p. 10 | Abiding in Christ by J. A. Cross

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1903

Abiding in Christ

By J. A. Cross

To attempt to follow Christ without abiding in him is to assume the form of godliness without gaining its power. The one who abides in Christ is a new creature; his life is not spent in a continuous search for new ways in which to gratify the old nature, for that nature has become in him a thing to be opposed instead of gratified. He is not troubled by the vexed questions relative to the extent a Christian may engage in the follies of the world. He does not try to get as near the world as he can without being considered a worldling, for he is under the influence of a power that draws him in another direction. The Spirit within constrains him to a course of conduct which inevitably widens the gulf between his soul and things evil.

The secret of a happy life has been intensely sought in every age. Philosophy, ever in the search, has never found an answer to which the soul can fully respond. The pleasures of wealth and fame have ever failed to bestow contentment. Many will agree that the Christian life affords the only true happiness. This blessing, however, is not for the wavering Christian, but for him only who abideth. What declaration is more solemn or worthy of more careful thought than this, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered.”

How ought the professed followers of Jesus to live? “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” By what mark may believers be known?—“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.” Not only has the soul that abideth in Christ peace, joy, and abundant spiritual life, but the relationship with kindred souls is necessarily harmonious. Heaven is within the soul that abideth in Christ.—J. A. Cross.