THE JOY OF SALVATION by J. H. W.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1868

THE JOY OF SALVATION.

By J. H. W.

David prayed that God would restore to him the joy of his salvation. There is a joy in the salvation of God. The soul that drinks of the “cup of salvation” can “rejoice always;” can “glory in tribulation,” because it realizes that “all things work together for good to them that love God;” and that we are not merely “conquerors through Him that loved us,” in prosperity, in ease, in plenty, and in security, but “more than conquerors” in tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and the sword. Bless the Lord for such a soul-reviving hope as this; for a faith that will overcome the world;

“That when in danger, knows no fear: In darkness feels no doubt.”

But David had sinned against God; his soul was pining in darkness; he was lamenting his iniquity with cries and bitter tears. But he did not sink into rebellious unbelief; he had tasted before of the joy of God’s salvation, and he longed for another draught at the all-healing fountain. His soul thirsted for the living God as the chased hart panteth for the water-brook. Nothing could atone for the absence of his Father’s smile, for his loving kindness was to him better than life.

We believe there is salvation in the present truth—the third angel’s message. As a truth to prepare us for the coming of the Lord it must be a test to all to whom it is preached. We do not say that God has no accepted servants among those who as yet know nothing of this message, or that they cannot know the joy of his salvation while living up to the best light they have. But we know the Scripture says that “to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” When the light comes, if any reject it, they have no cloak for their sin—no more excuse for disobedience. A transgression which before was done in ignorance, and therefore pardonable, then becomes willful and far more dangerous; and if persisted in till Jesus closes his work as priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary, will sink the transgressor to everlasting ruin.

What we draw from the above-quoted Scripture, and apply to ourselves, is this: that it is sin for us to neglect the warnings of this message; that such a sin against light and knowledge is willful, and must deprive us of the salvation of God; that our only hope of eternal life—only chance of God’s salvation—is in the present truth. And this is the necessary conclusion from our profession. Why “leave the world and all behind?” Why become so peculiar and singular in the sight of the world and our friends? Why bear an unpopular cross, and deprive ourselves of such things as others greedily seek after, if there be no real advantage in it? If we can find salvation in the way that others walk in, why not walk with them? No, we cannot. Life and death are before us; the wrath of God impending warns us to give heed to the warning message.

Now we are very seriously impressed with the fact that a great many who profess this truth, never press into it sufficiently to receive the joy of God’s salvation. They move along on the same dead level, occupied by those who reject the present truth; they have no real hungering and thirsting after righteousness; their souls do not thirst and pant for the living God; they love the truth, perhaps, but no ardent emotions reach out after the God of truth; truth to them is more of an end than a means, or, if a means, it is merely of ultimate salvation and not of present enjoyment of God—not to perfect them in holiness of heart and life. Such are greatly deceived. Many, doubtless, are deceived by a profession of truth, whose only hope is in the profession, for they would not consider themselves safe for a moment without that profession if living just as they now do. Who is laboring under such a deception? Is it I? Is it you?

These thoughts have been sent home to our hearts with great force by the Lord’s testimony, that many who profess this precious faith; who rejoice in the light of this truth, will lose eternal life. Lukewarmness and formality will be their ruin. Who can imagine the bitterness of their lamentation when they awake from their dream of false security, and find it too late to secure that salvation they so long trifled with? How the warnings, the entreaties of their friends, and the neglected testimonies of the Lord will burn in their memories, filling them with unutterable anguish! Lord, “wake thy slumbering people;” revive thy work in every heart.

To young and old we say, Seek with earnestness to know the joys of God’s salvation; do your duty, not only when you “feel like it,” but when it is a cross—a trial to faith and nature, too. Be more diligent in that neglected duty, secret prayer. Plead with God till he visits you with his immediate presence by his Spirit; leave not the place of retirement till your Saviour appears exceedingly precious and lovely; weep before him, and confess, if need be, till you can rise with thanksgiving in your heart and on your tongue.

Have you never known the sweet subduing power of the Spirit of God? you may have it; you must have it to stand in the great day that is near; yes, to withstand the wiles of Satan, and the perils of the present hour. Do not look too far away for the hour of triumph over Satan and sin. He who gets no present victory will look in vain for future triumph. Have you lost the sweet joy of salvation in your souls? Lose no time—give no sleep to your eyes, nor rest to your weary powers—till it is restored. Make haste; there is danger in every step—on every hand; and

no refuge but the Saviour; no safety but in his presence.

Will you heed the warning? Will you seek after the fullness of a Saviour’s love? That the Lord may revive his work with his people is our earnest prayer.

J. H. W.