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Grace or Works?

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The Bible says that a person is saved by grace, but that they will be judged by their works. Can both of those statements be true?

The Bible states that there will be a judgment of the entire world and that God will judge both the righteous and the wicked. Moses wrote about the judgment in Deuteronomy 32, and it is found throughout the New Testament. Prophets and apostles spoke or wrote of the judgment over and over again. It is one of the most prominent teachings in the Bible.

The apostle Paul wrote a lot about the judgment. He had the opportunity to preach about it to the philosophers in Athens. There is an appointed day when God will judge the world. “Because He [God] has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” Acts 17:31

On another occasion, he presented the subject of the judgment to the Roman governor Felix. This was a once-and-only-once opportunity to speak to Felix. “After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ ” Acts 24:24, 25. Unfortunately for Felix, like for so many people who procrastinate, that convenient time never came. Felix was given an opportunity that day to forsake his evil ways and to be made ready for the judgment, but he let it go by disregarded.

In this world, it is a judge’s responsibility to pass judgment based upon a set standard by which that judgment is determined. This standard is composed of the laws passed by the local, state and federal governments.

God also has a standard, a law made up of ten commandments (Exodus 20:3–17), and it is according to this law that He will judge the world on the appointed day.

This is described in James 2:10–12: “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”

James makes this very clear: while there are ten commandments, the Bible speaks of them as one law. So, if a person breaks just one of the ten commandments, that person is a transgressor of God’s law and will be judged according to that law.

God spoke the law with His own voice to the children of Israel, and He wrote it with His own finger on tables of stone. Those tables of stone were given to Moses and placed in the ark of the covenant, in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary.

When God spoke His law to the children of Israel, it was not the beginning or the origin of the law. Man knew from the time sin entered the world that it was not right to kill someone. It was wrong to lie, even all the way back to Lucifer’s campaign of deception in heaven. The Sabbath was established and sanctified at the end of the Creation week and had been observed by God’s people for thousands of years before the law was written down at Mt. Sinai. The children of Israel had spent many years in captivity in Egypt, and during their captivity, they neglected to teach their children about God’s law. This made it necessary for God to remind them of the law they had once faithfully followed.

God wrote the law, the ten commandments, on tables of stone, and it is significant that He did so. Writing with His own finger in solid rock, it showed that the character of His law was permanent, enduring—it could not be done away with. To express the everlasting nature of God’s law, Jesus said, “it is easier for heaven and earth to pass” than for a single part of a letter to pass from the law (Luke 16:17).

This presents to us a problem. We have all broken that law. “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness [transgression KJV].” 1 John 3:4. “[For] all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

So if all have sinned, if all have broken the law, and if all are to be judged by that law, then we all deserve to be judged guilty. Is it possible for us to escape the penalty of our sins?

First, let’s see what the penalty for breaking God’s law is. We find that in Romans 6:23 Paul wrote, “The wages of sin is death.” If the wages of sin were a ten-year prison sentence, then you could pay that penalty yourself. But the wages of sin is eternal, permanent death. Is there any way that we can escape this penalty?

If the penalty for sin is eternal death, then the only way of escape is if someone else pays the price. And that is exactly what Jesus Christ did. “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures … .” 1 Corinthians 15:3. Christ died and paid the penalty for our sins.

However, if we continue in sin, there is no chance that we will receive salvation. Notice what the Bible says: “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked … . ” Ecclesiastes 8:11–13, first part

We cannot continue to live in sin and expect to be saved. Isaiah speaks to this principle, “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Isaiah 3:10, 11

We cannot be saved in our sin. There is only one way that we can be saved and that is to be saved from our sins. This was proclaimed before Jesus’ birth. The angel said to Joseph, “You can marry your wife, because, that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she is going to bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

How exactly does God save a sinner from their sin? One of the most comprehensive explanations of how God does this is found in the book of Romans. “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Christ Jesus, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21–26

A scripture like that might cause some people to say, “That just sounds like theological talk. I don’t understand how it works. I don’t understand how or what to do. I can’t explain or understand all that theological language. Can’t you just tell it to me in simple language?”

Yes, the gospel can be stated in very simple language.

The first step is to repent—to be sorry enough for the sins we’ve committed that we turn away from them. “Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a Godly manner. What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11

Repentance is the first step in salvation, but what is it that makes a person sorry for what they have done? The Bible says that it is the goodness of God that leads a person to repentance (Romans 2).

Since the Bible is clear that all have sinned, then everyone in the world needs to repent. Paul further supports this in Acts 17:30. Speaking to the philosophers in Athens he says, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Remember, repentance is simply being sorry enough to quit doing the sinful things they do. Genuine sorrow for sin gives no excuse for it. Unlike Adam and Eve who both tried to justify what they had done, the sin will be faced and confessed.

