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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
Christ to take them from him. He knows that those who seek God
earnestly for pardon and grace will obtain it; therefore he presents
their sins before them to discourage them. He is constantly seeking
occasion against those who are trying to obey God. Even their best
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and most acceptable services he seeks to make appear corrupt. By
countless devices, the most subtle and the most cruel, he endeavors to
secure their condemnation. Man cannot meet these charges himself.
In his sin-stained garments, confessing his guilt, he stands before God.
But Jesus our Advocate presents an effectual plea in behalf of all who
by repentance and faith have committed the keeping of their souls to
Him. He pleads their cause and vanquishes their accuser by the mighty
arguments of Calvary. His perfect obedience to God’s law, even unto
the death of the cross, has given Him all power in heaven and in earth,
and He claims of His Father mercy and reconciliation for guilty man.
To the accuser of His people He declares: “‘The Lord rebuke thee, O
Satan.’ These are the purchase of My blood, brands plucked from the
burning.” Those who rely upon Him in faith receive the comforting
assurance: “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee,
and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” All that have put on
the robe of Christ’s righteousness will stand before Him as chosen and
faithful and true. Satan has no power to pluck them out of the hand
of Christ. Not one soul that in penitence and faith has claimed His
protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy’s power. His
word is pledged: “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make
peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” The promise given
to Joshua is made to all: “If thou wilt keep My charge, ... I will give
thee places to walk among these that stand by.” Angels of God will
walk on either side of them, even in this world, and they will stand at
last among the angels that surround the throne of God.
The fact that the acknowledged people of God are represented as
standing before the Lord in filthy garments should lead to humility and
deep searching of heart on the part of all who profess His name. Those
who are indeed purifying their souls by obeying the truth will have
a most humble opinion of themselves. The more closely they view
the spotless character of Christ, the stronger will be their desire to be
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conformed to His image, and the less will they see of purity or holiness
in themselves. But while we should realize our sinful condition, we
are to rely upon Christ as our righteousness, our sanctification, and our