The Peril of Neglect

[Daily Devotional]

The Peril of Neglect 

     Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and
election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Peter 1:10.


     The world's Redeemer has said, "Search the scriptures" (John 5:39). In
them is laid open the bounteous provisions for human necessities, and the
strongest motives are set forth to influence to repentance and obedience.
Here the seeker for truth may read, contemplate, and be stirred to the very
depths of his being by that which a good and gracious God has done and is
continually doing for him. He will be amazed that he should ever have
treated with indifference the marvelous love and pardon proffered, for in
redeeming man, God gave the greatest gift that He could offer. And if the
objects of so great a love neglect salvation, there is nothing that Heaven
can do more in their behalf. . . .  

     You need to study, to contemplate these great themes, lest you cherish
indifference and become too hardened to yield to the conditions of the
wonderful plan of salvation, and too proud to be humbled by a realization of
your own fallen condition. . . .  

     The Lord enjoins upon children and youth to search for truth as for
hidden treasure, and to be attracted and fascinated by that which unites the
human with the divine. . . . Well may the apostle ask, "How shall we escape,
if we neglect so great salvation?" (Heb. 2:3). . . .  

     The power of an angel could not make an atonement for our sins. The
angelic nature united to the human could not be as costly, as elevated, as
the law of God. It was the Son of God alone who could present an acceptable
sacrifice. God Himself became man and bore all the wrath that sin had
provoked. This problem--How could God be just and yet the justifier of
sinners?--baffled all finite intelligence. A divine person alone could
mediate between God and man. Human redemption is a theme which may well tax
the faculties of the mind to the utmost. . . .  

     We cannot say to the youth or those of mature age, You have nothing to
do yourself in this great work. We urge to constant effort. You must be
diligent to make your calling and election sure.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 204