Once we have repented from our sins, the next step is to confess our sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Confession involves not only God, but the individual we have wronged. We must go to that person to confess and make it right. Ezekiel talks about the necessity of making things right in Ezekiel 33:15. “If the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” So confession also involves making restitution. If I have wronged someone, and if it is possible to do so, then I must make it right.

Having repented, confessed, and made restoration, one must make a commitment. Remember the story of the Philippian jailor found in Acts 16: “ ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ ” Verses 30, 31

The word “believe” is usually translated and used to mean faith, to believe something enough to make a commitment to it. In this case, you believe in the Lord enough to make a commitment to Him; to believe in Jesus, not only as your Saviour from sin, but as the Lord of your life.

Jesus explained this belief to the Jews in so simple a manner, that none could misunderstand. “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and you do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46. If you make a commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in Him as your Saviour from sin, choosing to follow Him, then your faith will be accounted for righteousness and you will receive the gift of salvation. Faith is simply trusting in God enough to make a commitment to Him as your Lord, Master, and Saviour; then you just follow Him. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Luke 9:23 tells us, “ ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’ ” Making a commitment to accept Jesus as your Saviour and the Lord of your life, means denying self.

By denying self, we surrender to the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts to transform our sinful nature so that we can, by the power and grace of God, become like Christ—to ultimately have a Christlike character. “He who says he abides in Him, ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6. This means that we will live the way Jesus did.

We are not to simply make a profession of faith or belief. Rather we are to repent, confess, make restitution, and then commit to actually following Jesus. A wonderful promise is given to us when we follow these steps to salvation. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission [forgiveness] of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

The Bible says that by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body. Baptism by water is a symbol of being baptized by [receiving] the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:16, 17 that when we receive the Holy Spirit, we become a new creation. “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The Holy Spirit creates in us a new mind, a new Spirit, making everything new. Then He will enable us to follow Christ in righteous, holy living; something we could never do ourselves.

The apostle Paul explains this all in greater detail in Romans 8:1–14. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” With a new heart, a new mind, and a new Spirit, we are enabled to live a new life, one patterned after Christ’s own life.

This is why the final judgment is based on works. We are saved by grace, but we must then exhibit the corresponding works of a transformed life. Our works are an outward expression of an inward change. Without the transformation of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to live a life according to the flesh and our works will, in the judgment, condemn us, because it will be clear that we have not received the Holy Spirit.

Jesus has said that no one can be in the kingdom of heaven unless they have received the Holy Spirit. “ ‘… Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ … ‘… Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ ” John 3:3, 5. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. … But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16, 22–25

We can only receive the Holy Spirit if we choose to follow and obey Jesus. But when we receive the Holy Spirit, when He enables us to live a new life of faith, then in the judgment, when our works are examined, they will not be found to be the works of the old unconverted man, but the works of a life transformed by the saving power of the Holy Spirit. [Emphasis supplied.]

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Health – Exercise

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Nature’s Remedial Agencies – Exercise

“God designed that the living machinery should be in daily activity; for in this activity or motion is its preserving power.”

Healthful Living, 131

“Each organ and muscle has its work to do in the living organism. Every wheel in the machinery must be a living, active, working wheel. Nature’s fine and wonderful works need to be kept in active motion in order to accomplish the object for which they were designed.”

My Life Today, 130

Daily Regimen and Determining Your Needs

The American College of Sports Medicine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACSM-CDC), and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) have updated the general guideline for how much to exercise daily:

  • Preschool-aged children (3-5 years) — at least three hours daily of light to vigorous, active play for growth enhancement and development.
  • Youth (6-17 years) — one hour daily of moderate to vigorous activity to increase muscle and bone strength.
  • Younger and older adults alike (18-65 years) — at least 30 minutes of moderate, aerobic activity five days per week, vigorous activity for at least 20 minutes, three days per week, or a combination of both is favorable. Additionally, muscle-strengthening activity is recommended at least two times per week to further increase muscular strength and endurance.

Previously, it was believed that if one exercised for less than 20 minutes, it would be of no lasting value. It has been found that exercise even in 10-minute increments can be of benefit to health.

Whether your goal is weight loss, obtaining a particular goal, or maintenance, daily exercise needs are best assessed on an individual basis. Age, current inactivity level, medications, health conditions, disabilities, and pregnancy should be considered, and seeking the counsel of a physician is preferable.

Health Benefits of Exercise

“Exercise equalizes the circulation, vitalizes the blood, helps the body expel impurities, improves the body’s tone, aids digestion, relieves nervousness, prevents disease, improves the function of the kidneys and liver, keeps the lungs in good condition, and tones up the muscles. Exercise is one of nature’s best remedies. There are very few maladies that will not respond favorably to exercise.” Jack Kendall

As we now know, even small increments of exercise can be beneficial. However, the ODPHP also encourages increasingly more frequent movement throughout the day, working toward meeting the guidelines above. Meeting the guidelines includes both immediate and long-term benefits.

Decreased anxiety and blood pressure while improving sleep quality and insulin sensitivity are immediate benefits.

