Things for Us to Keep if We Enjoy His Keeping by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 7, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 13.

Things for Us to Keep if We Enjoy His Keeping

By John Norton Loughborough

"BECAUSE thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." Rev. 3:10, 11. The people especially addressed by this scripture are those living when the second coming of Christ is near — a time in which, as expressed in other scriptures, special patience must be manifest in those who meet aright the perils of the time.

The apostle James, after noting the conflict that will be manifest between employer and employee, says, "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord"; and, "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7, 8. Peter speaks of the people of the Lord in that time, and says they "are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:5-7.

Our Saviour Himself clearly showed that His coming will be at a time of great declension in faith. He inquires, intimating a negative reply, "When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8. It seems as though the work of "higher critics" were spreading that very declension of faith. Paul, speaking of this same time, says: "Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith." Heb. 10:37, 38.

SOME THINGS WE ARE TO KEEP

While the Lord, on His part, promises to keep, it is in response to a keep on the part of His people. He says, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21.

James presents as an essential in "pure religion," to "keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27. In like manner Paul exhorted Timothy, "Keep thyself pure." 1 Tim. 5:22. His exhortation to the Ephesians is equally important for all believers: "Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:3. How forcible are the words of Solomon, "Keep thy heart with all diligence ["above all keeping," margin]; for out of it are the issues of life"! Prov. 4:23.

The Lord's promise is, to "keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26:3. He has promised angelic care to those who "fear Him." Ps. 34:7. To those who "with thanksgiving" make their requests to Him, is promised, "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7. And when the Lord compared His people to a "vineyard of red wine," He said, "I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." Isa. 27:3. A blessed keeping, indeed, to those who keep the way of the Lord, and follow His leadings!

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.