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From Eternity Past
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the
birthright by fraud, God could not have mercifully preserved his life.
So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins
to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, despair
would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead
with God for deliverance. But they will have no concealed wrongs to
reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood of
Christ, and they cannot bring them to remembrance.
All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins and permit them
to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will
be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more
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honorable the position which they hold, the more certain is the triumph
of the great adversary.
Jacob’s history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who
have been betrayed into sin, but have returned unto Him with true
repentance. God taught His servant that divine grace alone could give
him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with those who live in the
last days. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits
of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish while they do
this.
Jacob’s experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It
is now that we are to learn this lesson of unyielding faith. The greatest
victories are not those gained by talent, education, wealth, or the favor
of men. They are gained in the audience chamber with God, when
earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.
All who will lay hold of God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as
earnest and persevering as he, will succeed as he succeeded.
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