Long-term benefits include improved cognition, bone health, fitness, and heart health; lower risk of anxiety and depression; reduced risk of eight types of cancer (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, stomach, and lung); lowered risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes; improved immune system; lowered risk of obesity; improved physical function, and quality of life. In older adults regular exercise can reduce the risk of falling and fall-related injuries. Exercise can also reduce the risk of postpartum depression, strengthen abdominal muscles, and improve energy and sleep during pregnancy.

In pre-existing conditions such as osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, exercise significantly reduces symptoms and disease progression, and improves cognition for those with dementia, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, and Parkinson’s disease.

Dangers of a Sedentary Lifestyle and a Simple Start

“Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all, with but little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means, and the effect produced upon the system.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 301

It is no surprise that a sedentary lifestyle hastens illness, disease, and death; the more sedentary, the higher the risks are. Fitness centers may not always be accessible, affordable, or easily included in a tightly scheduled day. However, there are several notably convenient ways to exercise that are quite interesting and enjoyable. Whether inactive or active, there are exercises that can benefit your mind and body simply with the use of a broom or mop.

Sweeping and mopping are chores that are done practically on a daily basis. Monotonous chores can easily be made more enjoyable with variety and spark more enthusiasm when realizing how simple it is to obtain health benefits from them. Sweeping and mopping burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, reduce belly fat, are therapeutic, lower stress and anger levels, and prevent infections and allergies.

There are five common exercises that can be done using the broom or a mop while engaging in your regular housekeeping duties anytime and anywhere. Be sure to alternate the end of the broom or mop, as this will balance resistance on each side of the body throughout the exercise routine. Also, adjust the speed and number of repetitions at your own convenience and remember, have fun!

Overhead Wide Grip Squats 

Hold the broom flat with hands gripped close to each end, keeping arms straight and above the head. Place legs in a wide stance. Lower into a deep squat. Return to a standing position. Repeat.

Forward Lunges w/ Lateral Twist  

Hold the broom flat with hands gripped close to the ends, extending arms forward at shoulder level. Lunge one foot forward, bending at the knee; keep the knee aligned over top of the toes. Place the other leg behind. Twist to the left. Twist to the right. Repeat.

Overhead Shoulder Press 

Hold the broom flat with hands gripped shoulder-width apart. Place feet shoulder-width apart. Begin with the broom at the shoulder level and press forward, outward, and upward. Repeat.

Crunches 

Lie down on your back. Bend knees, keeping feet flat on the floor. Hold the broom flat with hands gripped at a comfortable width and over the top of the torso. Lift the head, neck, and shoulders upwards. Repeat.

Alternating Side Bend / Knee Touches 

Place feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart and slightly bend knees. Rest the broom behind the neck and on top of the shoulders. Hold the broom flat with a comfortable, wide grip. Simultaneously raise the right knee and side bend downward to the right; raising the knee upward to touch the broom stick. Then the left side. Repeat.

Care and Effort

Be encouraged! Whether initiating a simple start or finding new ways to enhance a current routine, everyday items and chores can be valuable in increasing health benefits and reaching goals. Also, bring to remembrance:

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their grey head.“ Proverbs 20:29

“She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” Proverbs 31:17 [Emphasis supplied.]

Sources: Adapted from a pamphlet and online articles – ACMS – Staff, Health.gov – Staff, STL Exercise Pamphlet – Jack Kendall, Onlymyhealth – Chanchal Sentra, CEB Fitness & Wellness, LLC – Candace Brooks; www.acsm.org/education-resources/trending-topics-resources/physical-activity-guidelines; health.gov/current-guidelines/top 10 things to know; onlymyhealth.com/health benefits of sweeping and mopping the floor; cebfitness.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/5-exercises-you-can-do-with-a-mop-or-broom/

Question – How can I be fit for the Master’s presence?

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Question:

How can I be fit for the Master’s presence?

Answer:

“Wherever you go, carry on the good work of searching the Scriptures, and the Lord Jesus will always be at your right hand to help you. … There is no excuse for wavering or sinning. But in order to be upright, you must keep all these rich and full promises in memory’s hall. Clear the mind of all objectionable, foolish things; retain the precious truths that you have heard here. … What weapon did Jesus present to the enemy in his temptation in the wilderness? … ‘It is written.’

