What gets a man started? Quite often the enthusiasm, excitement, and the good intentions generated by the challenge of the moment. All look like winners at the beginning of a race. A runner may continue looking good until he comes to the steep hill, and then he begins to pant, the heart pounds, and the limbs ache. When this happens, the participant requires another kind of energy, not apparent at the first. He needs an inward conviction to bolster his sense of purpose. Needed also is motivation to stay with it until the finish line is crossed. Without the last step of crossing the finish line, the first step at the starting line is meaningless.

In human experience, many a good beginning has been nullified because the person concerned could not maintain the pace—he could not finish. Our Lord said, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). He amplified this in the parable of the sower, leading us to understand that the seed sown on rocky ground made a fair showing at the first, but could not withstand the heat of the sun, because “it had not much earth.” Interpreting the parable, the Master said it referred to those who hear the message without hesitation and accept it joyfully. But they have no real roots and do not last. When trouble or persecution arises because of the message, they give up their faith at once. See Mark 4:5, 16.

The apostle Paul, reemphasizing the words of the Saviour, referred to “Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end,” “for we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6, 14). In every case, the Scriptures emphasize the need to endure and continue unto the end.

The Jews could not understand this message, for they had exalted their forms and ceremonies and had lost sight of the object. The traditions, maxims and enactments of men hid from them the lesson which God was seeking to convey. These maxims and traditions became an obstacle to their understanding and practice of true religion. The Pharisees perceived the meaning of Christ’s parable, but to them the lesson was unwelcome. They pretended not to understand it. To the multitude it involved a still greater mystery. Even the disciples had not understood the parable, but their interest was awakened. They came to Jesus privately and asked for an explanation.

This desire Christ had wished to arouse, that He might give them definite instruction. All who came to Christ for a clear knowledge of truth received it. So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude and through sacrifice the truth must be preserved.

The apostle Paul’s sanctification required a constant conflict with self. He said, “I die daily” (1 Corin­thians 15:31). His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he followed the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature. Some people have more to overcome than others, due to heredity and environmental factors. While some are continually harassed, afflicted, and in trouble because of their unhappy traits of character, having to war with internal foes and the corruption of their nature, others have not half so much to battle.

Winning depends not so much on a glamorous beginning as on a determined finish. Because of this ever-present danger, Paul bids us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; . . . lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:1–3). In order to keep continuing the race, we must keep looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The philosophical theories of literary essays, how­ever brilliant, cannot carry us through. The assertions and inventions of men are of no value. Let the fresh truth from God’s treasure house flash into life; “be instant in season, out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

In a race, the winner needs to concentrate both on technique and practice. The more he practices, the better his performance. Mere theories never help in the accomplishment. Likewise, our doctrine may be correct. We may hate false doctrine and may not receive those who are not true to our principles. We may labor with untiring energy—but even this is not sufficient. A belief in theory is not enough. To present this theory of truth to unbelievers, we must have a witnessing experience. A theoretical knowledge of truth is essential, but the knowledge of the greatest truth will not save us. Our knowledge must be practical. The truth must be brought into the heart, sanctifying and cleansing it from all earthiness and sensuality, even in the most private thought of life. The soul temple must be cleansed.

A cold, legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. It is possible to be a formal, partial believer, and yet be found wanting, and lose eternal life. To assent to a certain church creed is not of least value to anyone if the heart is not truly changed. “There are persons in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less.” 1

Wrong techniques or theories could be fatal if practiced. For example, the teaching of “once saved, always saved” is an invention of Satan to deviate God’s people from everyday connection with the living God. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness will appear in the shame of their own nakedness.

The first step to steady progress in Christian life is to accept God’s will as a personal call to repentance. Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. Multi­tudes sorrow that they have sinned and even make an outward reformation because they fear that their wrongdoing will bring suffering upon themselves. But this is not repentance in the Bible sense. “True holiness is wholeness in the service of God. This is the condition of true Christian living. Christ asks for an unreserved consecration, for undivided service. He demands the heart, the mind, the soul, the strength. Self is not to be cherished. He who lives to himself is not a Christian.” 2 It is by the invisible union of the soul with Christ through faith that the spiritual life is nourished.

The apostle says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 5:16). Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.

A willing obedience is the one that God requires. Total submission to the instructions is the secret of success in any battle or race. The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience. “Come now, and let us reason together” is the Creator’s invitation to the beings that He has made (Isaiah 1:18). God does not force the will of His creatures. He cannot accept a homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator. He desires that man, the crowning work of His creative power, shall reach the highest possible development. He sets before us the height of blessing to which He desires to bring us through His grace. He invites us to give ourselves to Him that He may work His will in us. It remains for us to choose whether we will be set free from the bondage of sin, to share the glorious liberty of the sons of God. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

But we must be aware that “the powers of Satan are at work to keep minds diverted from eternal realities. The enemy has arranged matters to suit his own purposes. Worldly business, sports, the fashions of the day—these things occupy the minds of men and women.” 3 We must turn away from thousands of topics that invite attention. There are matters that consume time and arouse inquiry, but end in nothing. The highest interests of the soul demand the close attention and energy that are too often given to comparatively insignificant things. We need to feel our responsibility to give our soul food that will nourish and stimulate spiritual life.

