Forbidden Ground by Nettie Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 2, 1875

Forbidden Ground.

By Nettie Smith

WHEN the Lord placed our first parents in the beautiful garden of Eden, they were to have free access to every spot in it except one. There was one spot of forbidden ground, and they lingered near this forbidden spot just long enough to be beguiled into sin, and leave their offspring an inheritance of woe.

Since the way into paradise has been closed, the avenues to sin have multiplied, until all around us we find forbidden ground. Everywhere temptations are presented, and at times we are led to cry out, Is there no one to aid us in striving to shun these forbidden paths?

Jesus came down to this dark world “to seek and to save that which was lost.” As we go back to Calvary, and, sitting beneath the shadow of the cross, hear that cry of agony, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” do we believe that he bore this grief for us? Do we realize that our sins cost the life of the dear Saviour who never was guilty of sin? Do we show by our daily conversation and intercourse that we have faith in the blood of Jesus? Are we willing to give up our friends, society, fashion, all for Jesus? Are we willing to climb Peter’s ladder of perfection until we shall have reached the top, and are fitted to reign with Christ?

Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” In Isa. 43: 2, we read this comforting passage: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Precious promises!

Now that Jesus has gone to Heaven we are not left alone. Still he is pleading in our behalf, for he knows our frame and pities us. We may go to him for strength to shun temptation, and he will hear our cry if we ask in humility; and when the Saviour comes to gather his saints together, we may be among those that go to dwell in Eden restored, nevermore to tread on forbidden ground.

NETTIE SMITH.

Girard, Ill., Aug. 14, 1875.