“[Y]ou are to remember what is written, and when the enemy comes, and tempts you … just say firmly, ‘No, I cannot go there.’ Make up your mind, and know how to say ‘No’ squarely. ‘When sinners entice thee, consent thou not.’ ” The Bible Echo, January 15, 1893

“The law of God is the standard by which character is to be tested; if we erect a standard to suit ourselves, and attempt to follow a criterion of our own devising, we shall utterly fail to secure heaven at last. …

“Jesus is the perfect pattern. Instead of trying to please self and have our own way, let us seek to reflect His image. …

“It is not enough that we merely profess the faith; something more than a nominal assent is wanted. There must be a real knowledge, a genuine experience in the principles of the truth as it is in Jesus. The Holy Spirit must work within, bringing these principles into the strong light of distinct consciousness, that we may know their power and make them a living reality. The mind must yield obedience to the royal law of liberty, the law which the Spirit of God impresses upon the heart, and makes plain to the understanding. The expulsion of sin must be the act of the soul itself, in calling into exercise its noblest powers. The only freedom a finite will can enjoy, consists in coming into harmony with the will of God, complying with the conditions that make man a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The Review and Herald, November 24, 1885

“It is a subject of interest to every soul of us, how we shall keep our vessels unto honor in the sight of a holy God. … There is no safety for us when we lie down, when we rise up, when we go out, and when we come in. Satan and evil angels have conspired with evil men and evil women, and the whole energies of the powers of darkness will gather themselves together to lead astray and destroy every soul that is not garrisoned with firm principles of eternal truths. …

“The principles of righteousness must be implanted in the soul. Faith must grasp the power of Jesus Christ, else there is no safety.” In Heavenly Places, 199 [Emphasis supplied.]

Nature – The Beaver

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The beaver is an engineer with amazing features and knowledge. It builds its dam, up to hundreds of feet long, with such engineering skill that men study the beaver’s dam to know how to build strength into a dam and how to channel water.

Building a dam means spending a lot of time in the water and the beaver has special physical equipment that enables him to do that. A protective nose and ear flaps that close when it goes under the water are part of this equipment. The flaps close so that he can freely swim in the water and open when he surfaces so he can breathe again. His eyelids are transparent and close when he is under the water. This allows for protection from debris and irritants in the water and yet allows him to see very well.

Beavers have uniquely designed, self-sharpening front incisors which continue to grow as they are worn down allowing for a continuous and sharp supply of front teeth. They use these sharp front teeth to cut young tender branches to a specific size to be stored in the mud at the bottom of the pond for their food supplies in the winter. In order to retrieve the branches, the beaver needs to chew them underwater. They are able to do this without water entering their mouth with the aid of fur mouth flaps between their front incisors and their rear molar teeth. These flaps of fur seal off the mouth behind the front incisors.

To build a dam, the beaver chooses the location and gnaws away at trees and branches along the bank, which when properly placed cuts off the flow of water. Nearby, a lodge is built into the bank of the stream or river. These dome-shaped structures are made of sticks, grass, and moss. The lodge provides a home for a single family of beavers consisting of as many as 12. The purpose of the dam is to create a “moat” around the lodge, providing protection from predators.

Beavers love their homes and will typically remain in the same location for years, until the food supply runs out. Since the animal lives just ten years in the wild, it could spend its entire life in the same place.

The beaver’s ability to swim long distances without harm is unlike other air-breathing water creatures. He can swim submerged for up to a half-mile or more. In order to do this without lack of oxygen to the brain, the beaver has large lungs and liver to store more air and oxygenated blood. His heart also compensates by beating more slowly when he dives. Blood is also restricted to the extremities during swimming allowing the brain to receive more oxygen.

The beaver is often in cold water that has ice formed on the top. In order for the skin to keep from freezing in this frigid water, the fur of the beaver is oiled by two large oil glands that produce a rich, thick, deep yellow oily liquid, which the beaver spreads on its fur to waterproof it. He also has two layers of fur and then a layer of fat just beneath the skin which helps further protect it from its cold winter environment.

The beaver is truly another example of a wise plan developed by a caring, Creator God. Such variety of special features could not have evolved over time and by chance. All of the physical features inherent to the beaver must be present and fully functional from the beginning for it to survive.

Adapted from Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution, Volume 1 and The Evolution of a Creationist by Jobe Martin, D.M.D. Th. M., Biblical Discipleship Publishers, Rockwall, Texas 75032; bestlifeonline.com/why-beavers-build-dams

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

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Fanny Crosby was born on March 24, 1820, in Putnam County, New York. She became permanently blind at the age of six weeks after being prescribed the wrong treatment for her inflamed eyes. Always positive, Fanny turned her handicap into an asset; even commenting that her blindness was actually a blessing for it removed the many distractions around her. When she was eight years old, with the same feeling as Paul when writing in Philippians 4:11–13, she wrote:

Oh, what a happy child I am,

Although I cannot see!

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

At the age of 15 she attended the New York Institution for the Blind, and in 1847 became a teacher there until 1858. She taught English grammar, rhetoric, and American history. But Fanny’s true love was poetry.

Her poems have been used the world over, set to the music of the popular tunes of her day as well as tunes especially written for them, both secular and sacred. She could compose at any time. Always in possession of a book of paper just for that purpose; and her spur-of-the-moment poems often became her best hymns.

Her hymns have been the favorites of composers and evangelists like W. H. Doane, who composed the music for many of her most well-known hymns, and Ira D. Sankey, a gospel singer and composer long associated with Dwight L. Moody.

