p. 13 | Life Only Through Christ by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1910

Life Only Through Christ

By F. M. W.

THE Scriptures of truth clearly recognize Jesus Christ as the only author of life and salvation. He is the only one who has life in himself to impart to others. The life that is in him is revealed to mankind through the gospel, and only those who receive that gospel obtain the life. Those who do not receive the gospel are left to suffer the consequences of their own dying, sinful nature; viz., total extinction.

This view is in perfect accord not only with the provisions of God's grace as provided in the gospel scheme, but is also in full accord with his character as a God of love. He takes from man that life which no longer affords pleasure, but has become an existence of pain and distress and intolerable endurance. To those who during this probationary period of earthly life have turned from their sinful ways, using the opportunities of existence afforded them, with profit to themselves and honor to their Creator, thus demonstrating the manner in which they would use eternity if that should be bestowed upon them, he gives a life of unending existence. Hence, the question is not one of arbitrary decree on the part of God, but one of free, untrammeled choice on the part of each individual.

To the one who wills to do his will, who stretches out his hand even in his weakness and sinful condition for succor and help, who opens his heart to receive the divine grace, God bestows an abundance of his power, and of the gift of righteousness. Where weakness and sin abound, he causes grace more abundantly to abound. In his infinite mercy and love he enables the penitent to reach his ideals in the realization of a better hope and of a sure reward. And to the one who rejects the pleadings of the Spirit, and sets himself in rebellion against the provisions of God's grace, he can do no more than to accord the same free choice.

F. M. W.