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Messages to Young People
disappear. He who once found fault with those around him will see
that far greater faults exist in his own character.
There are those who listen to the truth, and are convinced that
they have been living in opposition to Christ. They are condemned,
and they repent of their transgressions. Relying upon the merits of
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Christ, exercising true faith in Him, they receive pardon for sin. As
they cease to do evil and learn to do well, they grow in grace and
in the knowledge of God. They see that they must sacrifice in order
to separate from the world; and, after counting the cost, they look
upon all as loss if they may but win Christ. They have enlisted in
Christ’s army. The warfare is before them, and they enter it bravely
and cheerfully, fighting against their natural inclinations and selfish
desires, bringing the will into subjection to the will of Christ. Daily
they seek the Lord for grace to obey Him, and they are strengthened
and helped. This is true conversion. In humble, grateful dependence
he who has been given a new heart relies upon the help of Christ. He
reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He once loved himself.
Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is dethroned, and God
reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and
resolutely he follows in the path of holiness.—
The Youth’s Instructor,
September 26, 1901
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The Cords of Satan
The pains of duty and the pleasures of sin are the cords with which
Satan binds men in his snares. Those who would rather die than
perform a wrong act are the only ones who will be found faithful.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:53
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