98
Selected Messages Book 1
the door of admittance. Within this door nothing can enter that could
possibly mar the happiness of the dwellers by marring their perfect
trust in one another. You cannot join the happy family in the heavenly
courts; for I have wiped all tears from their eyes. You can never see
the King in His beauty if you are not yourself a representative of His
character.
“When you give up your own will, your own wisdom, and learn of
Christ, you will find admittance into the kingdom of God. He requires
entire, unreserved surrender. Give up your life for Him to order, mold,
and fashion. Take upon your neck His yoke. Submit to be led and
taught by Him. Learn that unless you become as a little child, you can
never enter the kingdom of heaven.
“Abiding in Christ is choosing only the disposition of Christ, so
that His interests are identified with yours. Abide in Him, to be and
to do only what He wills. These are the conditions of discipleship,
and unless they are complied with, you can never find rest. Rest is in
Christ; it cannot be as something apart from Him.
“The moment His yoke is adjusted to your neck, that moment it
is found easy; then the heaviest spiritual labor can be performed, the
heaviest burdens borne, because the Lord gives the strength and the
power, and He gives gladness in doing the work. Mark the points:
[111]
‘Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart’ (
Matthew 11:29
).
Who is it that speaks thus?—The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory.
He desires that your conception of spiritual things shall be purified
from the dross of selfishness, the defilement of a crooked, coarse,
unsympathetic nature. You must have an inward, higher experience.
You must obtain a growth in grace by abiding in Christ. When you
are converted, you will not be a hindrance, but will strengthen your
brethren.”
As these words were spoken, I saw that some turned sadly away
and mingled with the scoffers. Others, with tears, all broken in heart,
made confession to those whom they had bruised and wounded. They
did not think of maintaining their own dignity, but asked at every step,
“What must I do to be saved?” (
Acts 16:30
). The answer was, “Repent,
and be converted, that your sins may go beforehand to judgment, and
be blotted out.” Words were spoken which rebuked spiritual pride.
This God will not tolerate. It is inconsistent with His Word and with
our profession of faith. Seek the Lord, all ye who are ministers of His.