Jacob’s Ladder by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 30, 1873

Jacob’s Ladder.

By H. A. St. John

“AND he dreamed, and behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.” Gen. 28: 12. In a lonely place, with stones for a pillow, and no covering but the broad canopy of heaven, Jacob sweetly slept, and while sleeping, had this remarkable dream. How wonderful, and yet how encouraging! A channel of communication constantly open between Heaven and earth. Divine beings, heavenly messengers, angels of light and strength, continually acting an important part in the affairs of earth and Heaven. That impressive dream expresses a reality but little appreciated by the children of men.

The ladder that Jacob saw represents Christ. In John 1:51, he says: “Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” The Lord, the Creator of all, stands above the ladder, it rests securely by his throne, while the other end is firmly fixed upon the earth. The eternal Father dispenses heavenly benefits to poor, fallen man through Jesus, and through him alone. Jesus with his divine arm lays hold of heavenly treasures, and with his human arm reaches down to the very depths of human degradation. The name of Jesus is the only name whereby we can be saved. He is the only way, the true and living way. Through him, we may have peace with God. Through him, we may have pardon for sin, and clean hearts. Through him, we may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. By him, we may become the adopted sons and daughters of the Almighty. Through him, angels come to minister to the truly humble. Through him, we may have access to the realms of eternal blessedness at the right hand of the Father, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

The most lowly are invited, earnestly and lovingly invited, to come and ascend the shining course that ends only in felicity inexpressible. And the high and famous of earth can reach eternal joys in no other way. All that would be saved must come to the foot of this ladder, where they are converted, or become as little children, and then climb upon the merits of Jesus Christ to a place at the right hand of God. When we come to Christ and find his pardoning love, we enter upon the way. Our work is not done, but just begun. Jesus is our example; we must walk as he walked; we must follow in his steps; we must overcome as he overcame; we must climb. Thus our pathway will shine more and more, because we will be constantly nearing the great Fountain of light.

That awful chasm between God and man made by transgression is bridged over by our adorable Redeemer. Dear reader, are you on your way to the eternal city? Are you seeking salvation through Jesus? If not, now is the accepted time. Be entreated to set out at once, with diligence and great earnestness, for the Father’s house of many mansions. A heavenly message announces, in tones of awful moment, that the ladder that has stood so long will soon be taken down. Jesus will soon cease to plead, the heavenly court of mercy will soon cease its sitting, and then the filthy must forever so remain. Heed the last call of mercy, and very soon you may share the joys of the redeemed. H. A. St. John.