Untitled article by Eld. I. D. Van Horn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · July 23, 1867

VICTORY AT LAST.

By Eld. I. D. Van Horn

BY ELD. I. D. VAN HORN.

TEXT. “But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. xv, 57.

Victory at last! What a glorious and inspiring thought! What holy joy springs to the heart of the humble child of God as he contemplates the bliss of those who finally gain the victory! The word victory in our text implies a previous warfare, and every individual who would partake of the joys of the final triumph, must participate in this warfare here. But the idea of getting the victory over sin and all the vices and ills of this inconstant life, and having a share in the future triumph, is worthy of a constant struggle on our part. I hear Paul, when giving instructions to Timothy, saying: “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. vi, 11, 12. The idea we would call your special attention to in this text is, to “fight the good fight of faith,” for this is the only sure way of laying hold of, or gaining, eternal life.

There are three prominent things which the Christian has to fight against in this state of probation, and which he must overcome in order to be successful in gaining the heavenly home. These are, the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

In the use of the word world, I wish to be understood in the same sense as found in 1 John ii, 15–17: “Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

The highest motive of the great majority of the people of this earth, seems to be to grasp what of this world they can. What does the world offer as an inducement to set our affections upon it? The response from the natural heart is, “The pleasures, fashions, and the satisfying of every desire of the mind.” If an eternal life was before us in the enjoyment of these pleasures, it might then present an object worthy of some notice. But when we take into consideration that there are but few real pleasures, and many sorrows, caused by pain, disappointment, disease and death, and these pleasures all to pass away with the world itself, it seems to me there is but little left in this poor, fallen world to set our affections upon. Eternal life is of priceless value to each and every one of us, and oh how basely cheated we are when we barter it away for a few mortal days of pleasure and vanity. Every individual who would obtain eternal life, must become a follower of Christ. To be a true-hearted Christian requires a life of self-denial; and hence requires of us a constant warfare against those inducements held out by the world which cause us to turn aside from the path of truth.

To fall in with the world at any time is to place ourselves in a very sad position; for the word of God informs us “that the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James iv, 4. Surely none will ever hope for, or expect, salvation as long as they remain the enemy of God, therefore the overcoming of the world is a necessary attainment for every one to make who wishes to get the victory at last. But some may ask, “How is this to be done?” It is very evident from the teachings of the Scriptures that man is not able to overcome in his own strength. He is therefore to look to some higher source for help than the arm of flesh. John, the beloved disciple, says, “Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John v, 4, 5. We learn by this that nothing but an unyielding faith in Christ as the Son of the living God, and the Saviour of the world, will give us complete victory over the world. How necessary, then, that we forsake all and put our trust in him. He is worthy of our utmost confidence, for he himself has overcome the world, and is therefore able to give just the aid that is needed to all who put their trust in him, that they may be successful in the great warfare, and gain the victory. But this point is so apparent and plain to all, that we need not extend it further.

We have also a warfare to wage against the flesh. I think that all who have had any experience in the Christian life, can readily adopt the language of the poet, and say: “But of all the foes we meet, None so apt to turn our feet; None betray us into sin, Like the foes we have within.”

To overcome the flesh with all its carnal desires, requires us to be constantly on our guard, and, by the aid of the Spirit of God, make every effort in our power to resist its influence. We as a people are much engaged in reform. Every succeeding step that has been taken by us has made us more peculiar and distinct from the world. Perhaps none has made us more so than the one that is now being taken will, when it is carried out in all its parts by us. I refer to the step of temperance, or Health Reform. That a reform in this respect is necessary in the last days, and that it will require a constant warfare on our part to suppress all the carnal desires of the mind, may be clearly shown from the Scriptures. Paul, in writing to the Colossians, chap. iii, 1–6, says: “If ye, then, be risen with Christ, set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth; for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake, the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” This language of the apostle has had application to all believers who have been baptized, from the time it was written to the present. But it may have a more special application to those living in the last days, “when Christ, who is our life,” is about to appear. No one, professing Christianity, will admit that persons who do not mortify their members as directed in this scripture can obtain eternal life. Therefore, those practicing such things, must repent, which is the same as to reform in their course of life, or they never can enter Heaven. Thus it will be seen that the works of the flesh must be overcome or we shall sink in utter ruin and destruction at the last day.