Be on your guard, for Satan as an angel of light is walking in every assembly of Christian workers and in every church, trying to win members to his side. There is nothing that he fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit. No matter how high our position, we need to watch and pray continually. The Spirit of God must daily control us or else Satan will be our guide.

Just as in a race when the runner chooses his track and never changes his course, so we ought to take aim on the right path and never falter. We stand in danger of hindering our relationship with God. We indeed have a hell to shun and a heaven to gain. Every step of life tends towards the destination of life or death. No middle ground or neutrality can be maintained. It is through justification by faith that our positive relationship to God is determined. It is through sanctification in Christ that we develop that experimental relationship by which the disposition of the soul is changed and the life is made holy. Putting it another way, justification is a work accomplished for us, but sanctification is a work accomplished in us. The first excludes works of any kind, the second involves a living union with Christ, which demonstrates itself in obedience and holiness as long as life lasts.

God calls for a spiritual revival and reformation. Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will continue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will refuse to acknowledge them as His children. “A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Refor­mation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend.” 4 God calls upon those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough reformation.

As we near the close of time, the current of evil will rush more decidedly towards perdition. We can be safe only as we firmly hold the hand of Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is our mighty helper. Only those who are wearing the garment of His righteousness will be able to endure the glory of His presence when He shall appear with power and great glory.

Onward, Towards the Goal!

In the Christian race the runner does not run in any direction that he pleases. He runs in the course laid out by God, narrow and straight; but a course that leads to life eternal. For that reason Paul says: “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14–16). The appeal is to hold fast. Do not give up, for He is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory. God calls upon us to reach the standard of perfection and places before us the example of Christ’s character. This is God’s assurance that we, too, may obtain complete victory. We can overcome. Yes, surely, entirely. Cautiously and intelligently we are to be active in developing and encouraging growth in Christ.

As the warrior needs to put on the armor, we need to put on Christ and His righteousness. Then we shall have no relish for sin, for Christ will be working within us. A door has been opened, and no man can close it. You alone can close the door of your heart, so that the Lord cannot reach you. Close beside this door of faith, the enemy of all righteousness has placed another door, a broader and more conspicuous entrance. Through this door many pilgrims bound for the heavenly Canaan have unconsciously entered upon the path which ends in destruction. But Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Entering the right path of faith involves more than mere mental assent to the provisions laid down. It is the archway of living faith that works by love and purifies the soul. In order to pass this portal, there must be compliance with certain requirements:

1. There must be an end to the practice of all known sins and neglect of known duty.

2. Willingness to pay the price.

3. Entire surrender of wrong habits.

4. The will power placed in cooperation with God.

If, on our part, this instruction is followed sincerely and wholeheartedly, God will make the result real in our lives; “therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God” (Romans 5:1). We shall experience the joy of salvation, and day by day we shall know the reality of victory that overcomes the world. Let us not rest until we have fully entered through this experience. The truth is efficient, and through obedience its power changes the mind into the image of Jesus. It is the truth as it is in Jesus that quickens the conscience and transforms the mind. The Holy Spirit accompanies it to the heart.

Are we seeking for His fullness, ever passing towards the mark set before us—the perfection of His character? When the Lord’s people reach this condition they will be sealed in their foreheads, filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and recording angels will declare, ‘It is finished.’ Not one of us will receive the seal of the living God, while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. “The latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord—fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” 5

“Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received ‘the seal of the living God.’ Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above.” 6 The four angels cease to hold the four winds and there will be famine, pestilence, and sword—nation rising against nation, and the whole world will be in confusion. In all this, those who will have received the seal of the living God are protected. When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or for death. Probation will be closed a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven.

“It is impossible to describe the horror and despair of those who have trampled upon God’s holy requirements. The Lord gave them His law; they might have compared their characters with it and learned their defects while there was yet opportunity for repentance and reform; but in order to secure the favor of the world, they set aside its precepts and taught others to transgress. They have endeavored to compel God’s people to profane His Sabbath. Now they are condemned by that law which they have despised. With awful distinctness they see that they are without excuse. They chose whom they would serve and worship. ‘Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not’ (Malachi 3:18).” 7

The living righteous are changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” At the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal and with the risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air, and with songs of gladness ascend together to the City of God. On each side of the cloudy chariot are wings, and beneath it are living wheels; and as the chariot rolls upward, the wheels cry, “Holy,” and the wings, as they move, cry, “Holy,” and the retinue of angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.” And the redeemed shout, “Alleluia!” as the chariot moves onward toward the New Jerusalem.

Before entering the City of God, the Saviour bestows upon His followers the emblems of victory and invests them with the insignia of their royal state. A very great number of angels bring from the city glorious crowns—a crown for every saint with His “new name” written thereon. Upon the heads of the overcomers, Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own (Revelation 2:17), and the inscription, “Holiness to the Lord.” In every hand are placed the victor’s palm and the shining harp. Then Jesus leads the redeemed to the gates of the city. Then, leading to the tree of life He declares, “The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. Eat ye all of it.” 8

Eden restored! The angels who wept at the fall of Adam witness this reunion and they rejoice now as they behold the work of redemption accomplished. “All unite in praising Him who died that human beings might have the life that measures with the life of God. The conflict is over. Tribulation and strife are at an end. Songs of victory fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives again, a triumphant conqueror.” 9

“These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 7:14–17; 21:4).