BEHOLD, NOW | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 1, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 40.

“BEHOLD, NOW.”

THERE is no other time given mortal man but the present, the very present moment. His true worth is what he is, not what he will be. His power for service is what he is, not what he will or may be.

Victory, if gained at all over temptation, is a victory of now. The only time to resist the temptation is when the temptation is present. It may be hopeful to weep and mourn over failures and defeats; but it is always good, always the best thing, not to fail, not to be defeated. In fact, there is no other time than the now to meet the enemy, to win the victory.

It is for this reason that God so declares Himself to His people: “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.” He declares His name to be I AM. It is a blank pledge to be instantly filled out with whatever the child of God needs. Is he weak and needing strength? “He is our strong Rock.” Are we subject to death, dying? “He is thy life.”

His grace has brought salvation down to a greatly needy race. Cleansing, righteousness, life, power, are all open to the channel of faith. By faith in Jesus Christ we have access, constant and instant, into this great storehouse of God. “My God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God’s “shall” awaits your present acceptance according to the need.

O soul, do you know Christ’s salvation? You are not saved at all unless you are saved now. You are not kept unless you are kept now. The great God is not your refuge unless He is your refuge now. Do not delay deciding the one great and important question of your life. Do not turn the cold shoulder to God. Do not put Him off. “Behold, now is the accepted time.”