The School of Christ by Nellie F. Heald

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 10, 1874

The School of Christ.

By Nellie F. Heald

All who have given their hearts to God, and are striving to overcome their sins and defects of character, are learners in the school of Christ. Christ is our divine teacher, and this world our place of discipline. The education we receive in the school of Christ is designed to fit us for an immortal existence; a state of perfect joy, holiness, and love, in the presence of God, the holy angels, and all the redeemed. The discipline of life, is designed to purify, refine, and elevate us, that we might be partakers of the divine nature; and finally through the precious blood of Christ to remove every stain that sin has made, that he may present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. This is a great work; and nothing less than an entire surrender of ourselves to God and a firm reliance upon Christ as our Saviour, can enable us to accomplish it. Our Saviour says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” And Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” God will require nothing of us that we are not able, through grace, to perform. “For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust.” Ps. 103:14. We have no promise that this life shall be exempt from trials, but the reverse. “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Since Christ overcame, we may overcome also. Take courage, then, doubting and disheartened one, he bids you be of good cheer. Jesus will not leave you to endure the conflict alone; for he has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In the wilderness of temptation he suffered on our account; and “in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” Heb. 2:18. As the great Teacher, he set us a perfect example, that we should walk in his steps. Whatever may be our life-work, our afflictions, our trials, he says to each one “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” When we are weak in ourselves then are we strong in Christ. “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

We must do the work he has given us to do now, if we would hope for the rest that comes when the troubled voyage of life is over, and the Christian race is run. The discipline to which he subjects us is always designed for our good. It may seem to us severe, and perhaps unnecessary; but “He who the end from beginning can tell Works for our good, for he doeth all well. This that prepares for the mansions of rest, Ever remember is all for the best.”

We might never know the evil and selfishness of our own hearts if he did not prove us by the discipline of trials and temptations. Only when we see ourselves as we are without his grace, can we realize our depth of sin and wretchedness.

It is not the chief design of this life to seek our own happiness. Happiness, when sought for its own sake, cannot be found. It follows in the path of right-doing, in obedience to God’s requirements, and unselfish devotion to the good of others. Even as Christ

came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, so should we minister to the happiness and welfare of others—live not for ourselves alone, but for Him who died for us. As a place of enjoyment merely, this world proves very unsatisfying; but as the school of Christ in which we are to be fitted for the glories of the world to come, it is wisely adapted to our need.

The cross is instituted in the school of Christ that we may learn humility. It is an emblem of our Saviour’s sufferings and humiliation which he endured for us. If we shun it we deny him, and he will also deny us. If we will not in humility bear the cross, we cannot hope to wear the crown in glory. It is the pure and lowly in heart that shall win eternal honors. The victor’s song of triumph is only for the overcomer. Is it not a precious thought that Christ who is altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousand, and exalted above all the heavenly hosts, should condescend to become our instructor? With such a teacher shall we not be without excuse if we fail to learn life’s lessons? The offered reward is of infinite value. All needed aid and encouragement is given us to attain it. Shall we not then be without excuse if we fail to win the prize?

Our course of education in the school of Christ will soon be completed. Soon we must pass the searching test of the great examination. Shall we then be found worthy to receive Heaven’s diploma, and to hear from the lips of the great Teacher the welcome words, “Well done”? “For so an entrance shall be ministered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11.

NELLIE F. HEALD.