p. 3 | The Greatest Experience by William Ambrose Spicer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 30, 1905

The Greatest Experience

By William Ambrose Spicer

THE best and greatest experiences are the simplest. Not away beyond the reach of the common man or woman, but near at hand, God places the choicest gifts.

Luther had stood for God and truth before all the majesty and learning and power of earth. His work was shaking the foundations of the papal system. No man since Paul’s day had been more highly honored in the call to distinguished service.

Yet, when the devil came to tempt his soul, it was not the memory of these services before councils and the great of earth that brought him comfort and release. Great deeds accomplished, high office, or brilliant gifts have no value for the hour of personal trial.

In Luther’s waking vision of the temptation, he acknowledged the list of his sins which Satan held before him. The sense of unworthiness and guilt pressed hard upon his very life. But confessing his sins,—not as a reformer, but as a common sinner,—he seized the pen and wrote across the scroll the words of pardon: “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” In that assurance there was rest for his heart, and the power of the tempter was broken.

No man is called to service so exalted but that the deepest, truest joy will be in the knowledge of sins forgiven and of peace with God through Jesus Christ. And this best and sweetest of all experiences on earth is open to the lowliest and simplest believer. W. A. S.