Chapter 11—The Power of the Truth to Convict and
Convert Souls
It is through the transforming influence of divine grace on human
hearts that the power of the word of truth is revealed. The message,
proclaimed in regions where it has not yet been heard, makes an
impression on hearts. It seems to have greater power in transforming
character than when presented to those who are familiar with its office
work. Truth has little power on the hearts of those who walk contrary
to it for advantage to themselves—those who follow a course opposed
to its principles. Such ones profess to believe the Word of God, but
they give no evidence that they are sanctified by it.
The truth is to take possession of the will of those who have never
before heard it. They will see the sinfulness of sin, and their repentance
will be thorough and sincere. The Lord will work upon hearts that in
the past have not been appealed to, hearts that heretofore have not seen
the enormity of sin.
Christ the Only Successful Antagonist
Christ is the only successful antagonist that sin has ever encoun-
tered. Let the full light of his life stream into the souls of those who
are in darkness. Under the direct power of the gospel thousands have
been converted in a day.
Sinners Converted
When a sinner becomes sensible of the fact that only through
Christ can he gain eternal life; when he realizes that obedience to
God’s Word is the condition of entrance into the kingdom of God;
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when he sees Christ as the propitiation for sin, he comes to the Saviour
in humility and contrition, confessing his sins and seeking forgiveness.
His soul is impressed with a sense of the majesty and glory of God.
The blessedness of an eternal life of peace and joy and purity is felt so
deeply that an entire surrender is made.
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