

Like Yeast God's grace changes us from inside
out.
The
kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid
in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Matt. 13:33.
In the Saviour's parable, leaven is used to represent the kingdom of
heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the
grace of God. . . .
The grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be
fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which
the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a
child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. . . . As
the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward,
so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to
transform the life. . . .
The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole
mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works
secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural
inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings,
new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set
up--the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are
roused to action in new lines. . . . The conscience is awakened. . .
.
The heart of him who receives the grace of God overflows with love
for God and for those for whom Christ died. Self is not struggling
for recognition. . . . He is kind and thoughtful, humble in his
opinion of himself, yet full of hope, always trusting in the mercy
and love of God. . . .
The grace of Christ is to control the temper and the voice. Its
working will be seen in politeness and tender regard shown by
brother for brother, in kind, encouraging words. An angel presence
is in the home. The life breathes a sweet perfume, which ascends to
God as holy incense. Love is manifested in kindness, gentleness,
forbearance, and long-suffering. The countenance is changed. Christ
abiding in the heart shines out in the faces of those who love Him
and keep His commandments. . . . As these changes are effected,
angels break forth in rapturous song, and God and Christ rejoice
over souls fashioned after the divine similitude.