"To effect the salvation of men, God employs various agencies. He speaks to them by His word and by His ministers, and He sends by the Holy Spirit messages of warning, reproof, and instruction."
We are those various agencies called to speak the truth in love in a world of sin and darkness. The bible tells us to we should brandish the Word of God, our sword, to reproof, correct, and instruct in right doing (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
"These means are designed to enlighten the understanding of the people, to reveal to them their duty and their sins, and the blessings which they may receive, to awaken in them a sense of spiritual want, that they may go to Christ and find in Him the grace they need." Grace: is defined as unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification. Unmerited Favor.
"But many choose to follow their own way instead of God's way. They are not reconciled to God, neither can be, until self is crucified and Christ lives in the heart by faith." The Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." and Romans 8:7 tells us why many choose their own way, "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
"Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by refusing to cherish His spirit and follow His example, or he enters into a personal union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith, and obedience. We must, each for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen us." Oh yes, remember you did not choose Christ without Him first choosing you. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:16)
"This union with Christ is to be formed by those who are naturally at enmity with Him. It is a relation of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud heart. This is close work, and many who profess to be followers of Christ know nothing of it. They nominally accept the Saviour, but not as the sole ruler of their hearts." The word nominal means existing or being something in name or form only.
Note: The above quotes are from Testimonies Volume 5, p. 46
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