The word “relationship” is often carried around in today’s conversations. It is used in the areas of courtship, marriage, friendship, and religion, to mention a few. When used in the area of religion it implies a saving connection with God. The classic example is the three travelers who saw the unfortunate man who had been robbed and beaten on the road to Jericho. We all know the story. Three people saw the wounded man. The first was a priest who passed by on the other side. The second was a Levite who also passed by on the other side. The third was a Samaritan. (See Luke 10:30-37.) All three men sustained a relationship to the wounded traveler. But it was only the good Samaritan’s friendship type of relationship that saved him from certain death.

So, the word “relationship” is not adequate to describe a person’s saving connection with God. Salvation results only in a true friendship or soul-fellowship with God.

Fellowship is more than physical togetherness. It does not necessarily manifest similar interests or experiences. In the parable of the prodigal son, the elder son obeyed his father, and never transgressed his commands at any time. Yet he lacked his father’s interest and deep concern for his younger brother. In reality, the older brother had nothing in common with his father. They enjoyed no fellowship, even though they lived under the same roof. Fellowship consists of oneness of mind, not in mere physical togetherness.

Another example of relationship and soul fellowship is Simon of Bethany and Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. To Simon, Jesus was an admired friend whose companionship was enjoyed. He was also healed by Jesus. On the other hand, to Mary, Jesus was more than a friend. To her He was the Messiah foretold by the prophets, who came to deliver her and others like her from the bondage of sin. In Jesus she found a personal Saviour. To her He was the way, the truth, and life on whom her love, devotion, and affections centered. Her anointing of Jesus was an expression of her total love and commitment to Jesus and His heavenly Father. In the book, The Desire of Ages, p. 560, we are told that “the science of salvation cannot be explained, but it can be known by experience.”

Relationship-fellowship with God is based on faith, on complete confidence and trust in Him. Such trust leads to wholehearted commitment. We may experience sweet, peace-imparting fellowship with Jesus. Such fellowship will transform us. Under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit we will not be merely conformed to God’s way, but we will begin to love and enjoy God’s way as expressed in His law, for we shall be transformed by divine love. The experience of righteousness by faith will be ours. Christ “will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impules. The will, refined, and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service” (Ibid., p. 668).

My prayer is that this will be our experience, my dear young friends.—Brian Jaksic.