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A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
word, every thought, is to be in accord with these principles. All must
be brought into harmony with, and subject to, Christ.
The precious graces of the Holy Spirit are not developed in a
moment. Courage, fortitude, meekness, faith, unwavering trust in
God’s power to save, are acquired by the experience of years. By a
life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of
God are to seal their destiny.
No Time to Lose
We have no time to lose. We know not how soon our probation
may close. At the longest, we have but a brief lifetime here, and we
know not how soon the arrow of death may strike our hearts. We
know not how soon we may be called to give up the world and all its
interests. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted.
But a few short years, and for everyone now numbered with the living
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the mandate will go forth:
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: ... and he that is righteous,
let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still”
(
Revelation 22:11
).
Are we prepared? Have we become acquainted with God, the
Governor of heaven, the Lawgiver, and with Jesus Christ whom He
sent into the world as His representative? When our lifework is ended,
shall we be able to say, as did Christ our example:
“I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which
Thou gavest Me to do.... I have manifested Thy name”?
John 17:4-6
.
The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and
from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain.
Minds that have been given up to loose thought need to change.
“Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the
grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as
obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance: but as He which hath called you is holy, so
be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye
holy; for I am holy” (
1 Peter 1:13-16
).
The thoughts must be centered upon God. We must put forth
earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our
efforts, our self-denial and perseverance, must be proportionate to