The Review and Herald, January 28, 1904 par. 1-11
Practical Christianity
“I have been impressed with the subject of the influence of the church–what this influence should be. By earnest prayer the members are to obtain power that will make their influence a savor of life unto life. What is needed today is practical Christianity, not merely for a day or a year, but for a lifetime. The man who professes to be a Christian, and yet reveals in his life no practical godliness, is denying Christ. Opposite his name in the books of heaven are written the words, Unfaithful steward.”
“How is the world to be enlightened, save by the lives of Christ’s followers? You profess to believe in Christ, to be a follower of his. Do you do his works? Can the world see plainly that you have been with Jesus, and learned of him? How are unbelievers to know that you belong to Christ if you show no zeal in his service, but instead cherish worldly ambition and follow worldly plans? Christ declares, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
“God can not prepare for the day of trial before us those who are careless and indifferent. With those who are neither cold nor hot he has nothing to do. “I would thou wert cold or hot,” he says. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” The half-hearted Christian exerts an influence more harmful than the influence of the avowed infidel.”
“There are many whose lives are but a pretense of godliness. They are a law unto themselves, and they always will be, unless the grace of Christ subdues their hearts. They lift up their souls unto vanity, and God has no use for them in his service.”
The Will of God Concerning You
“Our sanctification is God’s object in all his dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we might be holy. Christ gave himself for our redemption, that through faith in his power to save from sin, we might be made complete in him. In giving us his Word, he has given us bread from heaven. He declares that if we eat his flesh and drink his blood, we shall receive eternal life.”
“As Christians we have pledged ourselves to fulfil the responsibilities resting on us, and to show to the world that we have a close connection with God. Thus, through the good words and works of his disciples, Christ is to be represented and honored.”
“God expects of us perfect obedience to his law. This law is the echo of his voice, saying to us, Holier, yea, holier still. Desire after the fulness of the grace of Christ, yea, long — hunger and thirst — after righteousness. The promise is, “Ye shall be filled.” Let your heart be filled with a longing for this righteousness, the work of which God’s Word declares to be peace, and its effect quietness and assurance forever.”
“God has plainly stated that he expects us to be perfect, and because he expects this, he has made provision for us to be partakers of the divine nature. Only thus can we gain success in striving for eternal life. The power is given by 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.”
“God’s people are to reflect to the world the bright rays of his glory. But in order for them to do this, they must stand where these rays can fall on them. They must co-operate with God. The heart must be cleansed of all that leads to wrong. The Word of God must be read and studied with an earnest desire to gain from it spiritual power. The bread of heaven must be eaten and assimilated, becoming part of the life. Thus we gain eternal life. Thus is answered the prayer of Christ, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
“This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” Is it your will that your desires and inclinations shall be brought into harmony with the divine mind?
“Christ declares, “By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” The Review and Herald, January 28, 1904 par. 1-11 by Ellen G. White.
Here are some key lessons and insights from the article:
- Influence of the Church: The article underscores the idea that the church’s influence should be a positive force in the world. Members should pray earnestly to obtain the power to make their influence beneficial, bringing life to others.
- Practical Christianity: The call for practical Christianity goes beyond a short-term commitment. It’s about living a Christ-like life throughout one’s lifetime, not just in words but in actions.
- Denying Christ: The article points out that a person who claims to be a Christian but doesn’t demonstrate practical godliness is, in fact, denying Christ through their actions.
- Zeal in Service: It questions how others can recognize believers as followers of Christ if they don’t actively serve and demonstrate their faith through good works.
- Commitment: God desires committed and whole-hearted followers. Lukewarm or half-hearted Christians are seen as more harmful than avowed unbelievers.
- Pretense of Godliness: Some individuals lead lives of pretense when it comes to godliness. Such individuals need the grace of Christ to transform their hearts.
- Sanctification: The article highlights that God’s ultimate goal is the sanctification of His people. We are chosen to be holy, and through faith in Christ, we can be made complete and reflect His righteousness.
- Obedience to God’s Law: Perfect obedience to God’s law is expected, but it’s only achievable through the grace of Christ. The promise is that those who hunger for righteousness will be filled.
- Partakers of the Divine Nature: God provides the power to become His children through Christ. We can strive for eternal life by becoming partakers of the divine nature.
- Reflection of God’s Glory: God’s people are called to reflect His glory to the world. To do so, they must cleanse their hearts, study His Word, and assimilate it into their lives.
- Sanctification as God’s Will: God’s will for us is our sanctification. We should desire to align our desires and inclinations with His divine mind.
- Words and Justification: The article reminds us that our words can either justify or condemn us, underscoring the importance of our speech in reflecting our faith.
These insights stress the importance of living out one’s faith through practical actions, seeking sanctification, and being whole-hearted followers of Christ.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
