THE OBJECT OF SALVATION

The Object of Salvation

The human family have all transgressed the law of Yahuwah, and that which is of greatest importance to us is to know what we can do to be saved, and to act upon this knowledge. Paul said that he had ceased not to warn every man from house to house, "testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward Yahuwah, and faith toward our Master Yahushua" (Acts 20:21)--repentance toward Yahuwah because we have transgressed his law; and then by claiming the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, we plant our feet in the path that leads to heaven. Yahushua, the world's Redeemer, has given every possible evidence of his love to man. He laid aside his glory in the heavenly courts above, clothed his divinity with humanity, and for our sake he became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be made rich. He came to the earth that was all seared and marred with sin, "and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). He submitted to insult and mockery that he might leave an example for man to follow. When we are inclined to magnify our trials and think we are having a hard time, we should look away from self to Yahushua, who is the author and finisher of our faith, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of Yahuwah" (Hebrews 12:2). All this he endured that he might bring many sons and daughters to Yahuwah, to present them before the universe as trophies of his victory. What are we willing to suffer for him?

Yahushua said of his disciples. "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). Those who profess his name are to come into close relationship with Yahushua, and the light that shines upon them from him, is to be reflected upon the world, to the glory of Yahuwah. When those who embrace the truth have no love for their fellow-men, we know that the love of Yahushua is not in their hearts. Do they really believe that souls are in danger of being lost? Do they make earnest efforts to save them? Our indifference to the salvation of souls is in marked contrast to what took place in Healdsburg, one summer. A little lad who was playing upon the banks of the Russian River, fell into the water, and was drowned. It was a week before his body was found. During that time hundreds of people gathered every day on the banks of the river, and every effort was made to find the body. The people sent for a skillful diver, and spared neither labor nor money to find the body, and no one thought they were taking too much trouble. People would stand beside the river all day. They knew the child was dead, his life could not be restored; but they wanted to see the lifeless body given back to the parents. Why cannot men be as interested in seeking and in saving perishing souls for whom Yahushua died? We have come to a time when religious enthusiasm is almost unheard of; forms and ceremonies are abundant, but the service of the living Yahuwah is not made of the highest importance. O that an interest might be awakened for the salvation of souls, for Yahushua has given his life a sacrifice, and should not we show a lively interest in those who sit in darkness?

We cannot afford to lose our own souls, and we are not to be indifferent in regard to the souls of our fellow-men. We should desire to secure life eternal in the kingdom of glory, and we should long that others should be there, to have Yahushua as their friend and Redeemer. Some act as if there were no heaven of eternal bliss to gain, and no hell to shun. We have decided that we must have eternal life at any cost. We cannot afford to sin. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of Yahuwah is eternal life through Yahushua our Master. We have made up our minds that we must have Yahushua as our friend and Redeemer; and in order to do so, we must keep his commandments, as he has kept his Father's commandments.

The example of Adam and Eve is before us. It was a very slight test that was given to our first parents, but they transgressed the commandment of Yahuwah, and what was the result?--The floodgates of woe were opened upon our world. With this example of disobedience and its results before us, we should fear to transgress the law of Yahuwah. We should keep his commandments and live, keep them as the apple of our eye; for Yahushua loves us with a love that is infinite. In the service of Yahuwah, in seeking to save those for whom Yahushua has died, we shall meet with those whose hard hearts are barred against the light; but shall we become discouraged because of this? Did not Yahushua have to endure the revilings of unbelievers? Shall we complain if we are called upon to suffer reproach? If one soul is saved through our influence, we shall be amply repaid for all the efforts we can put forth. When the warfare is over, if souls through our instrumentality are in the kingdom of heaven, we shall hear the heavenly benediction, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Master"(Matthew 25:23). How essential it is that each one of us should make the best possible use of the talents Yahuwah has given, and serve Yahuwah with undivided heart. For "they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).

By: Ellen White
Review and Herald
September 13, 1892