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Instrumentalities for the Saving of Souls, June 9
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then
neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God
that giveth the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:6, 7
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Here are the mighty agencies for moving the world. The cross of Calvary
brings under tribute every power of those who believe on Christ, that they
may be instrumentalities for the saving of souls. Human effort is to be united
with the divine; it must derive its efficacy from heaven. We are to be laborers
together with God. The Lord is represented as opening the hearts of men and
women to receive the Word, and the Holy Spirit makes the Word effective.
Those who receive the truth have that faith which leads to decided action,
which works by love, and purifies the soul. Thus the truth is a sanctifier. Its
transforming power is seen on the character. When it has been admitted into
the inner sanctuary of the soul, it does not operate superficially, leaving the
heart unchanged; it does not awaken the emotions merely, to the neglect of
the judgment and will; but it goes down to the very depths of the nature, and
brings the whole being into harmonious action.
Now the work of him who is truly converted begins in earnest. He must
work as Christ worked. He must not live any longer to himself, but wholly
for the Lord. The world has lost him; for his life is hid with Christ in God.
That means that self no longer has the supremacy. The light shining from
the cross of Calvary holds him in its bright rays, and the Spirit has taken of
the things of Christ, and revealed them to him in such an attractive light as
to have a transforming effect on his habits and practices, showing that he is
a new creature in Christ Jesus. Every dollar he recognizes as of value, not
to gratify his taste or lust, not for him to hide in the earth, but to do good
with, to help win souls to the truth, to build up the kingdom of Christ. His
enjoyment is the same as that of Christ—in seeing souls saved. Why are we
doing so little for the salvation of men, when there is so much to do? Why
are we doing so little to draw men and women and children to Christ?—
The
Review and Herald, October 6, 1891
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