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To the Overcomer

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 11, 1871

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 38, No. 4.

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To the Overcomer.

By C. Lawton

In every state of the church, there is a glorious promise to the overcomer; but as we come down near the time when our High Priest is about to close up his work in the inner sanctuary, and come forth clothed with kingly authority, to gather his subjects, we hear him say, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” One would think with the clear evidence we have of soon meeting the fulfillment of this high and exalted position, we would set ourselves about the work of overcoming with a zeal that would soon fit us for it. Is there not a power in the Laodicean message which should move every one to action? Is it possible that with some this message has lost its power? How can any read the solemn appeal of the Faithful and True Witness unmoved? Hear his startling declaration: “So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”
Do any feel the spirit of lethargy creeping over them, or a desire to shun the cross? Is it too much to bear reproach for Christ and his cause? Does the favor of the world get between us and our duty to God? Which is worse to have, the disapprobation of God, or the frowns of the world? One or the other we must have; it is impossible to please the world or the carnal mind, and our Heavenly Father also. Certainly, if we have faith in the word of God and the Testimonies to the church, we know a very narrow way is before us.
The true people of God have always been a peculiar people, separate from the world. It cannot be otherwise. Our faith, and especially in these last days, draws a close line of distinction between us and the world; it will require decision and much of the grace of God to live it out as we should. This will be the secret of our success in overcoming. When we make a full surrender of the world, and consecrate ourselves wholly to God and his cause, the cross will not be so heavy to lift. O brethren and sisters, do you realize the deceptive power of the enemy? the danger of yielding a moment to it? The last Testimony is enough to stir the hearts of all genuine believers in the truth. Characters are being developed. I believe the time is near when it will be known who are on the Lord’s side, and who are not. Oh! for the transforming power of God to rest more fully on the church, a launching out into the broad ocean of his love, a cutting loose from the world, and a renouncing of our own wills and becoming wholly submissive to the will of God. If we venture out by faith in his word, the blessing of God will follow. We have no time to waste. It should be all improved in the work of overcoming and doing good. It is the privilege of all to have stars in their crowns. A rich reward awaits the faithful overcomer. Let us be among the number that will sit down with Christ in his kingdom.
C. LAWTON.
Adams Center, N. Y.