We are familiar with many of these songs: Tell Me the Story of Jesus; I am Thine, O Lord; Sweet By and By; To God be the Glory; Take the World, but Give Me Jesus; All the Way My Saviour Leads Me; Praise Him, Praise Him; Blessed Assurance; Redeemed; Near the Cross; Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour, and over four thousand more. Fanny’s personal favorite was Safe in the Arms of Jesus.

“Contented I will be” remained the governing principle throughout Fanny’s life. She loved her work and was happy doing it. She often reflected that had it not been for her blindness, she might not have obtained such a good education or had so great an influence. It also strengthened her memory. She committed to memory large portions of the Bible, including the first four books of the Old Testament and all four of the Gospels before she was ten years old.

 Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o’ershaded,

Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Hark! ‘tis the voice of angels,

Borne in a song to me,

Over the fields of glory,

Over the jasper sea.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe from corroding care,

Safe from the world’s temptations,

Sin cannot harm me there.

Free from the blight of sorrow,

Free from my doubts and fears;

Only a few more trials,

Only a few more tears.

Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge,

Jesus has died for me;

Firm on the Rock of Ages,

Ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience,

Wait till the night is o’er;

Wait till I see the morning

Break on the golden shore.

Safe in the arms of Jesus

Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o’ershaded,

Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Keys to the Storehouse – Why Should He Love Me So

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My mother sang all of her life. When I was very young, she would be up front at church leading songs or singing in the choir or performing alone. As a young woman, she was part of an evangelistic team in the northeastern United States. In those days, evangelistic meetings might involve a big tent or auditorium and staying in the community for many months after the meetings themselves were done to follow up with those who wanted Bible studies. Mother sang duets with another lady named Cassie during the meetings and also on the radio. I always thought that if I could sing half as good as she did, that would be good enough.

I remember many Sabbaths when I sat on the front row pew of the church while she performed her responsibilities up front. Still today, many of the songs that she sang are my personal favorites: In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross and one I heard the other day on the radio, Why Should He Love Me So?

This is a beautiful song from a musical perspective, but even more so when you understand the words.

 

Love sent my Saviour to die in my stead,

Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.

 

Nails pierced His hands and His feet for my sin,

He suffered sore my salvation to win.

 

O how He agonized there in my place,

Nothing withholding my sin to efface.

 

Why should He love me so?

Why should my Saviour to Calvary go?

Why should He love me so?

 

It reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.”

“That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood.” The Sanctified Life, 57

“Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary’s cross. … The joy of seeing souls eternally saved will be the reward of all who follow in the steps of the Redeemer. …

“It was a costly sacrifice that the Lord of heaven made. Divine benevolence was stirred to its unfathomable depths; it was impossible for God to give more.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 59, 60

Lord, we know that You will never leave us, physically and spiritually sick as we are. We cannot fathom the love that it took to go to Calvary, giving Your life so that we would not perish. But we must commit our lives to following and obeying You. You, who are the Author and Finisher of our faith and the only One who can heal us from this sin sickness and restore us to Your image. Please do that today, Lord.

Story – The New Backpack

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“You are going to be walking a long way,” my mother had said. “I’d like my son to have a good backpack.”

It was going to be my first trip to Mexico to visit the Mixtec Indians. Many of them live in far-off villages scattered through the hills of Oaxaca, Mexico. My mother was right. Just to get to the village where the Bible conference was to be held, we would have to walk for many hours over the hills.

Mother kindly bought me the best backpack she could find. It was so light that you could lift it with one finger, and it had foam padding on the straps to keep the straps from cutting into my shoulders. When it was packed with extra clothes and a few other things that I might need, I tried the new backpack on. It felt light and comfortable. I could carry that load easily enough!

A few weeks later we arrived in Mexico at the point where we would begin the hike.

“Could I carry your pack for you?” asked one of the Christian Indians.

“No thanks, I’m fine,” I told him.

So we started off on the long walk. The backpack worked nicely, but the longer we walked the heavier it got. Surely those things I had packed weren’t so heavy when I had tried it on at home! On we walked with the hot sun beating on our heads, up one hill and down another. Everyone had loads to carry now, so there was no one to offer to help with my backpack.

I began to be afraid that I would never make it, but after two hours someone came to meet us over the hills with a horse. This time when they offered I gladly gave up the pack, and it was tied to the horse. I was so tired that it did not matter to me that the padded straps of my new backpack were not being used the way they were meant to be, but were dangling from the horse’s saddle.

Boys and girls, the load of sin is like the load in my backpack. The longer you carry it, the heavier it gets. This world tries to make sin look attractive, but it is still a heavy load. No matter how “light” your load of sin may feel when you are young, it will get heavier as you grow older. After a while the “foam padding” of pleasure no longer eases the weight of sins.

