Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1911

Editorial

By Editor

Overcoming Sin

To gain the victory over temptation, it must be met at the point of contact. When the temptation confronts us, at the very moment that sin invites us to indulgence, right there is the time to engage it in deadly conflict. At that particular point we need to cry to God for deliverance, and in his name and by his power assert our mastery over the evil thing. But at this time in the warfare many make a serious mistake. They yield to the tempter's wiles; they allow themselves to be drawn into the snare; then, after being defeated, cast down, in their humiliation and darkness they cry to God for deliverance. He mercifully listens to their cry; he reaches down his strong and mighty hand into the very depths of the pit, and lifts them out, and sets their feet once more upon the solid rock. But O, how much better for these poor, fallen souls, had they fled for deliverance when they stood face to face with the enemy, and before they had yielded to his enticements! There, at the very point of contact, was the time to resist. Says the apostle, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” A prayer to God, a cry for deliverance, a hand upraised for divine help, would have brought strength and resolution to the soul; and instead of defeat and failure, a song of victory could have been sung.

This experience of victory is what we need in our lives now. Too long have we been made the prey of Satan's wiles. We need now, as the sons and daughters of God, to assert our moral independence of Satan's rule, to claim the liberty of the sons of God. Christ died to set us free. Why should we not claim this freedom? Why longer be held the bond-slaves of the great adversary? Why longer allow ourselves to be shut up in the darkness, when light and liberty have been purchased for us? Songs of mourning should give place to songs of rejoicing, the shout of victory should be heard in the camp of Israel. Our meetings for praise and prayer should be occasions in which we can tell of the victories gained over sin. It is our blessed privilege to experience in our own hearts the triumphs of God's grace.

F. M. W.