p. 308 | FAITHFULNESS by C. H. Castle

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1900

FAITHFULNESS.

By C. H. Castle

C. H. CASTLE.

(Pond du Lac, Wis.)

“FAITHFUL is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess. 5: 24. Jesus left the throne of glory; he laid aside his divinity, and, clothed with humanity, dwelt among us. He was exposed to all the temptations to which we are subjected, “yet without sin.” He suffered the cruel death of the cross, in order that we might have life eternal.

He came to prepare a people who should stand as lights in the world; who should give the message of truth to those who know not God the Father. He died that we might live.

He is ever near to every unconverted soul, pleading and entreating him to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” “Faithful is he that calleth,” for he says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Christ was faithful to the end, and having passed through all the temptations through which we shall be called to pass, he is able to help us who are tempted, and he has left the promise to come again and receive us unto himself. Can we not take him at his word? Has he not proved that it is possible to be kept by the power of God from the evils of this world?

He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We are to come to Christ, and thus be kept. He can not keep us, in our sins. We must draw near to God, and he will draw near to us. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are able to draw near to God, it is this that opens the way. By trusting in Jesus, Satan is foiled. Christ is stronger than Satan, since he overcame every temptation that was presented.

Then let us accept the offers of mercy, that he may be glorified in us. Jesus is coming again. Do we believe it? Do our lives witness daily to that fact; are we living Christ daily? Can the world see in us that change of character which is to distinguish the people of God from those of the world? If not, there is something wrong. Christ said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He commanded, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” We may preach the gospel where we are; souls all around us are perishing. Home missionaries are needed as well as foreign missionaries. We may all work and live for God wherever we are, whatever our occupation. How can we better illustrate the gospel or the Third Angel’s Message than by strict conformity to all its requirements in everyday life, in our dealings with our fellow men?