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The Need for a Reformation, January 2
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have
your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:22, 23
.
Paul felt that the Lord’s requirements must be obeyed, His judgments avoided.
Like Paul, we must make every effort to obtain the crown of life, which brings
eternal honor to every victor. We must not be content to live useless lives.
What is humility? That sense of sin and unworthiness which leads to repen-
tance. But we must be assured of the malignity of a disease before we feel our
need of a cure. Those who do not realize the sinfulness of sin are not able to
appreciate the value of the atonement and the necessity of being cleansed from all
sin. The sinner measures himself by himself and by those who like himself are
sinners. He does not look at the purity and holiness of Christ. But when the law of
God brings conviction to his heart, he says with Paul, “I was alive without the law
once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died” (
Romans 7:9
)....
God created man for His glory. He will not, cannot endure the presence of sin
in His dominion. If there are in the church those who are willfully sinning against
God, every possible means should be used to bring them to repentance. If this is
not done, God’s name is dishonored. He is too pure to look upon iniquity with
favor....
Adam’s sin would be regarded by the churches of today as a simple mistake,
to be at once forgiven and no more thought of. But God’s standard is high and
His word immutable, and all selfish, covetous practices are an abomination in His
sight. The hearts of believers need to be purified, sanctified, refined, ennobled....
Look up, my brethren. Has the gospel lost its power to impress hearts? Is
it because the regenerating influence of the Spirit of Christ has died away that
hearts are not purified, sanctified, and prepared for the Holy Spirit? No; the Sword
of the Spirit, the Word of the living God, is with us yet; but it must be wielded
with earnestness. Let us use it as did God’s sanctified ones of old. By its living,
quickening power it will cut its way to hearts....
The Lord calls for a reformation all through our ranks.... When the church is
awakened, decided changes will be made. Men and women will be converted,
and so filled will they be by the Spirit of God that they will pass from country to
country, from city to city, proclaiming the message of truth. With hearts filled
with earnest love for souls, they will open their Bibles and present the Word.—
Manuscript 2, January 2, 1900
, “The Need of a Reformation.”
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