Chapter 54—The Subject Presented in 1883
[
Morning talks to the ministers assembled at the General Conference,
Battle Creek, Michigan, November, 1883. Published in
Gospel
Workers (1892 Ed.), 411-415
, under the title “Christ Our
Righteousness.”]
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (
1 John 1:9
).
God requires that we confess our sins, and humble our hearts before
Him; but at the same time we should have confidence in Him as a
tender Father, who will not forsake those who put their trust in Him.
Many of us walk by sight, and not by faith. We believe the things
that are seen, but do not appreciate the precious promises given us in
God’s Word; and yet we cannot dishonor God more decidedly than by
showing that we distrust what He says, and question whether the Lord
is in earnest with us or is deceiving us.
God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make
mistakes, and grieve His Spirit; but when we repent, and come to Him
with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away. There are hindrances
to be removed. Wrong feelings have been cherished, and there have
been pride, self-sufficiency, impatience, and murmurings. All these
separate us from God. Sins must be confessed; there must be a deeper
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work of grace in the heart. Those who feel weak and discouraged may
become strong men of God, and do noble work for the Master. But
they must work from a high standpoint; they must be influenced by no
selfish motives.
Merits of Christ Our Only Hope
We must learn in the school of Christ. Nothing but His righteous-
ness can entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace.
We have long desired and tried to obtain these blessings, but have not
received them because we have cherished the idea that we could do
something to make ourselves worthy of them. We have not looked
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