The Only Sure Anchor by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 1, 1914

The Only Sure Anchor

By F. M. W.

ACQUAINTANCESHIP with the Lord Jesus Christ is the only anchor which will hold the soul in the storm and stress of the closing days of earth’s history. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Let the truth of this declaration be indelibly impressed upon the heart. No theory of the truth will bring salvation. No powers of logic or argument will enable the soul to stand against the deceptive opposing forces of evil. This knowledge of Christ will bring peace to the believer here and life everlasting in the kingdom of God. “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace.” This was the counsel given by Eliphaz the Temanite to the patriarch Job. It was good counsel to him. It is equally good for us today.

A knowledge of Christ implies something more than a knowledge of the historical record of his life on earth. Infidels have acquainted themselves with the record of Christ’s earthly ministry, but this did not make them acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ. To be acquainted with Christ is to know him in the precious attributes of his character. It is to know him not only as the Saviour of the world, but specifically and particularly as a personal Saviour; as one who saves us from our sins. It is to know him as a comforter, one who comforts us in our sorrows; it is to know him in the tender family relationship of father, brother; it is to know him in that dearest of all earthly relationships, as a friend; it is to come so near to him that we are conscious of his divine presence, that we can feel the support of his loving arm, the throbbing of his great heart of love; it is to know him as our burden bearer, as the one to whom we can carry every trial and difficulty for solace and for counsel, realizing that he rejoices in our joys, and sorrows in our tribulations.

This definite personal acquaintance with the Lord Jesus Christ is the privilege of every disciple. No human relationship can afford such joy and rest; no human agent can impart such strength and power. Into this communion the disciple may enter by a complete consecration to his divine Lord. As the believer’s will is subordinated to the will of the Master; as his heart is opened to receive the divine Spirit; as Christ becomes his one supreme joy, the chiefest among ten thousand and the one altogether lovely, he will come to know the sweetness of this divine companionship and realize the strength and power which will be imparted to his life through acquaintance with his blessed Master.

This knowledge will prove indeed an anchor to the soul. Others may deny their Lord, but the one who has come to truly know him knows in whom he has believed. No peril can shake his confidence; no covert sneer nor open assault can turn him from his allegiance to the

one whom, though not having seen, he has learned to love. His only fear will be the fear of grieving that loving heart; of bringing disgrace upon that worthy name and cause. Let us take time, by the study of the sacred Word, by meditation and prayer, by the cultivation of the heavenly graces in the life, and by willing, loving service for the Master, to acquaint ourselves with Christ our Lord.

F. M. W.