Personal Saviour, December 22

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.—Galatians 3:27JNN 374.1

In ancient times, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses with his meekness and wisdom, and Joshua with his varied capabilities, were all enlisted in God’s service. The music of Miriam, the courage and piety of Deborah, the filial affection of Ruth, the obedience and faithfulness of Samuel, the stern fidelity of Elijah, the softening, subduing influence of Elisha—all were needed. So now all upon whom God’s blessing has been bestowed are to respond by actual service; every gift is to be employed for the advancement of His kingdom and the glory of His name.JNN 374.2

All who receive Christ as a personal Saviour are to demonstrate the truth of the gospel and its saving power upon the life. God makes no requirement without making provision for its fulfillment. Through the grace of Christ we may accomplish everything that God requires. All the riches of heaven are to be revealed through God’s people. “Herein is My Father glorified,” Christ says, “that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples” (John 15:8).JNN 374.3

God claims the whole earth as His vineyard. Though now in the hands of the usurper, it belongs to God. By redemption no less than by creation it is His. For the world Christ’s sacrifice was made. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). It is through that one gift that every other is imparted to men. Daily the whole world receives blessing from God. Every drop of rain, every ray of light shed on our unthankful race, every leaf and flower and fruit, testifies to God’s long forbearance and His great love.JNN 374.4

And what returns are made to the great Giver? How are human beings treating the claims of God? To whom are the masses of humanity giving the service of their lives? They are serving mammon. Wealth, position, pleasure in the world, is their aim. Wealth is gained by robbery, not of people only, but of God. Men and women are using His gifts to gratify their selfishness. Everything they can grasp is made to minister to their greed and their love of selfish pleasure.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 301, 302.JNN 374.5

Further Reflection: How do I avoid worshiping at the twin altars of consumerism and materialism?JNN 374.6