Basic HTML Version
Confessing our Faith, December 22
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 10:32
.
If ever there was a period of time when the words of Christ should be
heard, it is now.... Through the sanctification of the truth, we may bear
a decided testimony for righteousness both before believers and before
unbelievers.
We are far behind what we should be in our experience. We are
backward in pronouncing the testimony that should flow from sanctified
lips. Even when sitting at the table Christ taught truths that brought
comfort and courage to the hearts of His hearers. Whenever it is possible
we are to present the words of Christ. If His love is in the soul, abiding
there as a living principle, there will come forth from the treasure house
of the heart, words suitable to the occasion, not light, trifling words,
but uplifting words, words of truth and spirituality.... Confessing Christ
openly and bravely, exhibiting in the choice of words the simplicity of
true godliness, will be more effective than many sermons. There are but
few who give a true representation of the meekness of Christ. Oh, we
need, and we must have, His meekness. Christ is to be formed within, the
hope of glory.
We are preparing for translation to the heavenly world. Our conversa-
tion should be in heaven, from whence we look for the Lord Jesus. He
is to be acknowledged as the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the
Author of all our blessings, in whom is centered our hope of eternal life.
Never for one moment should the impression be given to anyone that it
would be for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving
people of the world, fearing that he may not be so highly esteemed if his
principles are known. Christ requires from all His followers open, manly
confession of faith. Each must take his position and be what God designed
he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole
universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of
the great controversy between Christ and Satan.... Never, from cowardice
or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in the background.
[364]
377