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A Person’s True Worth, August 16
God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be
saved by him from the wrath of God.
Romans 5:8, 9
, RSV.
Christ and Him crucified should become the theme of our thoughts and stir the
deepest emotions of our souls. The true followers of Christ will appreciate the great
salvation which He has wrought for them; and wherever He leads the way, they will
follow. They will consider it a privilege to bear whatever burdens Christ may lay
upon them. It is through the cross alone that we can estimate the worth of the human
soul. Such is the value of men for whom Christ died that the Father is satisfied with
the infinite price which He pays for the salvation of man in yielding up His own Son
to die for their redemption. What wisdom, mercy, and love in its fullness are here
manifested! The worth of man is known only by going to Calvary. In the mystery of
the cross of Christ we can place an estimate upon man.
What a responsible position, to unite with the Redeemer of the world in the
salvation of men! This work calls for self-denial, sacrifice, and benevolence, for per-
severance, courage, and faith.... Persistent, prevailing faith is necessary (
Testimonies
for the Church 2:634, 635
).
Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the pathway of every follower of Christ.
The cross is that which crosses the natural affections and the will. If the heart is
not wholly sanctified to God, if the will and affections and thoughts are not brought
into subjection to the will of God, there will be a failure to carry out the principles
of true religion and to exemplify in the life the life of Christ (
Testimonies for the
Church 2:651
).
The followers of Christ should value souls as He valued them. Their sympathies
should be with the work of their dear Redeemer, and they should labor to save
the purchase of His blood, at any sacrifice. What are money, houses, and lands in
comparison with even one soul?
Christ made a full and complete sacrifice, a sacrifice sufficient to save every son
and daughter of Adam who should show repentance toward God for having trans-
gressed His law, and manifest faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet notwithstanding
the sacrifice was ample, but few consent to a life of obedience that they may have
this great salvation. Few are willing to imitate His amazing privations, to endure
His sufferings and persecutions, and to share His exhausting labor to bring others to
the light.... Christ is the Captain of our salvation, and by His own sufferings and
sacrifice He has given an example to all His followers that watchfulness and prayer,
and persevering effort, were necessary on their part if they would rightly represent
the love which dwelt in His bosom for the fallen race (
Testimonies for the Church
2:664
).
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