1904

January 1, 1904

“Together with God”

EGW 

Christ is the light of the world. Those who follow Him do not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John declares of Christ, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” Behold Christ. Beholding Him brings mind and heart and character into conformity to the will of God. Thus man is enabled to follow Christ's example. He sees that his faults must be overcome, and that his appetites and passions must be subject to God's will, that he must be a partaker of the divine nature, having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. The convicted sinner, having repented for his transgression of God's law, strives earnestly to overcome sin. He seeks to reveal the power of Christ's grace, and he is brought into personal touch with the Saviour. Constantly he keeps Christ before him. Denying self, and lifting the cross, he follows the Redeemer from grade to grade of perfection. Praying, believing, receiving the blessings he needs, he comes nearer and nearer to God's standard for him. BTS January 1, 1904, par. 1

Christ is our example, our inspiration, our exceeding great reward. “Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” God is the Master-Builder, but man has a part to act. He is to cooperate with God. “We are laborers together with God.” Never forget the words, “together with God.” “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” The miracle-working power of Christ's grace is revealed in the creation in man of a new heart, a higher life, a holy enthusiasm. God says, “A new heart also will I give unto you.” Is not this renewal of man the greatest miracle that can be performed? What can not the human agent do who by faith takes hold of divine power? He loves the Lord Jesus with his whole heart, and Christ becomes his wisdom, his righteousness, his sanctification, and his redemption. BTS January 1, 1904, par. 2

Remember that working with Christ as your personal Saviour is your strength and your victory. This is the part all are to act. To those who do this comes the assurance, “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.” Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He declares, “Without me ye can do nothing.” And the repenting, soul responds, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” BTS January 1, 1904, par. 3

Christ is the sympathetic, compassionate Redeemer. In His sustaining power men and women become strong to resist evil. As the convicted sinner looks at sin, it becomes to him exceeding sinful. He wonders that he did not come to Christ before. New virtues are revealed in his character as he denies self and lifts the cross, following where Christ leads the way. BTS January 1, 1904, par. 4

Christ has given His commission, “Go ye into all the world.” All must hear the message of warning. A prize of richest value is held up before those who are running the Christian race. Those who run with patience will receive a crown that fadeth not away. BTS January 1, 1904, par. 5