WHY ASK FOR JESUS? by M. E. Steward

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 2, 1893

WHY ASK FOR JESUS?

By M. E. Steward

BY M. E. STEWARD.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave us Jesus long ago. Why, then, do we not thank him instead of praying the Lord to give him now?

How much of Christ did God give us? Answer—How much did the Saviour leave in heaven? He left only the transcendent, infinite brightness of his glory which he had with the Father before the world was. John 17:5. When he came to earth he brought his divinity with him "veiled with humanity," that he might make us "partakers of the divine nature." He came in his "righteousness, mighty to save," that he might be "the Lord our righteousness." Jer. 23:6. All that Jesus was on earth God gave to us, and we have only to reach out our hand, and take him. This we must do or we cannot have him.

Is there any condition? Christ gave but one, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish." This belief is not a mere assent of the mind, but it is believing unto righteousness. Rom. 10:10.