The Signs of the Times
August 19, 1903
Power for Service
The commission that Christ gave to His disciples just before His ascension is given also to us. To every believer are spoken the words, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” The Lord has given His church a special work of personal service. He could have given to angels alone the work of soul-saving, but He did not do this. Humanity must touch humanity. ST August 19, 1903, par. 1
It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the Gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of souls. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves the sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ. ST August 19, 1903, par. 2
“The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” He who is truly converted is filled with a desire to save sinners. He goes forth proclaiming, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” His whole soul reaches out after others in a desire that they may enjoy the peace that he has found. The light that has entered heart and mind can not be shut in. It must shine forth. ST August 19, 1903, par. 3
To us, as to the disciples, Christ says, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The power promised to them is promised to us also. Christ assures us that if we go forth in His strength, we shall do the deeds of Omnipotence. But have we placed ourselves where God can give us the power that He gave the disciples,—power which enabled them to preach the Gospel so mightily that thousands were converted in a day? How can we expect the approval of Heaven while we leave our fellow-beings unwarned? ST August 19, 1903, par. 4
The privileges that God has given us, the advantages that He has bestowed, the promises that He has made, should inspire us, with far greater zeal and devotion. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Christ came to this world to live and die for sinners. He bids His disciples put forth untiring effort for those who know not the joy of communion with Him. He stands ready to give them power for the fulfilment of the commission. ST August 19, 1903, par. 5
The veil has been rent from top to bottom. A new and living way has been opened. And now, all who will may reach forth their hands unto God, and take hold of His strength, and they shall make peace with Him. The heathen world is no longer to be wrapped in darkness. The gloom of superstition is to disappear before the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The powers of hell have been overcome. The truth of the words has been proven, “I am sought of them that asked not for Me; I am found of them that sought Me not; I said, Behold Me, behold Me, unto a nation that was not called by My name.” ST August 19, 1903, par. 6
Go, teach and preach Christ. Instruct and educate all who know not of His grace, His goodness, and His mercy. Teach the people. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” ST August 19, 1903, par. 7
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! ... Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” ST August 19, 1903, par. 8