p. 53 | Self Denial by D. A. Eddy.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Jan 12, 1864

Self Denial.

By D. A. Eddy.

HAD the Saviour of mankind made his advent into this world surrounded by the pomp and the pride of an earthly king; had he promised to his followers unlimited indulgence in the carnal pleasures of this world; had he exacted no self-denial, no cross-bearing, no humility, of his disciples, this would all well have accorded with the inclination of the world, and instead of a few poor fishermen, we should have seen the world immediately gather around his standard.

But no, this was not the Saviour's mission. He came in a meek and lowly guise, and the religion he taught was one of meekness, self-denial, and holiness. His mission was to save the lost; to save us from our sins. He laid down, for a time, the glory he had with the Father, took the form of a servant, became of no reputation, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, that we through his poverty might be made rich; and now, having begun the work of redemption, led captivity captive, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, he still calls to us, as his witnesses, by his word, to walk even as he walked, meek and humble.

If then we would be true disciples of him who was meek and lowly, we must deny ourselves. How many there are who practice little or no real self-denial, and yet presume to take upon themselves the sacred name of Christ. What is self-denial? Not that which it is no sacrifice to give up, which gives us no pain to surrender. What saith our Saviour? If thy right hand or eye offend thee, cast them from thee. Not only must all outward sins be renounced, but whatever is in its nature sinful, or can in the least retard our progress in the Christian race, even if it was as dear to us as a right hand or eye, must be dethroned. "He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me."

This is the self-denial taught by our Saviour, and practiced by his apostles. Nowhere in the holy Word are we told that time, custom, or circumstances, will render that right which he with whom there is neither variableness nor shadow of turning has pronounced sinful. We may try to excuse ourselves, but God's word remains unchanged. The willing and the obedient shall eat the good of the land. What was the Saviour's reply to the rich young man who came to him, and kneeling at his feet, desired to be instructed in the way of eternal life? "One thing thou lackest." He who seeth not as man seeth, knew that his heart was fixed upon his possessions. Our Lord required of him, as he does of us, that every idol be laid upon the altar.

The young man went away grieved and sad, it is true, but hugging his idol closer to his breast. How many there are who profess to be followers of Christ at this day, who are wrapped up in their robes of self-righteousness, are vainly expecting to merit eternal life by the good things which they do, who, nevertheless, if tried to-day, would sell their birth-right for a mess of pottage. The Christian's whole life is one of self-denial and cross-bearing, and he who expects to reach Heaven by any other path, will find his hopes vain.

D. A. EDDY.