OM 15:13{THIS paper is addressed to any who are exercised as to their state before God, but who have not settled peace, and the abiding consciousness that their sins are forever put away. Beloved reader, if not as yet happy in Christ, be now intreated to rest on His finished work, otherwise you practically deny that His precious blood was shed for you, and thus you dishonor Him.
We seek to point you to a RISEN CHRIST. Why risen? This is most important. Read carefully Rom. 6:3 and 11. Christ was made "sin" for us. (2 Cor. 5:21.) Having thus, as a sin-bearer, been "smitten of God" (Isa. 53:4), and forsaken on the cross (Mark 15:34), He was buried. Sin was thus put away out of God's sight. But having no sin in Him (Heb. 4:15) the grave could not hold Him, and He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father. (Rom. 6:4.) See also 1 Cor. 6:14. He who was thus made "sin" and "a curse" was raised again (having perfectly glorified God) for our justification. (Rom. 4:25.) And by Him all that believe are justified from all things. (Acts 13:39.) The fact of the Lord having been raised again is a proof that God's claims of justice have been met, and thus he can righteously express to us all His love! (Luke 12:50.)
Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. (1 Cor. 1:30.) Thus, it is not what the sinner is, but what Christ is for him, and the believer, being in Christ, is spotless before God. (Col. 2:10.) He is our life. (Col. 3:3, 4.) From this the reader will see that it is of the utmost importance to have right views regarding what is meant by a "risen Savior."
People often look for the witness of the Holy Ghost in them whilst they have not believed the witness of the Holy Ghost to them. (See 1 John 5:9-13, and Heb. 10:15.) Satan would have us occupied with our hearts of unbelief, looking at our failures and feelings, thus depriving us of peace. Instead of being thus occupied with our wretched evil natures, we should be occupied with Him who is our life.
The reader is entreated to look out-not in. Thus are we enabled to live unto Him who died for us and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15.) One look of faith at a risen Savior, and the sinner passes from death unto life. (John 5:24.) Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11:6.) Dear reader, do not doubt
God's love. Has He not proved it? Did He not give His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth should not perish, but have everlasting life? (John 3:16; see also John 3:36.) Oh! why so much doubt and distrust of God's love, grace, and mercy? Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child he shall not enter therein. (Mark 10:15.) Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37.) Again, "And 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." (Rev. 22:17.) Again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28.)
Anxious, troubled one, COME! Now is the day of grace. (2 Cor. 6:1, 2.) To-day, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Heb. 3:7, 8.) “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" (Heb. 2:3.) The night is far spent. (See also Peter 3:9.) "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14.) And yet again, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38.) How frequently the Lord says in the gospel: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear!" “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they SHALL NEVER PERISH." (John 10:27, 28.)
The reader is earnestly requested to read all the texts referred to: those given wholly as well as those given partially. (John 5:40.)