Attaining and Obtaining by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 21, 1908

Attaining and Obtaining

By G. B. THOMPSON

G. B. THOMPSON

The tendency at the present time is to endeavor to attain unto perfection through a development of the good that is supposed to be in us. But this is a fallacious error. It is really the pagan idea of salvation. It is salvation by works rather than by faith.

The apostle Paul said, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh), dwelleth no good thing.” Rom. 7: 18. And what Paul knew concerning this matter, every other Christian should know.

It is impossible to develop any perfection out of that which is wholly imperfect. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” No pure water can be drawn from an impure fountain.

We should not forget that we do not attain unto righteousness. It is a matter of obtainment instead of attainment. No man, by his own efforts, can attain to a religious experience. Love can not be worked up. Love comes from God. It is an obtainment, secured through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Our own attainments are described thus: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isa. 64: 6. True righteousness is obtained through faith. It is imputed to us through Christ. “Abraham believed God, and it [Abraham’s faith] was counted to him for righteousness.” “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness

of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3: 21-25. Eternal life can never be earned wholly, or in part. It is entirely a free gift from the Lord.

Takoma Park, D. C.