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Counting the Cost

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 4.

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Counting the Cost

By F. W. Vesey, Sr.

F. W. VESEY, SR.
WHAT are you willing to pay for heaven? What is heaven worth to you? What price will you pay that you may have everlasting life and eternal happiness? Eternal life is a free gift, but did you ever count the cost of accepting a freely offered gift?
‘Read Luke 14:25-33. Note the tremendous price that Jesus demands in that last verse: “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he can not be my disciple.” “All that he hath,” includes his nearest and dearest relatives, and even his life. Verse 26.
That is what it may cost. If all your relatives come into the kingdom with you, and you are not called to sacrifice your life, you will be put to the test in some other way. Hear him: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” Rev. 3:19. Note also Heb. 12:1-11: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” “Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Many, when convinced of the truth of this glorious last message, hesitate at giving up their occupation. “How can I live and support my family? If I do not work on Saturday, I shall surely lose my position, and my salary, and who will help me in this selfish age?” That is a very serious question. Right there is a demand for great faith in God. “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, . . . blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord.” Jer. 17:5-7.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field: the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”
Waco, Tex.