Chapter 63—The Pearl of Great Price
[
This article appeared in
The Review and Herald, August 8, 1899
.]
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life” (
John 3:16
). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The
righteousness of Christ, as a pure white pearl, has no defect, no stain,
no guilt. This righteousness may be ours. Salvation, with its blood-
bought, inestimable treasures, is the pearl of great price. It may be
searched for and found. But all who really find it will sell all they have
to buy it. They give evidence that they are one with Christ, as He is
one with the Father. In the parable the merchantman is represented as
selling all that he had to gain possession of one pearl of great price.
This is a beautiful representation of those who appreciate the truth
so highly that they give up all they have to come into possession of
it. They lay hold by faith of the salvation provided for them at the
sacrifice of the only-begotten Son of God.
There are some who are seeking, always seeking, for the goodly
pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits.
They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do
not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition
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and their love for worldly attractions. They do not lift the cross, and
follow Christ in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice. They never
know what it is to have peace and harmony in the soul; for without
entire surrender there is no rest, no joy. Almost Christians, yet not
fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they do
not enter therein. Almost but not wholly saved means to be not almost
but wholly lost.
A daily consecration to God brings peace and rest. The merchant
sold all that he had to possess the pearl. When those who are seeking
for salvation refuse to fail or be discouraged, they will find peace
and rest in the Lord. Christ will clothe them with His righteousness.
He will provide them with a clean heart and a renewed mind. These
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