Chapter 56—A Truth Bearing the Divine Credentials
[
Items drawn from reports on the reception of the message of
righteousness by faith as it was presented following the General
Conference held at Minneapolis in 1888.
]
A Message From God
[
Drawn from report of the camp meeting at Rome, New York.
]
The present message—justification by faith—is a message from
God; it bears the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness. Some
who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them,
we fear did not receive its benefit. They did not open the door of their
hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly guest, and they have suffered
great loss. There is indeed a narrow way in which we must walk; the
cross is presented at every step. We must learn to live by faith; then
the darkest hours will be brightened by the blessed beams of the Sun
of Righteousness.
We are not safe if we neglect to search the Scriptures daily for
light and knowledge. Earthly blessings cannot be obtained without
toil, and can we expect that spiritual and heavenly blessings will come
[360]
without earnest effort on our part? The mines of truth are to be worked.
Says the psalmist, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth
understanding unto the simple” (
Psalm 119:130
). The Word of God
must not be kept apart from our life. It must be entertained in the mind,
welcomed in the heart, and be cherished, loved, and obeyed. We need
also much more knowledge; we need to be enlightened in regard to the
plan of salvation. There is not one in one hundred who understands
for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary to our
present and eternal welfare. When light begins to shine forth to make
clear the plan of redemption to the people, the enemy works with all
diligence that the light may be shut away from the hearts of men. If we
come to the Word of God with a teachable, humble spirit, the rubbish
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