I. INTRODUCTION: As new light is brought to the Bible student's attention, a new responsibility will be recognized. Important choices will need to be made, and it is well for us to understand the great underlying principles for decision as taught by the Word of God. The reader is facing these decisions in the Sabbath truth and in other doctrines that have been studied during the previous few months. It will be helpful to apply God's Word in making personal tests and as a guide in making the right decision. (Continue by building up the following points.)
II. Two WAYS TO CHOOSE.
1. Only two ways we can choose in this life. Matt. 7:13, 14.
a. Wide is gate, broad is way to destruction. Many go in thereat.
b. Straight is gate, narrow is way to life. Few find it.
2. Life and death set before us. Choose life! Deut. 30:15, 16.
3. The way to life.
a. Jesus says, "I am the way." John 14:6.
b. He also says, "I am the door." John 10:7.
c. "He that entereth not by the door ... is a thief and a robber." Verse 1.
d. Requirements for entering into kingdom of heaven.
(1) Follow in Christ's steps. 1 Peter 2:21.
(2) Walk as He walked. 1 John 2:6.
(3) Do will of Father. Matt. 7:21.
(4) Keep commandments. Matt. 19:17; 1 John 5:1-4.
4. The way to death.
a. Soul that sinneth shall die. Eze. 18:4, 20.
b. Wages of sin death. (Eternal death.)Rom. 6:23.
c. Sin, transgression of God's law. 1 John3:4.
d. Admonition.
(1) Cast away all your transgressions. Why will ye die? Turn and live. Eze. 18:31, 32; 33:11.
(2) Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt. 10:28.
III. EXAMPLES.
1. Abraham chose way of life.
a. Called out. Gen. 12:1.
b. Obeyed. Verse 4; Heb. 11:8.
c. Stepped out by faith. Verse 9.
d. Kept God's requirements. Gen. 26:5.
e. Kept ultimate goal in view. Heb. 11:10, 16.
f. God blessed and increased him. Isa. 51:2.
2. Moses also chose way of life.
a. Refused a throne. Heb. 11:24.
b. Chose to obey God rather than enjoy things of world for short time. Verse 25.
c. Esteemed Christ's approval of greater value than anything this world could offer. Verse 26.
d. Looked to reward of overcomer. Verse 26.
e. Feared not face of man or what people might think. Verse 27.
3. Choice of rich young ruler.
a. Desired life eternal. Matt. 19:16.
b. "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments," said Jesus. Verse 17.
c. Jesus quoted only commandments having to do with duty to one's fellow men. Verses 18, 19.
d. Young man felt he had done all this. Verse20.
e. Jesus pointed to his heart's idol that which was standing between him and his duty to God. Verse 21.
f. Did he choose life? Verse 22.
IV. APPEAL.
1. We dare not do less than what others have had to do in order to obey God. Heb. 5:8, 9.
2. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isa. 1:19.
3. Life everlasting granted to those who obey. Rev. 22:14.
4. Suggestive wording for closing appeal: "You recognize your responsibility to walk in the light revealed in the Bible. I am happy to have you make this frank statement, Mrs. Smith. I can well appreciate that this has been a struggle to you of late, but there will be sweet peace in your heart when once you decide to follow in the footsteps of Jesus to keep all God's commandments as He has revealed them to you. Remember that there is no crown without a cross, but as you take up His cross He helps to lift it from your shoulders. Shall we in prayer bring this great problem to Jesus, while you willingly yield yourself to obey His Sabbath truth and other Bible truths He is revealing to you? Surely your recording angel will be happy to bring your noble decision to God's throne and there will be great rejoicing on the part of the angelic hosts because you have decided to let nothing stand in the way of your following your Saviour in the path of truth."
(Close with prayer.)
