RESPONSIBILITY OF FREEDOM.
By G.
THAT God designs that young men shall be tested on their free will, in the matter of character formation, is set forth in the scripture which says, “Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes.” Here is the privilege, but there is a sure result: “But know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore, remove sorrow [margin, “anger”] from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for childhood and youth are vanity.” Eccl. 11:9, 10. This principle of a probationary or testing time, with final accountability for its use, applies also to those of mature years. “If any man hear My words, and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.” Judging was not Christ’s mission at that time. He was here as a teacher, a mediator, a leader of those who would follow His counsel. But there was to be a reckoning time: “He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him; the words that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:47, 48. The principle is therefore established, that while God does not compel people to obey His Word, all are under obligation to do so, as all will find out in the judgment. So it is better to repent and believe now, while there is mercy, than to put it off until mercy is withdrawn. “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28. “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”