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Simple Faith Unites us to God, December 21
Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:11
,
NIV.
We are living in a most solemn period of this earth’s history. There is never time
to sin; it is always perilous to continue in transgression; but in a special sense is
this true at the present time. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world
and stand in a more solemn relation to time and to eternity than ever before. Now
let every person search his own heart, and plead for the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness to expel all spiritual darkness and cleanse from defilement. “If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness.” Through faith, irrespective of feeling, Jesus, the Author of our
salvation, the Finisher of our faith, will, by His precious grace, strengthen the moral
powers, and the sinner may reckon himself “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive
unto God through Jesus Christ.” Simple faith, with the love of Christ in the soul,
unites the believer to God. While toiling in battle as a faithful soldier of Christ, he
has the sympathy of the whole loyal universe. The ministering angels are round
about him to aid in the conflict, so that he may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper,”
“the Lord is my strength and my shield”; I shall not be overcome. “By grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
The infinite wisdom and power of God are exerted in our behalf. The heavenly
host are surely fighting our battles for us. They are always looking with intense
interest upon the souls purchased by the Saviour’s blood. They see, through the
sacrifice of Christ, the value of the human soul. It is always safe to be on the Lord’s
side, not halfheartedly, but wholly. It is this halfhearted, indifferent, careless work
that separates your souls from Jesus, the source of your strength. Let this be your
prayer: “Take everything from me, let me lose property, worldly honor, everything,
but let Thy presence be with me.” It is safe to commit the keeping of the soul to
God, who reigns over all heaven and earth (
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel
Workers, 147, 148
).
There must be thorough repentance, faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ, vigilant
watchfulness, unceasing prayer, and diligent searching of the Scriptures. God holds
us responsible for all that we might be if we would improve our talents.... All our
influence belongs to God. All that we acquire is to be used to His glory. All the
property that the Lord has entrusted to us is to be held on the altar of God, to be
returned to Him again. We are working out our own destiny. May God help us all to
be wise for eternity (
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 147
).
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