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God Gives Grace to Those Who Believe His Word, September
13
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently
seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
, NKJV.
I have been shown that many have confused ideas in regard to conversion. They
have often heard the words repeated from the pulpit, “Ye must be born again.” “You
must have a new heart.” These expressions have perplexed them. They could not
comprehend the plan of salvation.
Many have stumbled to ruin because of the erroneous doctrines taught by some
ministers concerning the change that takes place at conversion. Some have lived in
sadness for years, waiting for some marked evidence that they were accepted by
God. They have separated themselves in a large measure from the world, and find
pleasure in associating with the people of God; yet they dare not profess Christ,
because they fear it would be presumption to say that they are children of God. They
are waiting for that peculiar change that they have been led to believe is connected
with conversion.
After a time some of these do receive evidence of their acceptance with God, and
are then led to identify themselves with His people. And they date their conversion
from this time. But I have been shown that they were adopted into the family of God
before that time. God accepted them when they became weary of sin, and having
lost their desire for worldly pleasures, resolved to seek God earnestly. But, failing
to understand the simplicity of the plan of salvation, they lost many privileges and
blessings which they might have claimed had they only believed, when they first
turned to God, that He had accepted them.
Others fall into a more dangerous error. They are governed by impulse. Their
sympathies are stirred, and they regard this flight of feeling as an evidence that
they are accepted by God and are converted. But the principles of their life are not
changed. The evidences of a genuine work of grace on the heart are to be found not
in feeling, but in the life. “By their fruits,” Christ declared, “ye shall know them.” ...
The work of grace upon the heart is not an instantaneous work. It is effected
by continuous, daily watching and believing the promises of God. The repentant,
believing ones, who cherish faith and earnestly desire the renewing grace of Christ,
God will not turn away empty. He will give them grace. And ministering angels
will aid them as they persevere in their efforts to advance.—
Evangelism, 286, 287
.
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