Can We Hold Out? by C. L. Taylor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 30, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 34.

Can We Hold Out?

By C. L. Taylor

THOUSANDS of young persons, stirred by the mighty truths of God’s Word, are brought to the point where they must decide for or against Christ. With anxious hearts they inquire the way of duty, and are disposed to take the step which shall commit them to the life of sacrifice and trial which belongs to the true Christian.

But just as they are about to yield, there come to the ear of the soul whisperings concerning failure. They listen. The suggestion is very forcibly made that no matter how anxious and willing they may be to lead a victorious life, they will not be able “to hold out.” They are reminded that thousands, like themselves, have made the effort only to find disappointment, defeat, and failure at the last; and therefore, if they would be sensible, they would better not begin. “Why,” says the voice, “is it not better to stay where you are and enjoy life as you may, than to give up what you have, and after a hard, bitter, trying experience, find yourself cheated out of both worlds?”

Dear young friend, if you are one of these fearful, hesitating, troubled ones, let me say to you that there is absolutely no reason why you or any one else should be afraid of failing. By the Word of God as well as by experience many can tell you that only victory, blessed and everlasting victory, is yours if you desire it.

In the first place, you and I must not judge God’s precious Gospel by the fact that so many have “tried to be Christians,” and have failed. In the great majority of such cases the failure reached farther back than to the time when they “tried;” it was to be found in the fact that those who tried did not at first and when they decided to be Christians make a complete surrender. In their hearts they made reservations. They held back part of the price.

Seldom will you find one who has given his whole heart and soul to God, who has turned over to the Lord Jesus his time, his business, his home, his friends, his pleasure, his prospects, his plans, his strength, his intellect,—seldom will you find such a one turning back because of failure. He who cuts every cord binding him to the world, will never reach a place where he is “at the end of his rope.” The ropes and their fastenings were all left behind.

Paul the apostle made a complete surrender. Every day and every hour his personal testimony was, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may win Christ.” He gave all to God, and God kept all that he gave. 2 Tim. 1:12. This is the secret. God can keep only what we give.

The truth is, the “holding out” is all on God’s part. Jesus said of His disciples: “They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:28, 29. The hand of God, His power, holds up His children; and so long as they choose Him, no power in heaven or earth can cause them to fall. See Rom. 8:33-39.

“Underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut. 33:27. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5. “He is able also to save them to the uttermost.” Heb. 7:25. He is “able to keep you from falling.” Jude 24. “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6. Every one of these divine promises is good for its full face value. Not one of them need be discounted to the slightest extent.

All who wish to be kept “are kept.” 1 Peter 1:5. Therefore, dear young friend, knowing as you do your sincere purpose and desire to be faithful, and knowing that God will always have respect to your sincerity and whole-heartedness, give Him your heart and hand without reserve. He can and does “hold out,” for He has “all power,” and will be with you “unto the end.” Matt. 28:18, 20.