I have been mildly interested for several years in what has come to be spoken of as " the victorious life." But it seemed to me ideal rather than practical, and I had little hope that I could ever attain to it. Indeed, it seemed to me an experience that could be entered into only by a select few, if indeed by any. However, I could not help thinking about Galatians 2 : 20, but without realizing fully what it involved, for that verse certainly describes Christian experience, a life into which the humblest follower of the Saviour not only may enter, but one into which every one must enter who would secure eternal life. But it was not my experience. I could speak of it only as something greatly to be desired, not something actually in possession.
Then I began to study, not only the invitations of the gospel, but the exhortations of the Bible and the " Testimonies," with the result that I became seriously alarmed, realizing that I could not continue as I was and yet be prepared for the judgment, and to meet the Lord at His coming. I saw all righteousness as filthy rags, all tainted with self-seeking and self-justification.
But now, thank God, I can bear a different testimony. " Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3 :12-14, A. R, V.
And God is revealing unto me, by His word and Spirit, much that I never saw before of the power of the gosgel to actually. save from sinning. It is a new life, a new experience, an experience which before seemed so far beyond my reach. I praise God for victory in Christ to-day, and that by faith I can trust Him for tomorrow. ' The Christian life is a moment-by-moment experience. Jesus gives grace only to meet our present need. We draw life for achievement from Him just as for fruit bearing, the branch draws sap from the vine constantly, as it is needed and can be utilized.
I praise God for His transforming, keeping power. I a m nothing, and can of mine own self do nothing, but His divine power is pledged to work mighty transformations in every soul that is surrendered to Him, who "is become my salvation."
C.P. Bollman
