Chapter 21—Getting Decisions
Many are waiting only to be gathered in—This Ethiopian rep-
resented a large class who need to be taught by such missionaries as
Philip—men who will hear the voice of God and go where He sends
them. There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot
understand their true import. All over the world men and women are
looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up
from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are
on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.—
The
Acts of the Apostles, 109
.
Conversions are not all alike—All are not constituted alike. Con-
versions are not all alike. Jesus impresses the heart, and the sinner is
born again to new life. Often souls have been drawn to Christ when
there was no violent conviction, no soul rending, no remorseful ter-
rors. They looked upon an uplifted Saviour, they lived. They saw the
soul’s need, they saw the Saviour’s sufficiency, and His claims, they
heard His voice saying, “Follow Me,” and they rose up and followed
Him. This conversion was genuine, and the religious life was just as
decided as was that of others who suffered all the agony of a violent
process.—
Selected Messages 1:177
.
Do not be discouraged if some decisions are delayed—The
priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity
was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light.
Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was
rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for
a time made no sign. During the Saviour’s life, His mission seemed
to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but
after His ascension “a great company of the priests were obedient to
the faith.”—
The Desire of Ages, 266
.
128