September 20, 1900

A Sin-pardoning Saviour

Part 2.

EGW

Christ's lessons reveal a high and holy purpose; but this purpose the blinded, bigoted Pharisees could not discern. Neither could they turn him from his appointed work. He announced in Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”YI September 20, 1900, par. 1

In spite of the opposition of the Jewish leaders, Christ went about doing good, healing the sick, and comforting the afflicted. He raised the ruler's daughter to life; “and the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.”YI September 20, 1900, par. 2

“As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marveled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.”YI September 20, 1900, par. 3

The scribes and Pharisees had asked Christ to show them a sign. Christ had refused, saying that no sign should be given them. He wrought miracles that sent conviction to the hearts of the unprejudiced. As the people beheld these miracles, they expressed their wonder and amazement at the great power of God. The scribes and Pharisees saw that the people were convicted, and with lowering countenances they came to Christ and said: “Show us a sign; work a miracle for us.” They did not make this request because they wished for evidence. They had rejected the greatest evidence that God could give, saying of Christ, “He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.” This was the sin against the Holy Ghost, which hath forgiveness neither in this world nor in the world which is to come.YI September 20, 1900, par. 4

Today Christ is inviting us, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.” He waits to raise to newness of life those who are dead in trespasses and sins. But he uses no compulsion. He employs no external force. We are left free to act as we choose. If we turn from disloyalty, and place ourselves under the banner of Christ, it is because that of our own free will we choose to do this.YI September 20, 1900, par. 5

The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself. In its great need the soul cries out for a power out of and above itself; and through the operation of the Holy Spirit the nobler powers of the mind are imbued with strength to break away from the bondage of sin.YI September 20, 1900, par. 6

When man surrenders to Christ, the mind is brought under the control of the law, but it is the royal law, which proclaims liberty to every captive. Only by becoming one with Christ can men be made free. Subjection to the will of Christ means restoration to perfect manhood. Sin can triumph only by enfeebling the mind and destroying the liberty of the soul.YI September 20, 1900, par. 7

Do you realize your sinfulness? Do you despise sin? Then remember that the righteousness of Christ is yours if you will grasp it. Can you not see what a strong foundation is placed beneath your feet when you accept Christ? God has accepted the offering of his Son as a complete atonement for the sins of the world.YI September 20, 1900, par. 8

Mrs. E. G. White