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God's Assuring Promise

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 7.

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God's Assuring Promise

By C. M. S.

THE earth is filled with signs of the impending end. The words of God's messengers have been fulfilled and are fulfilling now in the conditions around us. The hearts of men are “failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth,” just as our Saviour declared they would when they should see the signs that portend the day of earth's calamity. But it is comforting to know that God has promised to preserve those who believe and trust him.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, applies to these times of sign-fulfilment the direct promise of the Lord to the faithful, lest fear should be in the hearts of any concerning the ability or willingness of the Lord to save them. After rehearsing the special signs of the last days which the prophet Joel had foretold, he quotes the promise of the Lord through the same prophet as follows: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21. This is the message of the gospel. It is such a message as Paul and Silas bore to the trembling jailer in these words: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” And the Saviour himself declares that “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” It is the strength that comes in answer to his call upon God that makes standing, or endurance, possible.
But ever does the Lord stand ready and waiting to be called upon for that help, for that saving power. “Come unto me,” says Christ, “and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” That includes the rest for eternity as well as the rest of soul here amid the perplexities, trials, and persecutions of this present life. “Let him that is athirst come,” says our Saviour; “and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” There is enough of that water to supply every thirsty soul in all this world. There is plenty of strength to make a glorious overcomer of the humblest and weakest soul that has ever come into the world. There is no one too weak to call upon God, and “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God has spoken that; therefore there is no reason in the world why we should become fearful or disheartened when we see the signs of our Saviour’s return, even though the earth be filled with calamities that make the hearts of the sinful sick with terror. “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” The promises of God are sure, and because they are, we can be sure of eternal salvation if we “call on the name of the Lord,” and “hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.”
C. M. S.