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The Choice is Ours, January 11
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say,
Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take
the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17
.
The work of your salvation and mine depends wholly upon ourselves, for it
rests with us to accept the provision that has been made for us. God has done
everything for us that a God can do. Christ has purchased you with His own blood;
He has paid the ransom money, that you might be united with God, and separated
from sin and sinners. When the heart is opened to Christ, the Holy Spirit will work
in it with mighty, renewing power. But in order that we may be laborers together
with God, there must be on our part an entire surrender to God. We must, to the
extent of our ability, devote ourselves to Him, straining every spiritual sinew, and
as faithful soldiers doing service for Christ....
The law of duty [to God] is supreme. It claims authority over reason and
conscience, over talents and possessions. It will admit no rival, and will not for one
moment abate its high demands. It enters into no compromise with any oppressive
power of earth. In every act of duty we are hiding self in Jesus. We reach out
beyond ourselves, beyond the narrow scope of selfish and present gratification.
Obedience to God brings the soul into agreement with the highest laws in the
universe. It imparts dignity and true greatness to the humblest occupation where
Christ can preside. It crowns the lowliest position in life with the highest honors,
bringing men into alliance with God and binding up His interests with plans and
purposes that have existence in the infinite mind from eternity.
The Lord Jesus Christ has paid the price for you, not to secure a mere assent
to the truth, but for heart service. He desires the homage of your soul. You cannot
cease to believe that you ought to do the will of God. You can no more release
yourself from the claims of duty than you can flee from the presence of God. It is
only in obedience to God that you will realize true happiness....
I entreat you to open the door of your heart and let your Saviour in. Give Him
the whole heart—that which He has purchased. Ever bear in mind that it is you
who must choose. God forces no man. He has chosen you, and engraven your
name in the palms of His hands. Will you not give yourself fully to Him? Time is
short. You have not a moment to lose in hesitation. The divine Word is in your
hands, to be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.—
Letter 21a, January 11,
1893
, to N. D. Faulkhead, treasurer of the Echo Publishing House, and at the time
involved with secret societies.
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