The Christian's Hope by C. Webster

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1866

The Christian's Hope.

By C. Webster

How cheering the words of the inspired writer, when he tells us that we are begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away. Again he says, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." Yes it is this blessed hope that sustains us amid the care and turmoil of this life. It points us forward to the time when Christ, who is our life, shall appear to gather his chosen ones, and escort them safely home to those mansions which he declared he would prepare for those that love him. Oft I ask myself the question, Are those heavenly mansions prepared for me? By the grace of God, and by obedience to his commands, I can obtain a home with all the blessed in those holy mansions. By faith and obedience the promise is unto all. "Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved." Although the invitation is so extensive, can we even hope that all will share in its rich provision, while we see thousands of individuals entirely regardless of God's law, and despising those who are earnestly striving by faith and obedience to obtain the promised reward of eternal life in the kingdom of God?

Even while hope buoys us up, sorrow fills our hearts as nature's most tender ties are affected, while the loved ones of earth express no desire to prepare for the coming of the Just One, and enjoy with us a home in the earth made new. But again the words of the Saviour come to our aid. He says, "I come not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Again, "Cast your cares" upon me. We will trust him for he has overcome the world, and there is still efficacy in his blood. None of his pardoning power is lost. He still intercedes for dying man. Mercy lingers. God's faithful messengers are now proclaiming the last solemn warning which bids us flee to the ark of God for safety, that we may have a pavilion wherein to hide, while the wrath of God is passing; that our sins may all be blotted out, and our names retained in the Lamb's book of life, having washed our robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; that we may stand spotless and pure before the Judge of all the earth. We shall then realize the hope that is now set before us; "for yet a little while and he that shall come, will come and will not tarry."

C. WEBSTER.

North Star, Mich.