The Lord Jesus came into the world to free you from this load of sin. He Himself carried the load of sin when He was on the cross so that you might be free of your burden forever. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:28

Oh, that you might today feel the weight of your sins and turn to Christ for salvation. “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

My backpack was the best that money could buy, but it could not keep my load from being heavy when I carried it for a long time. May you accept Christ as your Saviour now while you are young, before the load of sin becomes too heavy for you to carry. “Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Ecclesiastes 12:1

Source: WholesomeWords.org from Messages of God’s Love published by Bible Truth Publishers.

Inspiration – Brotherly Love

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“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” The more closely we resemble our Saviour in character, the greater will be our love toward those for whom He died. Christians who manifest a spirit of unselfish love for one another are bearing a testimony for Christ which unbelievers can neither gainsay nor resist. It is impossible to estimate the power of such an example. Nothing will so successfully defeat the devices of Satan and his emissaries, nothing will so build up the Redeemer’s kingdom, as will the love of Christ manifested by the members of the church. Peace and prosperity can be enjoyed only as meekness and love are in active exercise.

In his First Epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul sets forth the importance of that love which should be cherished by the followers of Christ: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

No matter how high his profession, he whose heart is not imbued with love for God and for his fellow men is not a disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith, and even have power to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality, but should he from some other motive than genuine love bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if destitute of the gold of love he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.

The apostle proceeds to specify the fruits of love: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not.” The divine love ruling in the heart exterminates pride and selfishness. “Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation. The strongest and noblest characters rest upon the foundation of patience and love, and trusting submission to the will of God.

Charity “doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” The heart in which love rules will not be filled with passion or revenge, by injuries which pride and self-love would deem unbearable. Love is unsuspecting, ever placing the most favorable construction upon the motives and acts of others. Love will never needlessly expose the faults of others. It does not listen eagerly to unfavorable reports, but rather seeks to bring to mind some good qualities of the one defamed.

Love “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” He whose heart is imbued with love is filled with sorrow at the errors and weaknesses of others; but when truth triumphs, when the cloud that darkened the fair fame of another is removed, or when sins are confessed and wrongs corrected, he rejoices.

“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” Love not only bears with others’ faults, but cheerfully submits to whatever suffering or inconvenience such forbearance makes necessary. This love “never faileth.” It can never lose its value; it is the attribute of heaven. As a precious treasure it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace. Discord and strife are the work of Satan and the fruit of sin. If we would as a people enjoy peace and love, we must put away our sins; we must come into harmony with God, and we shall be in harmony with one another. Let each ask himself: Do I possess the grace of love? Have I learned to suffer long and to be kind? Talents, learning, and eloquence, without this heavenly attribute, will be as meaningless as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. Alas that this precious treasure is so lightly valued and so little sought by many who profess the faith!

Paul writes to the Colossians: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”

The fact that we are under so great obligation to Christ places us under the most sacred obligation to those whom He died to redeem. We are to manifest toward them the same sympathy, the same tender compassion and unselfish love, which Christ has manifested toward us. Selfish ambition, desire for supremacy, will die when Christ takes possession of the affections. …

God requires more of His followers than many realize. If we would not build our hopes of heaven upon a false foundation we must accept the Bible as it reads and believe that the Lord means what He says. He requires nothing of us that He will not give us grace to perform. We shall have no excuse to offer in the day of God if we fail to reach the standard set before us in His word.

We are admonished by the apostle: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” Paul would have us distinguish between the pure, unselfish love which is prompted by the spirit of Christ, and the unmeaning, deceitful pretense with which the world abounds. This base counterfeit has misled many souls. It would blot out the distinction between right and wrong, by agreeing with the transgressor instead of faithfully showing him his errors. Such a course never springs from real friendship. The spirit by which it is prompted dwells only in the carnal heart. While the Christian will be ever kind, compassionate, and forgiving, he can feel no harmony with sin. He will abhor evil and cling to that which is good, at the sacrifice of association or friendship with the ungodly. The spirit of Christ will lead us to hate sin, while we are willing to make any sacrifice to save the sinner. …

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” …

If we are following Christ, His merits, imputed to us, come up before the Father as sweet odor. And the graces of our Saviour’s character, implanted in our hearts, will shed around us a precious fragrance. The spirit of love, meekness, and forbearance pervading our life will have power to soften and subdue hard hearts and win to Christ bitter opposers of the faith. …

Testimonies, Vol. 5, 167–174

Testimony – Only What is Done for Christ

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When I was a teenager, one of my friends would say so dramatically, “We are so desperate, and there’s so little time.” And then, she would laugh as if it was the biggest joke.

Friends, it is no joke anymore. We are so desperate for Jesus to come, and our time to prepare to meet Him is passing quickly away. Maybe we will live to see Him come, but we also could die before then. We must remain faithful if we are to reach our heavenly home. Every moment counts, complacency is not an option. We must get ready and stay ready every day.

