p. 12 | CONSISTENT FAITH by Ellen G. White

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 10, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 44.

CONSISTENT FAITH.

By Ellen G. White

“WHAT doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him?” “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” When those who profess the faith show their lives to be consistent with their faith, then we shall see a power attending the presentation of the truth,—a power that will convict the sinner, and draw souls nigh to Christ.

A consistent faith is rare among rich men. Genuine faith, sustained by works, is seldom found. But all who possess this faith will be men who will not lack influence. They will copy after Christ; they will possess that disinterested benevolence, that interest in the work of saving souls, that he had. The followers of Christ should value souls as he valued them. Their sympathies should be with the work of their dear Redeemer, and they should labor to save the purchase of his blood, at any sacrifice. What are money, houses, and lands, in comparison with even one soul?

Christ made a full and complete sacrifice, a sacrifice sufficient to save every son and daughter of Adam who should show repentance toward God for having transgressed his law, and manifest faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet, notwithstanding the sacrifice was ample, but few consent to a life of obedience that they may have this great salvation. Few are willing to imitate his amazing privations, to endure his sufferings and persecutions, and to share his exhausting labor, to bring others to the light. But few will follow his example in earnest, frequent prayer to God for strength to endure the trials of this life and perform its daily duties. Christ is the Captain of our salvation, and by his own sufferings and sacrifice he has given an example to all his followers, that watchfulness, and prayer, and persevering effort, were necessary on their part if they would rightly represent the love which dwelt in his bosom for the fallen race.—Testimony for the Church No. 20.