Am I a Christian? by W. H. H. INGLE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 25, 1906

Am I a Christian?

By W. H. H. INGLE

W. H. H. INGLE

WE all shall do well often to ask ourselves the question, Am I a Christian? not, Do my brethren and neighbors think me to be a Christian? but, Am I one? Is my experience in the things of God a genuine one? In my home, is it known that within me there is an abiding presence able to keep me when tempted to speak impetuously, and to help me to properly represent him whose name we bear?

The Lord has made it possible for us to reveal in all our acts the divine nature. He partook of ours, that it might become possible for us to share in his. He can accept of no counterfeit. His divine life is genuine, and only genuine. The apostasy of much that goes under the name of Christianity today may be known by the following marks: worldly schemes for work, instead of free-will offerings (1 Cor. 13:3); worldly schemes for finances, instead of God's financial plan; worldly choirs to entertain, instead of saved people singing to edify; worldly fairs and festivals, in place of heavenly communions; worldly hilarity, instead of spiritual joy; worldly unity among members, instead of spiritual fellowship. These are the awful marks which demonstrate spiritual harlotry too wicked to name. Woe unto the watchman who does not warn of it. Rev. 18:1-5.

God teaches men through his Word, and it is the duty of those who study and learn that Word to communicate it to others. The things which they have heard and received are to be committed to faithful men who are able to teach others. 2 Tim. 2:2. Persons can not teach what they do not know; and as many Christians, and even professed ministers, know very little of the Word of God, they are not properly prepared to teach it to others. But people greatly need to be taught “publicly and from house to house.”

Ladysmith, Wis.