The Privilege of Overcoming by J. E. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 10, 1907

The Privilege of Overcoming

By J. E. Evans

J. E. EVANS

Through various experiences the Lord leads his people. “The Lord knoweth them that are his.” 2 Tim. 2:19. “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chron. 16:9.

We can not overcome a fault or a tendency to sin until we become conscious that such fault or such tendency exists; and he whose heart is toward God, however wrong he may have been, will be led into light and truth that will finally make him “without fault before the throne of God.” In the book of the Bible which deals especially with the second appearing of our Saviour, there are many precious promises made to the overcomer: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” Rev. 2:17. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: . . . and I will write upon him my new name.” “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.” Rev. 3:5, 12, 21. Interspersed with these promises, we find the words, “Behold, I come quickly;” “behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Here also the Spirit is speaking to the church, but we can each claim the message and the promises as ours, inasmuch as they are to “any man” “that hath an ear to hear.” Jesus is our example. He overcame for us, not for himself. He says, therefore, “Be of good cheer.” John 16: 33.

Christ knew of the treasure that was hid in this field. He bought the field. He paid an infinite price for the treasure to be gained—his church. So he has secured the treasure to himself, but he has left another in the field, and we are called upon to sell all and secure this treasure—eternal life.

The chief thought with the Saviour in overcoming was not to gain something for himself; but the “joy of the Lord” was in saving others. So the primary thought of the Christian in this work should be to lead others to that fountain which is still open for sin and uncleanness. We have all to gain. This joy makes it a privilege, not a task, to overcome. This happy state of Christian life is realized only when we give up entirely the resources of self, and know by experience that carnal weapons and human wisdom are an utter failure.

Thermal, Cal.