Professor of Religion, Oakwood College, Alabama

Introduction

Some questions of deep con­cern to the young convert are:

1. How long will my Chris­tian experience last?

2. How can I be sure I will it not slip back into the old paths?

3. How can I hold on to what I have? In seeking the answers to these questions there are two extremes to be avoided.

1. One extreme: "Once converted, a saint can never lose this experience." The Scriptures refute this error. See 1 Corin­thians 9:27; 10:12.

2. Another extreme: "It is impossible to live the overcomer's life." See Philippians 4:13; Jude 24; 1 John 3:9.

God has set a definite goal for the Christian to reach (Heb. 6:1; Matt. 5:48; Eph. 4:12, 13).

What warning has God given concerning the dangers to our Christian experience?

1. The danger of neglect—Heb. 2:1-3.

2. The danger of waning faith—Heb. 4:2, 6; 10:35.

3. The danger of presumption—John 8: 33, 39, 40.

4. The danger of deception—2 Thess. 2: 9-12.

5. The danger of apostasy—Heb. 6:4-6.

How does the plan of salvation provide for the spiritual security of the Christian?

1. The priestly ministry of Christ—Heb. 4:14-16; 7:25; Rom. 8:34.

2. The righteousness of Christ.

a. Imputed—Rom. 3:21-24; 4:11.

b. Imparted—Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27.

3. The ministry of the Holy Spirit—Rom. 8:1, 5, 9-11, 13, 14, 26, 27.

4. The armor of God—Eph. 6:10-18.

5. The faithfulness, forbearance, long-suf­fering, and goodness of God—Heb. 10: 23; Rom. 2:4.

What is the Christian's part in maintaining a successful experience with God?

1. Confess every sin—1 John 1:9; 2:1.

2. Die to self daily—1 Cor. 15:31.

3. Desire the Word—1 Peter 2:2.

4. Love the law of God—Ps. 119:97.

5. Resist the devil—James 4:7.

6. Draw near to God—Heb. 10:22-25; James 4:8.

7. Grow in grace—2 Peter 3:18; Heb. 5: 12-14.

8. Be faithful—Rev. 2:10.

9. Endure to the end—Matt. 24:13.

10. Strive to enter—Luke 13:24.

What further assurance is given that ultimate salvation is possible?

1. Promises to the overcomer—Rev. 3:5.

2. Christ will hold us fast—John 10:28, 29.

3. The just will fall and rise again—Prov. 24:16.

4. God cannot lie—Titus 1:2.

5. God will finish the work—Phil. 1:6.

6. Have faith in God—Heb. 11:6; 2 Tim. 1:12.

 

Professor of Religion, Oakwood College, Alabama

October 1961

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

Pointers for Preachers

Baptismal Qualifications, Lethargy or Liturgy, Graham, Wesley, Moody, and News Notes

Candles in the Night—No. 3

The sixteenth-century Reformation became one of the greatest crises of the Christian church. Decisive issues were at stake, and some of the noblest examples of living the "newly re­vealed" doctrine of righteousness by faith were women associated with the leaders of the move­ment. Woman's candle shone the brighter in the gloom of those Reformation times!

Our Friends the Congregationalists: Discussions on the Contemporary Religions of America—No. 6

In the year 1931 the Con­gregational and the Christian churches discovered that while they had been separated for many years, they were identical in their ideals and principles. A merger of the two bodies was then brought about, with a for­ward look toward soon merging with the Evan­gelical and Reformed Church. We can well un­derstand why the Congregationalists have given strong leadership for the union of churches in both the National and World Council of Churches.

The Minister's Ally

In spite of the fact that the ministry is such a high calling, there are times when the preacher has the experience of pouring his heart out in a great sermon and then finding that he had aroused only a minimum of response in his listeners. Why is this?

The Pastor and the Sabbath School

If the pastor were to de­pend entirely upon his own efforts to win souls, the task at times would seem almost hopeless. However, this is not the case in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Sabbath school is especially con­ducive to winning souls.

Youth Can Win Souls!

Any youth old enough to be baptized is old enough to win souls." This new slogan, adopted by the Mis­sionary Volunteer department of the Southwestern Union, is proving that our youth are able to assume responsibilities of church membership.

The Bible Course and the Soul-winning Campaign

When someone speaks of a unique efficient method for evangelization in a speci­fied area the expression does not seem convincing. The ways and means to reach people with the gospel are manifold, just as varied as are the human personalities it is destined to reach. On the other hand, it can be proved that the combination of several methods is highly productive in a campaign, when the men who lead are willing to work in hu­mility and simplicity.

The Significance of Baptism

One of the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, held in common with other conserva­tive Christian faiths, is that of baptism by immersion. Its institution as a Christian ordinance gave to baptism a far greater significance than it had ever possessed be­fore. This article seeks to consider some of the more significant points of which baptism is a fitting symbol.

Progress at the New Gallery Centre, London, England

During the seven years of its existence our London evangelistic center, with its unique position at the cross-roads of the world, has been instrumental in raising up a large central church of some 500 members. At the same time it has added to the membership of our other London churches.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up
Advertisement - RevivalandReformation 300x250

Recent issues

See All
Advertisement - SermonView - WideSkyscraper (160x600)