Basic HTML Version
A Life Without Sin, January 27
We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
.
Let us consider how much it cost our Saviour in the wilderness of
temptation to carry on in our behalf the conflict with the wily, malignant
foe. Satan knew that everything depended upon his success or failure in his
attempt to overcome Christ with his manifold temptations. Satan knew that
the plan of salvation would be carried out to its fulfillment, that his power
would be taken away, that his destruction would be certain, if Christ bore
the test that Adam failed to endure. The temptations of Satan were most
effective in degrading human nature, for man could not stand against their
powerful influence; but Christ in man’s behalf, as man’s representative,
resting wholly upon the power of God, endured the severe conflict, in order
that He might be a perfect example to us. There is hope for man.... The
work before us is to overcome as Christ overcame. He fasted forty days,
and suffered the keenest pangs of hunger. Christ suffered on our account
beyond our comprehension, and we should welcome trial and suffering on
our own account for Christ’s sake, that we may overcome as Christ also
overcame, and be exalted to the throne of our Redeemer....
We have everything to gain in the conflict with our mighty foe, and
we dare not for a moment yield to his temptations. We know that in our
own strength it is not possible for us to succeed; but as Christ humbled
Himself, and took upon Himself our nature, He is acquainted with our
necessities, and has Himself borne the heaviest temptations that man will
have to bear, has conquered the enemy in resisting his suggestions, in order
that man may learn how to be conqueror. He was clothed with a body like
ours, and in every respect suffered what man will suffer, and very much
more. We shall never be called upon to suffer as Christ suffered, for the
sins not of one, but the sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ. He
endured humiliation, reproach, suffering, and death, that we by following
His example might inherit all things
[34]
55
The Review and Herald, February 5, 1895
.
30