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 repentance. 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.~Our Father Cares, by E.G. White. Pin It Now!
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