In 1 Pet. iv, 1, we have the idea of suffering in the flesh brought to our minds as quite necessary in order to cease from sin. “Forasmuch, then, as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” “But how,” say you,

“are we to suffer in the flesh with Christ?” Let me have your attention for a few moments and I will tell you.

We learn from the Scriptures that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” While in this state of sin, we contract many wrong habits of life, some, no doubt, through ignorance, and others through temptation. These habits, when formed, may rightly be termed the lusts of the flesh, and hence are displeasing in the sight of God. Peter has named some of them in the following verse: “For the time past of our lives may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquettings, and abominable idolatries.” The people of the world at the present time are fast giving themselves over to these things, which, if continued in, will land them in utter ruin. The wide-spread crime of lasciviousness is dragging its victims down to destruction by thousands. The youth among us are in great danger in this respect. Revelings, or parties of pleasure, balls, &c., come in also as a strong influence to lead into the way of evil. There are also banquettings, which mean feasting, such as may be seen at picnics, donation parties, and oyster suppers, &c., to say nothing about the excess of eating and drinking which is carried on almost everywhere in every-day life; these exert also a strong influence to develop the animal propensities of the mind, while the moral and intellectual faculties are kept comparatively dormant. The Saviour in his teachings has made a comparison of the days of Noah, with the time just previous to his second coming. Matt. xxiv, 37–39. They were then given to excess in eating and drinking, by which they were disqualified to hear the truth from the faithful man of God and be profited by it, so the flood came upon them unawares and they all perished. The Saviour has declared that it will be the same in the last days. This in itself is a sufficient proof that there must be a reform on the part of the people of God in this respect before the Lord shall come.

But there is another point in Peter’s testimony to which we wish to refer. He speaks of “abominable idolatries,” which, though it may have a more extended application, will also embrace those habits that have such a controlling power as to cause the individual to submit in almost absolute bondage to them. I refer to the use of intoxicating liquors, tobacco, tea, coffee, and all other narcotics, that do no one any particular good, but, on the contrary, are sapping away the life-powers of both mind and body. We are now prepared to give a direct answer to the question proposed above. Let the individual who is bound down in servitude to any of the habits mentioned above, try to give them up or overcome them, and we think without doubt he will suffer some in the flesh. Take, for instance, an individual who has acquired the habit of using tobacco, and let him go without for a day or two, and there will be suffering, if we may judge anything from the testimony of those who have tried it.

To give up all these habits, or in the language of Scripture, “to become temperate in all things,” will make the people of God distinct and peculiar from all others in the world. Peter clearly shows this as he continues. Thus he says: “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you.” To the word riot, Webster gives the following as his second definition, which is beyond doubt the true meaning of the word in this place: “Luxury; excess; hence, excessive and expensive feasting.” Let us now suppose an individual, whom we will call Mr. A., who has fully adopted the Health Reform, is invited out by his friends to dinner. Everything is made ready on the table according to modern style, and all sit down. First, perhaps, the tea is passed round, and coming to Mr. A., he refuses. They express some astonishment at this, and ask, “Won’t you take some coffee?” He refuses again, and says, “I have given them all up.” Some remarks are made, and soon they pass to him the platter on which is some nice, fried ham. Once more Mr. A. refuses. His friends, more astonished than ever, exclaim, “Well, what in the world do you eat! I should think you would starve to death! Why, if I didn’t eat meat, and have my tea and coffee, I couldn’t live,” &c. This is no fancy sketch, but is an almost-every-day occurrence, and is, we believe, a complete fulfillment of Peter’s testimony, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot.”

But we must not dwell too long here. Peter bears other testimony which we must refer to on this point. In 2 Pet. i, 5–11, we have the following: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly-kindness; and to brotherly-kindness, charity. . . . For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” This scripture has had application to all Christians living in the past, and will still apply to all in the future. We believe it may be especially applied to the people of God in the last days, who are fitting up to meet the Lord when he comes to take them into his kingdom. The common idea entertained of this scripture is that each individual is to add these Christian graces to his character. This we will not dispute; but if each one of a certain body adds to their faith virtue, the whole body will become virtuous. And if each add to their virtue, knowledge, the whole body will have knowledge.

