Untitled article by E. G. Rust

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 12, 1867

ARE THERE FEW THAT BE SAVED?

By E. G. Rust

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke xiii, 23, 24.

A very solemn remark is made in Testimony No. 13, that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified through it, and be saved. This, though calculated to awaken serious reflections, should not, I think, be a cause of discouragement to any. The Christian warfare is a great warfare—one of life or death. We might illustrate it by imagining ourselves in the forefront of a terrible battle in our country’s defense. We know that the contest will be severe. To yield is certain death. Our captain informs us that but few can possibly escape death in

the contest before us,—our only safety lies in fighting our way through. Think ye, that valiant soldiers would lay down their armor, saying, “The captain says that but few will escape death; and I might as well yield now!” No, no; they would gird on their armor more closely, and prepare themselves for the dreadful encounter just before them, realizing that a great principle was at stake.

So should we, dear friends, nerve ourselves for the battle before us, and never shrink from duty now. We may have to pass through great tribulation, privation and suffering, but if we go ahead, glory awaits us; if we draw back, certain death and perdition is ours. But thank God, we may know in whom we trust. “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Let us, instead of drooping and despairing, praise God for a perfect Captain, and obey orders.

E. G. RUST.

Battle Creek, Mich.