When I was about ten years old, I remember one Sabbath after church, I looked at some of the oldest members, one man in particular who seemed older to me, and as I looked at him I wondered, “Will Jesus come before he dies?” Now I think to myself, will He come before I die? Our world is in constant upheaval and chaos—not the kind of chaos that has come and gone as in previous decades—but the kind of chaos that is now snowballing at an ever-accelerating pace. And as the Bible tells us, it will not get better as we draw closer to His return. The unmistakable signs of Jesus, soon coming, are everywhere. I have spoken to strangers about the world situation, and so many have come right out and said, “It’s because Jesus is coming.”

It is not important if we go to our graves before He comes and are resurrected later. To be ready is of the utmost importance.

“It is a solemn thing to die, but a far more solemn thing to live. Every thought and word and deed of our lives will meet us again. What we make of ourselves in [this] probationary time, that we must remain to all eternity. Death brings dissolution to the body, but makes no change in the character. The coming of Christ does not change our characters; it only fixes them forever beyond all change.” Testimonies, Vol. 5, 466

I recently passed an old gravesite. The verse on the headstone really spoke to me.

“Behold my friends, as you pass by. As you are now, so once was I.

As I am now, you soon may be. Prepare for death and follow me.”

What a powerful witness. This person reminds us that death may be inevitable, but if we follow Jesus, our heavenly home, where death cannot enter, awaits.

How beautiful, I thought. The headstone only had a name, as if to the writer it didn’t matter when they were born, how long they stayed, or when they died. Rather what mattered was only how they had lived; and soon they would awake in Jesus. This dear soul left to all who passed by what mattered most. How much more important to us, as we yet live, to tell everyone we meet that Jesus is coming soon. Get ready.

In these times of fear and rapidly changing world events, it is now, as never before, that people are most receptive to the gospel of Christ. Never be discouraged by those who are not interested, because for every one of those, there are thousands who long to know. Who can know how many people have passed this gravesite and been encouraged to think about their own destiny. This person died, but their testimony lives on. On that glorious morning, as they are awakened by the voice of their King, it will be as if no time has passed. Centuries may have come and gone, but it will be like a moment in time. How wonderful! Knowing this truth—if I am ready, I cannot fear death.

I remember as a child we had a little plaque on the wall that read:

Only one life will soon be past.

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

It doesn’t matter who you may meet in daily life, tell them about the love of God and how they can be saved. Initiate a chat with someone in the grocery store, or the parking lot, or just anywhere God lays on your heart to speak to the person before you. Be bold and trust God to give you the words to speak. We may never know what can become of that experience. Plant the seed in simple words, and let God do the rest in that person’s life.

“The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up … In our life work we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 65

I long to see every person I have witnessed to in heaven on that great day. Oh, what a day that will be—not for a moment in time, but for all eternity.

Invitation Rejected

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“But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, ‘When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.’ … And after some days … [Felix] sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’ ”

Acts 24:22–25

 “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe. Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’ ”

Acts 26:27, 28

Go away, until I am ready. You almost convinced me. Truth is, repentance does not happen according to our time table or our convenience or whim. Repentance is a response to an invitation extended by the Holy Spirit. It is an offer of His power to unite with our desire to change. If the invitation is accepted, the Holy Spirit performs a miraculous work in the life, changing the desires, inclinations, thoughts and actions.

But an invitation rejected leaves a person in darkness, “tossed to and fro and carried by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” Ephesians 4:14. Felix and Agrippa were given the invitation of the Holy Spirit, and both turned away and were forever lost.

“God now calls upon you to repent, to be zealous in the work. Your eternal happiness will be determined by the course you now pursue. Can you reject the invitations of mercy now offered? Can you choose your own way? Will you cherish pride and vanity, and lose your soul at last? The word of God plainly tells us that few will be saved, and that the greater number of those, even, who are called will prove themselves unworthy of everlasting life. They will have no part in heaven, but will have their portion with Satan, and experience the second death.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 293, 294

“… ‘A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, “Come, for all things are now ready.” But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.” And another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.” Still another said, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”  ’ ” Luke 14:16–20

His friends, those of position and wealth, were not interested in accepting the gracious invitation of the master to participate in the “great supper” he had prepared for them. They chose instead to tend to their own business first. Excuse after excuse is given, until in anger, the master instructs his servant, “ ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind. … Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.’ ” Verses 21, 23

And then he makes this terrible declaration, “ ‘For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ” Verse 24

“They had rejected the invitation, and none of them were to be invited again. In rejecting Christ, the Jews were hardening their hearts, and giving themselves into the power of Satan so that it would be impossible for them to accept His grace. So it is now. If the love of God is not appreciated and does not become an abiding principle to soften and subdue the soul, we are utterly lost. The Lord can give no greater manifestation of His love than He has given. If the love of Jesus does not subdue the heart, there are no means by which we can be reached.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 236, 237

We see the same illustration in Matthew 22:1–14 in the parable of the marriage of the king’s son. The marriage was arranged, the wedding feast prepared, the servants sent out with the invitation, but the Bible says that they were not willing to come. He extended the invitation again, but this, too, was rejected and even more, the king’s servants were beaten and killed. In his anger, he sent an army and destroyed those who had rejected this gracious invitation.

