Facing Life’s Record
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in the person of the poor, the afflicted, the orphan, or the widow? God
has made us the depositaries of His holy word; what have we done
with the light and truth given us to make men wise unto salvation?
No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the
love which is shown by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone
which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value. Whatever is done
from love, however small it may appear in the estimation of men, is
accepted and rewarded of God.
The hidden selfishness of men stands revealed in the books of
heaven. There is the record of unfulfilled duties to their fellow men,
of forgetfulness of the Saviour’s claims. There they will see how often
were given to Satan the time, thought, and strength that belonged to
Christ. Sad is the record which angels bear to heaven. Intelligent
beings, professed followers of Christ, are absorbed in the acquirement
of worldly possessions or the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. Money,
time, and strength are sacrificed for display and self-indulgence; but
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few are the moments devoted to prayer, to the searching of the Scrip-
tures, to humiliation of soul and confession of sin.
Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they
may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best
acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view
an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful mediator. He knows that with
him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His
truth.
Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour’s mediation
should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness
in the fear of God. The precious hours, instead of being given to
pleasure, to display, or to gain seeking, should be devoted to an earnest,
prayerful study of the word of truth. The subject of the sanctuary and
the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people
of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work
of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them
to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the
position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to
save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God. Each must
meet the great Judge face to face. How important, then, that every
mind contemplate often the solemn scene when the judgment shall sit