The Signs of the Times, vol. 22

October 15, 1896

“Assurance in Trial” The Signs of the Times, 22, 41.

E. J. Waggoner

Assurance in Trial.-The apostle Peter gives us this exhortation: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12, 13). SITI October 15, 1896, page 643.1

It is the thought that when we are tempted we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that enables us to “count it all joy” when we fall into divers temptations. (James 1:2.) “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18.) SITI October 15, 1896, page 643.2

We are to overcome even as Christ himself overcame. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” (1 Peter 4:1.) It becomes us, therefore, to study carefully the account of the great temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. SITI October 15, 1896, page 643.3

In the first place, remember that the great temptation immediately followed the anointing by the Holy Spirit. Let no one therefore think that a wonderful blessing is a pledge of freedom from trial. Rather conclude that God, foreseeing fierce temptations about to assail you, is preparing you to meet them successfully. Satan plies his temptations the most vigorously after one has been greatly helped, because he knows that he may find the soul off his guard. Uzziah “was marvelously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction.” “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” SITI October 15, 1896, page 643.4

The first recorded words of Satan to Jesus were, “If thou be the Son of God.” He would have Jesus doubt his Sonship. There is no way in which Satan causes more people to fall than by leading them to doubt their acceptance with God. And these temptations are the most likely to come, too, just after a great spiritual uplifting. Satan will seek to lead us to doubt our experience, or to think that God has forsaken us. SITI October 15, 1896, page 643.5

At such times it is a most blessed thing to know that we have the same assurance that Christ himself had. What was the evidence to him that he was the Son of God?—It was the word of God that came to him after his baptism, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” That same word comes to us, “now are we the sons of God,” and calling us “beloved.” (1 John 3:2.) “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world.” E. J. W. SITI October 15, 1896, page 643.6