs cannot be righted nor reformations wrought in the character by feeble, intermittent efforts. It is only by long, persevering effort, sore discipline, and stern conflict, that we shall overcome. We know not one day how strong will be our conflict the next. So long as Satan reigns, we shall have self to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life shall last, there will be no stopping place, no point we can reach and say. I have fully attained. Sanctification is the result of lifelong obedience" (AA 560, 561).
Sincerely
Allan F