The Great Question by A. W. Gould

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1871

The Great Question.

By A. W. Gould

“WHAT good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Ans. “Keep the commandments.” Matt. 19: 16, 17, last clause.

Although this question is many centuries old, the answer is of as much importance today as when first given. The young man who made this inquiry was not satisfied with his attainments. Mark says, a “rich man,” and Luke says, a “ruler,” inquires, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He understood without doubt that on account of transgression, man had lost the glory with which he was clothed; Heb. 2: 7, 8; and because of his rebellion he was driven from the garden of Eden. Gen. 3: 24. Afterward, through the goodness of God, he was not permitted to eat of the tree of life, and thereby become an immortal sinner.

Sin separated man from God. “He who has forfeited all rights has no claim for pardon.” Now what is to be done to regain what was lost at the fall of man? Jesus says, If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Here the Sovereign requires obedience of his subjects. But the apostle testifies in Rom. 7: 14: “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.” Sold to whom? To the law.

Terrible is the state of the lost sinner, and he is in a condition from which he is unable to emancipate himself. Sin is the transgression of the law, and the law demands his life. But, oh! the mercy and goodness of God, of whom it is said that he “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The Father gave his Son to suffer for us, and bear our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness.

What wondrous love! It is beyond human comprehension. He says to us, Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price. The penalty has been paid. The sinner can now look to One mighty to save, and can hope as he reads, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Is this boon free to all? The invitation is extended to all, “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” Isa. 45: 22. Only a few choose to accept it. He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14: 6. “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Chap. 5: 40. What is the reason, when salvation has been made at such an infinite cost? Our Lord says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. 16: 24. “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Chap. 10: 38. It is written, “For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Heb. 2: 10.

All who enlist in the army under his supervision will be tested. The young man did not stand the test. He had confidence in himself, and thought he was keeping the law. Jesus would lead him to see that he had idols in his heart, that he loved his possessions more than God, and said to him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven; and come and follow me.” He began to see he had a work to do to follow Christ, and turned away, preferring to remain in the rebel army, under the administration of Satan, and “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Heb. 11: 25.

He who would be loyal and successful, must “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” be whole-hearted in his service, and follow him regardless of consequences. He goes halves with none, but says, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” He calls his sheep by name, and leads them out. Those who hear his voice, and give heed to his counsel, will be refreshed by the latter rain, and will say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” Isa. 25: 9. A. W. GOULD.

Mason Village, N. H.