Striving to Enter In by HANNAH J. BAKER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 8, 1912

Striving to Enter In

By HANNAH J. BAKER

HANNAH J. BAKER

ONE said 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 13:23, 24. No careless seeking will be rewarded with eternal life. We must give diligence to make our calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1:10. “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently,” lest ye “fall from the grace of God.” Deut. 4:9; Heb. 12:15, margin.

It was according to God’s eternal purpose, which he purposed in Christ Jesus, that he chose us “in him before the foundation of the world.” Eph. 1:4. This purpose was fulfilled when in the garden of Gethsemane our Saviour “offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears.” Heb. 5:7. “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:44.

Christ endured the cross, and despised the shame, for the joy of seeing souls saved; and if we would have his joy, we must share his sufferings. Abraham endured, as seeing him who is invisible, when he offered his only son Isaac. Of Moses it is written that he esteemed “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Heb. 11:26. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim. 3:12. Paul also served “the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations.” Acts 20:19.

If we earnestly desire to work for Christ; if we are willing to suffer with him; if we can “take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in

persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake,” then we, too, may hear the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” 2 Cor. 12:10; Matt. 25:21. The joy of seeing souls eternally saved, is the reward of all who put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, “Follow me.” “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” John 13:17.

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