Chapter 241—A Work of Reformation
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley
shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and
the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made
smooth.
Luke 3:4, 5
.
The work of reformation here brought to view by John, the purging of
heart and mind and soul, is one that is needed by many who today profess to
have the faith of Christ. Wrong practices that have been indulged in need
to be put away; the crooked paths need to be made straight, and the rough
places smooth. The mountains and hills of self-esteem and pride need to
be brought low. There is need of bringing forth “fruits meet for repentance”
(
Matthew 3:8
). When this work is done in the experience of God’s believing
people, “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (
Luke 3:6
)....
The fact that our names are on the church books will not secure for us
an entrance into the kingdom of heaven. God asks, Have you used your
opportunities for service and for the development of Christian character?
Have you traded faithfully with your Lord’s goods? Knowing the will of
God concerning you, how have you obeyed that will? Have you sought to
benefit and bless those who needed help and encouragement? ...
There is no human being in the world but bears fruit of some kind, either
good or evil; and Christ has made it possible for every soul to bear most
precious fruit. Obedience to the requirements of God, submission to the will
of Christ, will yield in the life the peaceable fruits of righteousness. The
inhabitants of this world are dear to God’s family.... He gave the richest
gift that heaven could bestow, that men and women might return from their
rebellion to His law, and accept into their hearts and lives the principles of
heaven. If men would acknowledge the Gift, and accept His sacrifice, their
transgressions would be pardoned, and the grace of God would be imparted
to them to help them to yield in their lives the precious fruits of holiness.
“Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit.” We have a representation
to make to the world of pure principles, holy ambitions, noble aspirations,
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