p. 3 | In This Generation by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1903

In This Generation

By Editor

Editorial

In This Generation

THE gospel of the kingdom, as set forth in the threefold message of Rev. 14:6-12, will be preached in all the world in this generation. A people will be gathered out from every nation and kindred and tongue and people who will be prepared for translation in this generation. When this work is done, the Lord will come in this generation. In view of these facts there was never a more decided demand for earnest consecration to the Master's work than in this generation. Happy are those who recognize the possibilities offered to them, and rise to meet the demand made upon them in this generation. The world, angels, and men are watching for the final outcome of the great controversy between Christ and Satan in this generation. Let us be faithful to our high calling in this generation.

The Great Need

THE Lord's work can be accomplished only by the Lord's power. No human devising can take the place of this one essential thing. “Without me ye can do nothing.” Our only hope of success in our individual experiences, and in our effort to hasten the coming of the day of God, lies in the revealing of divine power through the human instrumentality. This power is abundantly provided through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the great need to-day is the realization of his presence. When he is present, there will be power in the preaching of the gospel to convict of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. When he is present, there will be a power to heal backsliders, and to restore the former days to those who have lost their first love. For his presence let us earnestly pray. For his presence let us believe. In the power of his presence let us labor to win souls from darkness to light. His presence is the great need of this time.

Take Him

WHEN we fell, we were not half lost; we were wholly lost. In this fall we not only fell down, but as is always the case, we were greatly hurt, broken, bruised, and wounded. We were completely undone, but Jesus Christ is just the Saviour for such a complete loss, because he is a complete Saviour, and he is right where we are, and all any one needs to do is to take him where he is. We do not buy God's favor because we are sorry for our sins. It is his love that made it possible for us to repent and be sorry. It was because he loved first, and wherever we are the first thing is to take Christ right where we are, and then everything comes in the gift of God in Christ. We do not have to make ourselves any better to take Christ. That is the only plan of salvation that is possible for us, poor, weak, miserable creatures, without God, without hope, without anything, totally lost; the only thing is the free gift of Christ, and if every sinner on the face of this earth should repent and turn to Christ, there would be great joy in heaven.

Keeping Power

MANY earnest souls are seeking for the assurance of a keeping power. For this they greatly long. For this they ask with all the intensity of their being. We are glad to testify that there is keeping power for all believers. He is “able to keep from falling.” He is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” He is “able to save to the uttermost.” But the assurance of all this is our faith. “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for.” “This is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith.” Victory to-day is not the assurance of victory to-morrow. The same faith which brings a victory to-day will bring victory to-morrow, but it is wholly of faith. The power which keeps to-day is gone with the day. A new day demands a new measure of power, and this must be received by the same exercise of faith as has brought the experience of keeping power in the past. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” Power is not given in advance of the actual need of power, as the assurance that we have power for the time of need. The power is all of God, and the assurance of power to keep us is the faith which keeps us united to him who is the power of God to all who believe. Constant union and communion with Christ, our living Head, places us in the current of power, and the daily conflict provides the opportunity for the revelation of this power in us that we may be witnesses to his saving grace. Cultivate the faith which brings the Saviour into the inner chambers of the soul, according to the promise which he has made, and you will realize more and more that he is your Keeper. “He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” “Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”