“It is a question of vital interest to ask ourselves, “Is it well with my soul?”
Christ has paid an infinite price for our redemption. The Lord of glory laid aside His royal robes, and became a man among men. For “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”
What a wondrous plan is the plan of Salvation (deliverance, rescue, freedom, healing and restoration). Christ clothed His Divinity with humanity, suffered in the flesh, died a most cruel death (Romans 6:10), that He might reach to the very depths of human woe and misery, and lift men up to a seat upon His throne. Will you be lifted up? Will you be cleansed from the leprosy of sin?
Will you, as you partake of the heavenly benefit (Hebrews 6:4), give glory to God for the wondrous work He has wrought in you? John exclaims, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not . . . for this is Life Eternal, that they might know Thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent . . . ! John 17:3
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him (character as well as body); for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” Mark these words, brethren; it does not say one in one hundred, or one in ten, but every man that hath this hope, purifieth himself.
Is there any reason why defilement should be cherished in your heart? If there is not, why are you not cleansed? Nothing that is vile can dwell in the presence of a holy God. Christ gave Himself in exchange for us that He might “redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14
We should be like the leper who was cleansed, who returned to give glory to God (Luke 17:12-19, 5:12-16 & John 15:3). There is no reason why our lips should not be trained to the high praises of God. When we hear the words of a cheering discourse, or the earnest exhortation of a brother or sister, why should not a wave of glory and a chorus of “Amens” go up to God from the congregation of His people? Would it not be thus if the fire of God’s love were kindled in our hearts? I know it would be so.
Coldness, formality, want (lack) of faith and love and intense earnestness and devotion, has killed the spirit of warmth and true religion out of our services. We need everything,–the gold of love, the white raiment, which is the righteousness of Christ, the eye-slave,–that we may discern the goodness and love of God. When God works for His people, how few return to give Him glory?
We want a religion that has some consolation in it, that has joy and peace and love in it to recommend it to others. Our religion should be of that heavenly character that will impress the world with the fact that we have been with Jesus and have learned of Him !”
– Signs of the Times, May 6, 1889