A Growth in Grace by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 4, 1870

A Growth in Grace.

By George I. Butler

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 3:18. The idea of a growth is a suggestive one; and it is brought to view in many scriptures.

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Eph. 4:15. “As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Pet. 2:2. Says another, in whom we have great confidence, “Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day. It is a continual growth in grace.” Testimony No. 8, p. 47.

The idea suggested is one consistent with reason, and in fact, taught by all nature. Why should it not hold good in spiritual things? In the vegetable and animal kingdoms, we see a germ, a beginning, a growth, and maturity; so in the spiritual. The apostle Peter, in one of the texts quoted, speaks of a certain class as babes, who need milk for their growth. The idea of babes implies a birth. I am one of those who fully believe that Christian conversion is referred to in Scripture as a birth. The life of holiness is spoken of as a new life. The carnal nature as the “old man.” The time comes when the old man dies, and of course the new life must have a commencement. That commencement is as properly called a birth, as the commencement of the old life was. Not only this, but the very agencies employed in bringing this spiritual life into being, are brought to view in the Scriptures. Now the knowledge and experience gained by this new life, thus ushered into existence, is the growth referred to. And this growth is just as necessary to a well developed life of Christian usefulness, as in the animal or vegetable kingdom. Of what earthly consequence would a child of a year old, who should never grow any more, be to the world? It must necessarily remain a burden to others, and of benefit to none. What benefit would the sprout from the acorn be, that should never reach a height greater than a foot from the surface? It might be of a nature to make the toughest of timber, if grown; but it would all be lost, if it remained such a dwarf. So of the Christian life. It must go on and gain an experience, and have that true, genuine knowledge which will fit it to act a part in life, to benefit others, and be an honor to the cause of God, illustrating the great principles of holiness.

Some feel to doubt their Christian experience unless it be characterized by something very striking or exciting. Certainly a deep sense of sin, and of its awful burden of guilt pressing us under its load, is a sign of the work of the Spirit upon the heart, in its office as a reprover. And a realizing sense of God’s pardoning love is ever to be remembered as a blessed spot in our experience, and an evidence of a genuine work of grace; and yet so far as a Christian life is concerned, there can be no better evidence of its genuineness than a continual growth onward and upward, overcoming those passions and appetites inherent in the flesh, through God’s favor breaking down the proud heart, and having blessed humility take its place, becoming meek and gentle in disposition, crushing out covetousness and selfishness, filling its place with benevolence and love; and, in short, becoming more and more like the blessed Saviour. A growth in these directions, I repeat, is to my mind the very best evidence of a Christian character, such as God owns.

When we can look back over our lives and see a progress in the direction indicated, it is good cause of encouragement; and yet that progress may be too slow to bring about the desired result in time. That result is indicated in the words of Paul: “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” That result must be brought about, or we never can share in the rest prepared for God’s people. We have every reason to hasten this growth, as eternal consequences are pending. Steadiness in growth is encouraging. That is the rule in nature. We don’t see trees taking a sudden leap for a day or two, then remaining where they were, or growing smaller; neither animals; a steady growth, even if slow, I have thought sometimes, was most to be relied upon. In nature, those things that shoot up with such remarkable rapidity, do not furnish the best permanent results. The basswood, cottonwood, or willow, are not the most desirable in the long run. They answer a purpose, but that purpose is not the most important. So of some Christian experiences: they seem to flame up with great brilliancy, but are not lasting. They go up like a rocket, but alas! they come down like a stick. No; the steady growth of the oak is far preferable. It starts from a small beginning, and makes but little pretension. If trampled upon, it resists decay, and continues to spread out its branches, and rear its head; and in presence of the fierce blast, it bends, but rarely breaks. The more resistance it encounters, the more the storm breaks upon it, the deeper it sends its roots—the firmer it stands; till finally it spreads out its broad arms, affording grateful shade to the flocks and herds, and protection from the storm, till even the fearful tornado can scarce injure it. Here is permanency. Here is usefulness. Such a growth as this, if not so brilliant, gives far better promise of final usefulness and success. Let us therefore grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Geo. I. BUTLER.

Des Moines, Iowa, Sept. 12, 1870.