The Only Way | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 19, 1895

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 21, No. 37.

The Only Way.

There is no such a thing as overcoming by overcoming one sin at a time. We may not pass by a dozen seemingly lesser sins and attack one seemingly greater than all. The “greater” sin may have its root in the “lesser.” It does not seem to be very sinful to covet. There are thousands guilty of this sin who are of “good standing” in the churches. But stealing and adultery are considered even by the covetous ones heinous sins. Yet he who never coveted, never stole, never committed adultery. It is impossible to overcome theft if covetousness is cherished. It is impossible to put away any sin, to overcome any sin, while selfishness, the basis of all, is cherished and fed. Selfishness is the taproot of all sin, the soil in which all sins flourish; and the only way to secure great and permanent victory is to give up self and all sin with it. He who cherishes one sin in his heart, holds in the very citadel of his strength a foe which will open the gate and admit an army of evil. The only way to triumph over sin is to have the heart cleansed by Jesus Christ, and then by faith to “keep” it “with all diligence,” by cherishing no sin, by keeping it filled with the knowledge and goodness of God.