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Free Indeed

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 11, 1864

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 24, No. 20.

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Free Indeed

By H. S. Gurney

From Bro. Gurney.

Bro. White: It is the love I feel for present truth, and a consciousness of being united with God's people in the interest and hopes of a better life, that inspires my pen to write. We should know that our Redeemer liveth, and that because "he" lives we shall live also. To guess our way through life to Heaven is very unsafe, because the hour is coming when amendment will be impossible?
When I hear persons talking about religion, and telling how far they are from Jesus, and how unworthy to come any nearer to him, and seem forever talking between sin and holiness, I think they are like those who come to the pool but never plunge into it. Such do not live by faith on the Son of God, and thus have a living experience. They deprive themselves of that spiritual enjoyment in which it is our privilege to share largely. Whatever we may enjoy through the merits of Jesus' blood, the provision is full and free. If Christ sets us FREE then are we "FREE INDEED." Now if we have fulfilled the condition of such freedom, then why dishonor the giver in forever dwelling upon that part of our life for which we claim forgiveness.
To my mind there is a power in truth which may be illustrated by a musical instrument. The instrument is the thing itself, the vibration of the instrument is the power of it. So with the truth of God; it vibrates upon our hearts and causes us to leap for joy in contemplation of things revealed.
"The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works."
If Christ redeems us from all iniquity, it is because we have fulfilled the conditions. The conditions being understood and complied with, we should no longer doubt the favor of God, lest we dishonor God by unbelief and a cloud overshadow us.
In view of the goodness of God which leadeth us to repentance, and our obligations to him, and the love of God in Christ Jesus, let us gird on the whole armor of light, and rejoice evermore with a thankful heart.
We are running for the greatest prize, the greatest honor, the most durable riches and pleasures, ever set before any in this world. Then surely we can lift up our heads and LOOK UP; for the Lord will soon come and reward his servants with all things connected with eternal life.
H. S. GURNEY.
Jackson, Mich., Oct. 1864.