Now, we propose to apply these graces to the advent people as a body, and see how far they have got along in the work. Go back to 1840–44, and you see a body of people moving out in what is called the first angel’s message. They had strong faith in the second advent of Christ at the end of the prophetic periods in 1844. They met with some opposition, yet their confidence was unshaken. Here we may say they had faith. But the time passed by and their Lord did not come. They were greatly disappointed, which was a strong evidence of their faith. When the time passed, some gave up all and joined in with the world, but others held fast to the word of God and his promises, and would not let go though they had to meet the scoffs and derision of a wicked and gainsaying world. They had courage to stand up and vindicate their faith, even amid the severest opposition. Thus they showed the virtue of their faith. These faithful souls did not know what to do. They counted and recounted the time, examining it in every possible way, but every time 1844 was the result. Soon a ray of light beamed upon them from Heaven. The subject of the sanctuary was taken up and examined by them. A flood of light burst upon their view as the result. Their past experience and disappointment were all explained. Now, as they turn over the pages of the sacred word, the glory and beauty of the truth points to the work of our great High Priest within the veil of the heavenly sanctuary, where he is performing his last work to fit his people, both the dead and living, for their heavenly home. The Bible becomes a new book in interest to them all. The language of the prophet Daniel was literally fulfilled: “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Here the advent body took the third step up the ladder by adding to their virtue knowledge.

As they entered by faith the sanctuary above, they were led into the most holy place and there they beheld the ark of God containing his holy law. They do not hesitate even now; but turn to keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Thus they become separated from the world, and, though they are branded as “Jews,” “Mormons,” “Heres,” &c., they heed it not. They have not lost their faith and virtue, but have added to these knowledge. The third angel’s message, bearing in its front the Sabbath of the Lord our God, sheds a light so brilliant that the world cannot behold it with pleasure. Time passes on, and another step must be taken. They must add to their knowledge temperance. Behold the Health Reform in all its branches that is now interesting us as a people. Here is a standard of temperance, transcending by far all earthly institutions of the kind, in purity and morality. It is the work of the Lord to fit us up for our future dwelling place in those mansions above. The body of S. D. Adventists are now taking this step. The question now before each one of us, and for each to prayerfully consider is, Shall we take the step with them? Yes, I must take the step with them let it cost what it will.

A time of trouble is before us when our patience will be tried. How can we be patient unless we have first become temperate in all things? But if we take the step of patience and let it have its perfect work upon us, it will make us a godly people. And when godliness has been developed, brotherly-kindness will be the result. Then all the little differences that rise up to divide our feelings here, will vanish away, and there will grow out of brotherly-kindness true charity for one another, which will be the crowning grace that will last through the countless ages of eternity. In view of these facts, let us move on with new courage, taking up every cross, that it may be ours in the great consummation to receive the crown of glory that shall adorn the brow of every faithful overcomer.

But we must hasten to briefly consider the third point in our discourse. The Devil, with all his wiles, must be overcome by all who gain the victory at last. He is the great destroyer of the life and happiness of the human race. He decoys us by his cunning devices into his net, and then laughs at our folly. He seeks with ardor the ruin of all, and the child of God is the especial object around whom he throws his snares.

Peter in speaking to us says: “Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith.” 1 Pet. v, 8, 9. James also exhorts us, saying, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” Chap. iv, 7. This is sufficient testimony to show that Satan is our enemy, and that he seeks every opportunity to overthrow us, and also stands ready to oppose every move we make in the way of doing our duty to God. Paul tells us what to do in order that our warfare against him may be successful. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.” Eph. vi, 10, 11. Thus it will be seen that we have not sufficient strength in ourselves to resist the power of Satan, but we are to seek assistance from God by putting on his armor. But some are ready always to express their unbelief, saying, “We can’t believe Satan has so much power over the human family.” Such individuals we would ask to examine Paul’s testimony to the Thessalonians, where he especially refers to the power and work of Satan in the last days. Thus he says, speaking of Christ’s second coming: “Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thess. ii, 9, 10. Nothing but a full, confiding faith in God, and an ardent love for the truth, will protect us from the great power of Satan in the last days. If we resist the truth, God himself will give us over to strong delusions that we should believe a lie. Oh how important it is then for us to avail ourselves of the means God so freely holds out to us that we may be successful in overcoming our greatest foe!

Paul assigns the reasons why it is necessary to put on the armor of God: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” Eph. vi, 12, 13. If we only had flesh and blood, or our fellow-men, to wrestle against, it would be comparatively an easy matter to live a Christian life, but having a foe far superior in strength to ourselves, we must seek help from God or we perish.

