As we learn the way to the cross, we want to continue from where we ended in the last article last month in the January 2017 issue of The Reformation Messenger.

Man’s obedience has always been a matter of choice. When God created man and they were put into Garden of Eden, God gave man a law. Freedom of choice was also given; but, unfortunately man chose the path of disobedience.

Today we are being given the same choice. “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” Isaiah 35:8. There are only two things in this life—either you will be saved or you will be lost forever.

Christ is the refuge for sinners. He has opened for us the way to eternal life—will you choose Him today? Will you make Him your Saviour? “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

“The way that God has provided is so complete, so perfect, that man cannot, by any works that he can do, add to its perfection. It is broad enough to receive the most hardened sinner, if he truly repents, and yet so narrow that in it sin can find no place. This is the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.” –Gospel Workers, p. 160. The path of obedience and the path of disobedience—choose yours.

John the Beloved counselled, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

We continue reading in the Spirit of Prophecy, “This is the remedy for sin. Christ says: ‘Where Satan has set his throne, there shall stand My cross. Satan shall be cast out, and I will be lifted up to draw all men unto Me. I will become the center of the redeemed world. The Lord God shall be exalted.’” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 236

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11–13

“We are living in an age of great light; but much that is called light is opening the way for the wisdom and arts of Satan. Many things will be presented that appear to be true, and yet they need to be carefully considered with much prayer; for they may be specious devices of the enemy. The path of error after appears to lie close to the path of truth. It is hardly distinguishable from the path that leads to holiness and heaven.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 290

IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR SIN

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12

“Ignorance is no excuse for error or sin, when there is every opportunity to know the will of God. A man is traveling and comes to a place where there are several roads and a guideboard indicating where each one leads. If he disregards the guideboard, and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he may be ever so sincere, but will in all probability find himself on the wrong road.” –The Great Controversy, p. 597–598

An old grandmother was invited to attend a wedding ceremony. She dressed herself and prepared for the journey. She packed everything she wanted to offer as a gift. After having traveled a long distance, she became very tired while walking with her heavy luggage and began praying in her heart, “Let a good Samaritan come to help me with my heavy luggage.” Immediately a driver came by, and asked her politely, “Mama, accept my offer for you to sit in my car.” She replied, “I am not ready to sit, go your way.” They bargained and at last she accepted. When the man started driving, the grandmother took her luggage immediately, and started carrying it again, as if she had not been helped. The man saw her doing this so he asked her, “Why are you doing this to me?” She replied, “I am content with my condition of having to carry my luggage. Let me continue walking. I am tired of sitting in your car.”

Brethren, this is what Christ has done for you and me. How many times have you wandered in the same sin, having God send you warnings and reproofs, yet you are always content with your condition? Have you ever counted the cost of your sins that made Jesus shed His blood on Calvary for you? Count the cost now and examine yourself. Christ did not die in order that you and I should continue living in sin, crucifying Jesus Christ a second time.

The cross lifts. “We are to lift the cross, and follow the steps of Christ. Those who lift the cross will find that as they do this, the cross lifts them, giving them fortitude and courage, and pointing them to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” –The Review and Herald, July 13, 1905

LOOK UP AND LIVE WITH JESUS 

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” Numbers 21:8–10

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14–15

“If you are conscious of your sins, do not devote all your powers to mourning over them, but look and live. Jesus is our only Saviour; and although millions who need to be healed will reject His offered mercy, not one who trusts in His merits will be left to perish. While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we must not be discouraged; we must rely upon a crucified and risen Saviour. Poor, sin-sick, discouraged soul, look and live. Jesus has pledged His word; He will save all who come unto Him.” –Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 352

Finally, my brethren, I would like to conclude with Paul’s message in Romans 10:1–3. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Which way are you choosing?

May the Lord help each and every soul who is striving for perfection of character, that we may be found faultless before the throne of God. Grace be with you all. Amen.