EGW SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1

Chapter 32

24. Victory Sure When Self Is Surrendered—Jacob “had power over the angel, and prevailed.” Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He has fastened his trembling grasp on the promises of God, and the heart of infinite love could not turn away the sinner's plea.... 1BC 1095.6

Let no one despair of gaining the victory. Victory is sure when self is surrendered to God (Manuscript 2, 1903). 1BC 1095.7

26 (Matthew 11:12). Determined Effort and Faith Essential—Jacob was in fear and distress while he sought in his own strength to obtain the victory. He mistook the divine visitor for an enemy, and contended with him while he had any strength left. But when he cast himself upon the mercy of God, he found that instead of being in the hands of an enemy, he was encircled in the arms of infinite love. He saw God face to face, and his sins were pardoned. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” This violence takes in the whole heart. To be double minded is to be unstable. Resolution, self-denial and consecrated effort are required for the work of preparation. The understanding and the conscience may be united; but if the will is not set to work, we shall make a failure. Every faculty and feeling must be engaged. Ardor and earnest prayer must take the place of listlessness and indifference. Only by earnest, determined effort and faith in the merits of Christ can we overcome, and gain the kingdom of heaven. Our time for work is short. Christ is soon to come the second time (The Youth's Instructor, May 24, 1900). 1BC 1095.8