HAVE YOU CUT LOOSE? by H. P. H.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 9, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 27.

HAVE YOU CUT LOOSE?

By H. P. H.

BY H. P. H.

It is God’s plan that we “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ;” but many professed Christians are sensible of the fact that they are not advancing, indeed, have less warmth and zeal and joy than when first converted. They are like the humblebee,—largest when first born. Realizing what they should be, they toil and struggle with all their might; still the desired end is not reached. What is the matter? Is Christianity a failure?—By no means. God’s plan is perfect; his provision is full and free and can never fail. In Christ is perfection for every soul.

Where, then, is the cause of failure with so many? If it is not on God’s part, it surely must be found with us; yes, it is with us. Christ is our righteousness, and in him the works were finished from the foundation of the world; and if we believe, we enter into his rest and cease from our works. All turns on the point of believing. If we really believe in Christ, our own imperfect work ceases; then Christ lives in us, and his perfect work begins, and we have rest and joy and peace; then we know whom we have believed.

But before Christ lives in us, we, the flesh, must die; we must cease walking after the flesh and walk after the Spirit. Here is where the non-advancing ones fail. They have not yielded all, and it being impossible to serve two masters, Christ and the flesh, they make no progress.

Such are in much the same condition as a company of sailors who rowed from their ship to the shore; and tying their boat to the wharf, went straight to a saloon to make up for their enforced abstinence on the sea. Late in the dark night they essayed to return; more than usually tipsy, they were concerned as to how to reach their ship. Finally one discovered the ship’s light, and, leaving the rest to pull at the oars, he took the rudder to steer for the light. After rowing a long time, they seemed to be no nearer the light than when they started. Finally one asked, Have you made loose from the wharf? On looking, they found that their rope was still tied fast.

That is where many professed Christians are,—still tied to the wharf,—and so all effort amounts to nothing. Cut loose, give up all, and as soon as you are entirely free from the world, you will find an abundant growth in Christ. Half-hearted work will not do; entire consecration is needed. Entire consecration is not the hard way; it is the easy way; it is the way that brings rest; to be tied to the world and still trying to serve Christ is the hard way. Don’t try it; cut loose, and take the easy way.