General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6

TRANSFORMING FAITH

C. H. EDWARDS

SYNOPSIS OF SERMON BY C. H. EDWARDS Sunday, May 16, 3 P. M.

In the fifth chapter of Genesis we have a brief history of the life of Enoch, given in but fifty-three words, and yet they contain the life record of a man who walked with his Maker. Brief though the record may be, yet it is full enough to enable us to know the secret of this wonderful life. In Jude 14 we have a statement which shows that Enoch, looking into the future, prophesied of the return of Christ to this world. He was, then, a believer in the second coming of Christ. He looked forward into the future and saw the time when the graves would be opened and the saints of God would come forth clad with immortality. He also saw a little company of people who would say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him; this is our God, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” He looked down to the time when the angels would gather the elect from all parts of the earth. And looking and meditating thus, his faith then took hold of the thought that he might be translated without seeing death. He had this hope as a living reality in his soul, and he saw before him the face of Jesus, and desired to be like him. That hope purified his soul, and he stands to-day by the throne of God—a pledge of what the advent truth will do for every man who will truly believe it. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.3

This record was given as a picture of what the true advent message is. When this hope is fully planted in our hearts, our lives will be transformed and completely yielded to God. There must be, brethren, a depth of experience in connection with this message which we have not yet realized. We are living to-day under peculiar circumstances, when signs of Christ’s coming are all about us, when we are told in Holy Writ that our redemption draweth nigh. The coming of Christ is even at the door. To-day we face the second coming of Jesus and the translation of his people. Soon we must look into the face of Jesus and enter that silver cloud without passing the portals of the tomb. This means that every soul who believes this truth must be transformed by it. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.4

The key-note has been struck here at this Conference. The needs presented by our brethren from great needy fields abroad could be relieved by many of our people individually, and they would not feel the loss, but instead would experience a great blessing. These appeals from needy millions should thrill and stir our hearts to earnest action in this work, leading to transformation of soul, the extending of this gospel truth to those in darkness, and the closing of this work, which would bring the return of Christ to this World. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.5

“God is not slack concerning his promise as men count slackness.” That which would take man a thousand years to accomplish, God can do in a day. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.6

There is no question concerning the triumph of the third angel’s message. The only question remaining unanswered is, What attitude shall we sustain toward the closing work of this message? As we advance into the opening fields in all parts of the earth, we shall be called upon to yield ourselves and our all unreservedly to God, to be used as he may direct for the furtherance of his work. Success in God’s cause depends not on organization, which has its proper place; not on the giving of gold and silver, which is very necessary; but on the consecration of those who are connected with his cause. And the work will never be finished until God’s servants are imbued with the fulness of his power. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.7

For years we have been encouraged with the thought that the Holy Spirit is hovering over us, awaiting our demand and reception. In all our planning, let us never lose sight of the source of our strength and the secret of our success—the reception of the Holy Spirit in the individual heart, with all the blessings that this gift brings in its train. O, let us all, during this Conference, reconsecrate ourselves so fully to the Lord that he can be glorified in imparting unto us of the fulness of his grace. Then shall we see many going forth to unite with their brethren in an effort to complete quickly the work still remaining unfinished. God grant that this may be so, is my prayer. Amen. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.8

ERRATA GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.9

Page 36, third column, the statement by J. T. Boettcher, that Elders Conradi and Perk were imprisoned two years should read forty days. GCB May 18, 1909, page 58.10