Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jul 25, 1912

Editorial

By Editor

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.

The experience represented in these scriptures is not one of a transitory or uncertain character. He who abides in Christ has effected through the Spirit a union with keeping power. The life that he lives is not his own selfish life of sin, but the Christ-life. The spirit he manifests is not the sordid, selfish spirit of the world, but the humble, meek, and self-denying spirit of the lowly Master. He is not controlled by blind impulse or unreasoning passion, but submits himself to the leadings and directions of the Spirit of God. His aims in life are not those of selfish ambition, but rather of unselfish ministry to those around him.

Abiding in Christ represents no passive experience; it is a positive, active, aggressive existence. The evidence of the union is that of fruit bearing. “He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.” It is not indicated alone by the profession. Some there were, Christ declared, who would cry, Lord, Lord, but do not the things which he said. This class John the Baptist admonished in his day: “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” Matt. 3:8. Union with Christ does not come as a result of fruit bearing. Fruit bearing results from the union. Indeed, without the union, fruit bearing is impossible. The union is effected not through the will of the flesh, man-made resolution, or human striving. It results from surrender to God, from asking Christ to cleanse the soul temple, and to enthrone himself in the affections as the supreme object of the heart’s adoration. United with this surrender, and with this seeking, a simple faith brings him into the life. Rev. 3:20; Eph. 3:17; Gal. 2:20. Keeping oneself upon the altar of surrender, keeping one’s heart open to divine influences, and relying constantly upon the power of the Holy Spirit to live a consecrated life,—by this experience abiding in Christ is made possible. The conditions are such that every man, woman, and child, regardless of nation, color, education, wealth, or worldly station, may accept God’s gracious provision. “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”