He then said, “ ‘Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding. So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

‘But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, “Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, “Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’ ” Verses 9–14

This parable shows us that the invitation was given, but rejected by those who did not feel the need to accept it. These are the characteristics of the Laodicean church as found in Revelation 3:17, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked … .”

Consequently, the invitation is given to those who recognized the need to accept. However, this parable also shows that there is necessary preparation that must be done in order to be able to attend the wedding feast. The wedding garment represents Christ’s robe of righteousness (Matthew 22:12). We must choose daily to become more and more like Christ, and in giving up our “filthy rags,” we are to accept His pure, white robe.

“When we submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind, the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah.

“The guests at the marriage feast were inspected by the king. Only those were accepted who had obeyed his requirements and put on the wedding garment. So it is with the guests at the gospel feast. All must pass the scrutiny of the great King, and only those are received who have put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness.

“Righteousness is right doing, and it is by their deeds that all will be judged. Our characters are revealed by what we do. The works show whether the faith is genuine.

“It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. ‘He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.’ ‘Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.’ 1 John 3:24; 2:3. This is the genuine evidence of conversion. Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness. …

“He who becomes a partaker of the divine nature will be in harmony with God’s great standard of righteousness, His holy law. This is the rule by which God measures the actions of men. This will be the test of character in the judgment.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312–314

Friend, have you received the invitation of the Holy Spirit? What has been your response?

“I’m busy today, come again later.”

“I have other plans, let me get back to You.”

“It’s just not a good time for me. There are so many things I want to do or try. I’ll be ready later.”

Perhaps the saddest and one of the most well-known rejections is the story of Judas. He was a selfish, willful, young man with the greatest opportunity. In the physical presence of the Messiah, Judas was ministered to as any other disciple. Jesus’ heart of love yearned for Judas to accept the invitation to repent, but we know that this was not the outcome in Judas’ life.

“The disciples knew nothing of the purpose of Judas. Jesus alone could read his secret. Yet He did not expose him. Jesus hungered for his soul. … His heart was crying, How can I give thee up? The constraining power of that love was felt by Judas. When the Saviour’s hands were bathing those soiled feet, and wiping them with the towel, the heart of Judas thrilled through and through with the impulse then and there to confess his sin. But he would not humble himself. He hardened his heart against repentance; and the old impulses, for the moment put aside, again controlled him [Almost he accepted the invitation]. Judas was now offended at Christ’s act in washing the feet of His disciples. If Jesus could so humble Himself, he thought, He could not be Israel’s king. All hope of worldly honor in a temporal kingdom was destroyed. Judas was satisfied that there was nothing to be gained by following Christ. … He was possessed by a demon, and he resolved to complete the work he had agreed to do in betraying his Lord.

“Judas the betrayer was present at the sacramental service. He received from Jesus the emblems of His broken body and His spilled blood. He heard the words, ‘This do in remembrance of Me.’ And sitting there in the very presence of the Lamb of God, the betrayer brooded upon his own dark purposes, and cherished his sullen, revengeful thoughts.

“At the Passover supper Jesus proved His divinity by revealing the traitor’s purpose. He tenderly included Judas in the ministry to the disciples. But the last appeal of love was unheeded. Then the case of Judas was decided, and the feet that Jesus had washed went forth to the betrayer’s work.

“Until this step was taken, Judas had not passed beyond the possibility of repentance. But when he left the presence of his Lord and his fellow disciples, the final decision had been made. He had passed the boundary line.

“How many today are, like Judas, betraying their Lord?” Conflict and Courage, 319

The invitation given to Judas was rejected.

The invitations illustrated in both the parable of the wedding garment and great supper were offered first to the Jewish nation, but after repeated rejection, they were finally given to the Gentiles. These invitations are treated the same, the same excuses given to refuse the invitation in every age. I cannot follow Christ because it would interfere with my business interests or social relations. Following the commandments of God would put me out of harmony with my neighbors, friends, and relatives.

“They make light of the message, but the Master of the feast regards their flimsy excuses as contempt of His invitation of mercy. These apologies which men offer for refusing the invitation to the heavenly supper will appear again in their true character in the day of God. The rich feast of God’s grace has been provided at infinite cost, and an invitation to that feast confers special honor upon the human race. Those who accept the invitation are authorized and commissioned of God to extend it to every creature. … Shall we not accept the invitation to the gospel feast, feed upon Christ, and thus have everlasting life?” The Review and Herald, March 3, 1896

Sadly, it is possible, as Christians, to believe that we have accepted God’s invitation of grace, that we are doing all the right things, that we are His children, that only Jesus saves; but too often, while believing, we have failed to have the personal relationship with Him that will make us like Him in character, replacing our filthy rags with His robe of righteous eternal life.

What is your answer? Invitation accepted? [Emphasis supplied.]