Paul has not left us to query about what the armor of God is, but has given us the needed information. Thus he continues: “Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Verses 14–18. Let us briefly examine this armor in its different parts.

1. We are to have our loins girt about with truth. But what is truth? The Saviour, in his prayer to his Father in behalf of his disciples, said: “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” John xvii, 17. By getting a knowledge of the word of God, we shall have a clear view of our duty and shall be girded with strength sufficient to perform it.

2. We must put on the breastplate of righteousness. In order that we may do this we must know what righteousness is. Turning to Ps. cxix, 172, we read: “My tongue shall speak of thy word; for all thy commandments are righteousness.” To make this more definite we will quote from Isa. li, 7. “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be afraid of their revilings.” I trust all can now see the importance of keeping all the commandments of God. By doing so, the law of God is written in our hearts, and thus effectually shields the seat of life from the power of the foe. When we have this holy law in our hearts, our enemies may revile, and try to bring us into reproach, but our character will remain unsullied in the sight of Heaven.

3. Our feet must be shod with the gospel of peace. The gospel opens to us the means of salvation, and embraces the teaching of our Saviour. To walk in the narrow path that leads to the heavenly city, we must keep the faith of Jesus, who has left us an example that we should follow in his steps.

4. We must take the shield of faith. Without it, we cannot please God. Heb. xi, 6. Those who will take the pains to read this chapter carefully will see what faith did for all those ancient worthies. True faith grasps the promises of God and will not yield to the tempting influences of the wicked; hence with it, we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.

5. We are also to take the helmet of salvation. We must have something to protect the head as well as other parts. In another place Paul defines the helmet as “the hope of salvation.” 1 Thess. v, 8. The hope of salvation is the Christian’s hope, which is, according to the scripture, the second coming of our Saviour to redeem his people. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. ix, 28. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus ii, 11–13. Thus we see that every one who puts on the helmet of salvation must become a Second Adventist, however much they may despise the name. The Christian, with his head thus protected, will move on in his journey with his mind all absorbed in the coming events of the kingdom of God, and the things of earth do not claim too much of his attention.

6. We must also arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This will thoroughly furnish the man of God unto every good work, that he may be always able to give an answer to them that would ask a reason of his hope, with meekness and fear. “The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing, even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. iv, 12.

Thus equipped, the Christian is prepared to go out and meet the foe, and there is only one thing lacking for him to prove successful in overcoming. He now needs to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. This will keep the armor bright and always ready for use. By prayer, strength is drawn from the Lord, and thus we are made able to overcome the Devil and all his influences.

It has been seen by the reasoning in this discourse thus far, that the Christian has three strong foes to contend with, yet by faithfully discharging his duty, he may overcome them all. But some may not think it worth while to make the trial. We will see what Paul thought about it. He says to the Corinthians: “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor. iv, 17. Thus this man of God could count all his trials here, light afflictions, compared with the eternal glory before him. So we will all view it, if we will draw near to God and try continually to remain in his favor by doing his holy will. But Paul bears another decisive testimony as his earthly career is about to close, and the testimony he has borne to be sealed with his blood. With great confidence he says: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Tim. iv, 7, 8. Thus we see the great apostle gaining the victory by fighting the good fight of faith. But the way is open for others. All who love the appearing of their Saviour well enough to make the sacrifice of humble obedience to his will in this life, will surely overcome and wear the victor’s crown at last.

Oh, what a glorious triumph there will be in the last great gathering day! Soon the Lord will come in all his glory and all the holy angels with him. He draws near the earth, and then sends the angels forth over its bosom to stand by the side of the graves of those saints who have fallen in death, also by those then living on the earth. He sounds the last loud trumpet, and the graves burst open. His voice penetrates the tomb, the dead hear and spring forth to immortal life. The living, too, are changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye. The angels take them in their arms and bear them away to meet the Lord in the air. While on their way I hear them shouting, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” But while they thus triumph, they do not forget the Author of their salvation. They unite their glad voices in one grand chorus, and shout, “Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Dear reader, will you enlist and take part in this warfare, gain the victory, and at last shout the glad triumph with the redeemed? May God grant that it may be your lot with mine to endure faithfully to the end, that we may have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.