God is testing his people. He will see whether their spiritual life is weak and languishing, or vigorous and abounding. All who bear the proving will be counted worthy to be members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.
But “let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Many are blinded to their true condition. They believe that they are in favour with God, that they are rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing. But when the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened, and every man shall receive according as his works have been, will they venture to plead that they have done many good works, that should balance the past in the golden scales of the sanctuary?–No; for they are spiritually wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. The True Witness says to such, “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.”
Let us heed the message of the True Witness, given to us in warning. If we have sinned, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” He, our substitute and surety, stands before the mercy-seat, pleading our cause in the courts of God. And in sympathy with their loved Commander, all the heavenly intelligences have an intense interest in all that concerns us. Will it not work us good to comprehend this fact, that the angels are commissioned to minister to all who shall be heirs of salvation, who are lawfully striving to win the crown of life?
Why are the chosen of God, his elect people, so silent upon the wondrous theme of redeeming love? Why is man’s gratitude so little toward Him who has given his life to save the lost race from eternal ruin? Heaven views the plan of salvation with amazement, and cherubim and seraphim continually cry, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Why should not man arouse, and manifest enthusiasm concerning the wonderful condescension of God to a fallen race? O, may our sluggish energies be quickened, that we may reveal to a perishing world the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love.
– The Bible Echo, February 26, 1894